Nez Perce County
Master Gardener Coordinator |
||
 Mary Busch, Horticulture Associate |
||
| Address: | 1239 Idaho Street Lewiston, ID 83501 |
|
| Phone: | (208) 799-3096 | |
| Fax: | (208) 799-3054 | |
| E-mail: | mbusch@uidaho.edu |
|
| Hours: | 8 am to 5 pm M - F Closed holidays |
|
 Find us on Facebook! |
||
Soil Sampling
How to take a soil sample
Some additional reading
- Take at least six randomly spaced samples.
- Example sampling pattern:
- Example sampling pattern:
- Sample to a depth of 8-12 inches.
- A clean shovel or soil probe may be used to acquire the samples. Tools should be stainless steel or aluminum alloy. No iron.
- Place samples in a clean plastic bucket. Never use a bucket that has been used to store or transport fertilizer materials.
- Mix the samples thoroughly and bring a composite sample of one pint (2 cups) soil to the Extension office. Include a soil sample submission form with the sample. In the "Submitter ID" field, name the sample what you are planning to plant, i.e., vegetable garden, small fruits, lawn, flower bed, etc.
- If the sample must be kept overnight before bringing it in, place the sample in the refrigerator.
- The standard test for pH, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and organic matter is $35 plus postage. Please make a check payable to Bursar, University of Idaho to enclose with the sample. We will help you package it for mailing and have you take it to the post office to mail.
- Plan on 5 to 15 days to receive the results back from the laboratory. After receiving the results, contact the Extension office for help in interpretation.
Some additional reading