Soil Testing

WHY SOIL TEST? Ranked as the #1 Best Management Practice by the University of Florida IFAS, performing a soil test on your lawn or garden to determine if it needs amending can save you time and money, while protecting the environment. Extension offers two types of soil testing for homeowners.

In-House pH Soil Testing

The Master Gardener Plant Clinic offers FREE pH soil testing for Marion County residences. This basic soil test measures the average pH levels of soil.

To have your soil tested, please follow these steps:

• 1. Collect several soil samples from different locations throughout the area to be tested:
• • a. At each testing location, pull back mulch, grass, and ground cover to expose bare soil.
    
    
  • b. Using a hand trowel or small shovel, dig a hole about 6 inches deep.
    
    
  • c. Collect about half a cup of soil from the bottom of the hole.
    
    
• 3. Using a clean container, mix the soil collected from each of the holes.
  
  
• 4. Scoop out about a cup of the mixture, remove any debris like gravel or twigs.
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  5. If soil is wet, dry it out by setting it out in the sun or in a warm oven. Wet soil will produce inaccurate pH readings.
  
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  6. Place dry soil in a paper bag. Do not use plastic bags or glass containers!
  
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  7. Bring sample to the Master Gardener Plant Clinic
  

UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing for pH and Other Nutrients

For a nominal fee, the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory in Gainesville can test your soil and provide a detailed soil analysis of the pH, lime requirements and other important nutrients.

To have your soil tested, please follow these steps:

• 1. Pick up a soil test kit* from the Marion County Extension Service.
  
  
• 2. Follow instructions on form for collecting soil sample.
  
  
• 3. Decide which test you would like performed:
• • Test A - determines the pH and lime requirements in the soil for a cost of $3.00
    
    
  • Test B - determines the pH, lime requirements, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium for a cost of $7.00
    
    
• 4. Mail soil sample to the Extension Soil Testing Laboratory in Gainesville. Results will be e-mailed or mailed to you in approximately two weeks after receiving the sample.
  
  

* Test kits are available at the Marion County Extension Service at no cost.