Soil Testing Services

A soil test will tell you what nutrients are in your soil and what you may need to add (in the form of fertilizer) for successful crop growth. Plants need nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (macronutrients) as will as micronutrients to grow. Deficiency or excess of these elements will impact the health and productivity of plants. In addition, the pH (acid/alkaline level) of your soil has an impact upon how much of your soil's nutrients your plants will be able to use. CCE-Livingston can provide or arrange several different tests for your soil. Our educator can help you interpret the results and choose an appropriate course of action if necessary.

pH Testing

A pH test measures the acid/alkaline level of your soil. In the pH scale, 7.0 is considered neutral; lower numbers indicate acid soil, while higher numbers indicate that the soil is alkaline. Most plants prefer a pH of 6.8. pH levels influence nutrient availability, with most nutrients being available to plants when the pH is in this range (6.8-7.0). If a soil is too alkaline or too acid, certain nutrients may be limited. To change soil pH to the desirable range, you will either add lime if the soil is too acid or sulfur if the soil is too alkaline. With your pH test result, we will let you know what amount of lime or sulfur is needed if any.

The CCE-Livingston Horticulture Program will perform a pH test on soil samples that are brought to our office at no charge. Please see instructions on "How to take a soil sample" or contact the office with questions.

Nutrient Analysis

Soil samples for nutrient analysis may be brought to the CCE-Livingston office, along with the appropriate fee, and we will send them to the Dairy-One Soils Laboratory located at 730 Warren Road for testing. Copies of the test results are returned to the individual and to CCE-Livingston about one week later. You can contact us for help interpreting the results.

Standard soil nutrient test $25/sample

This test provides recommendations for establishment and maintenance of home lawns and gardens, commercial turf, commercial vegetables, commercial fruit, and field crops (pasture, hay, annual crops). Measures pH (in water), phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and micro nutrients including organic matter. 

Additional tests (available through Dairy-One)

• Soluble Salts
• No-till pH
• Nitrate
• Boron

CCE Livingston County Soil Testing Form

Last updated June 10, 2024