Soil Testing

Importance of Conducting Soil Tests 

Good crop production and yard maintenance often requires the application of lime and fertilizer.  Soil testing enables you to find out the nutrient makeup of your soil and helps you determine how much lime and fertilizer you need to apply. 

In order to improve the quality of your soil, you should know each of the following attributes: 

1. Current pH levels
2. Fertility levels of the principal nutrients
3. Type and quantity of lime your soil needs
4. Nutrients need to be added to your soil as fertilizer
5. Amount of fertilizer your crop and soil needs

• When Should You Sample and How Often

  No matter the time of the year, it is important to remember to sample your soil at the same time each year.  This helps you compare results and make the proper preparations. 

  • Home lawns and landscapes: Test every year
  • Commercial horticulture crops: Test every year
  • Pastures: Test every 2 to 3 years 

  *If you add horse manure, composted stall waste, or other types of manure to your fields, you should test your soil every year.  This is because manure can quickly increase levels of phosphorus, potassium, and zinc in the soil. 

• Soil Testing for Landscape and Vegetable Gardening

  Homeowners who fertilize their yard plants or grow vegetable should use this form.  Florida homeowners must include the Landscape and Vegetable Garden From when they send soil samples to the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Lab. 

  You can choose these tests on the form: 

  • pH and lime needs
  • Basic soil fertility test
  • pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg).
  • Lime and fertilizer needs

  Farmers and commercial fruit and vegetable growers should us the Producer Soil Test From (SL135).

  The lab will only test for the items listed on the form.  It will not test for nematodes, plant diseases, or other chemicals. 

  Forms: 

  • SL136 Landscape and Vegetable Garden Test Form 
  • Análisis de Suelo Jardines y Huertos
• Commercial Soil Testing

  Please contact your local Commercial Horticulture agent, Karen Stauderman, at (386) 822-5778

• Pasture Soil Testing

  This form is for Bahia pastures. For test B-1, please send a sample of the bahia grass without roots if you want a recommendation for phosphorus.

  Bahia Producer Soil Test Information

  Bahia Soil Test Submission Form

  ANÁLISIS DE NUTRIENTES PARA PASTOS DE BAHÍA

• Citrus Soil Testing

  For commercial citrus please contact Karen Stauderman (386) 822-5778

• Water Testing

  Use this form to test irrigation water or water from a home well (not city or drinking water). 

  You must include the Water Test Form when sending water samples to the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Lab.  This service is open to all Florida residents. 

  The lab will test for : 

  • PH
  • Electrical conductivity
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Manganese (Mn)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Chloride (Cl)
  • Water hardness
  • Total Carbonates
  • Suspended solids                                

  These tests do not show if the water is safe to drink.  For bacteria testing, contact your county health department or a commercial lab. 

  Water Test Analysis and Codes and Fee Schedule

  Water Test Information Sheet

  Water Test Submission Form SL-133

  HOJA DE INFORMACIÓN: ANÁLISIS DE AGUA

• Preparing to Submit Your Samples

  We suggest calling your local Extension agent before sending a soil sample.  You might not need to send one at all. 

  Read the instructions on each soil test forms so you know how to collect your sample correctly. 

  • Fill out the correct form completely
  • Make sure your sample bags are clearly labeled
  • Soil should be clean (no sticks or trash) and dry
  • Put samples in a zip-top bag, box or padded envelop to keep them safe
  • Include the completed form and a check made out to the The University of Florida  

  Mail Your Soil Samples!

   MAIL your soil samples (including form and payment) to:

  Extension Soil Testing Laboratory
  PO Box 110740
  Gainesville, FL 32611-0740

  YOU MUST MAIL YOUR SAMPLES YOURSELF.  OUR OFFICE CANNOT ACCEPT OR MAIL ANY SAMPLES.

• Soil Test Results

  When Should I Receive My Results?

  You can expect to get your sample results by email about one week after the UF Soil Testing Lab receives them. Our local Extension team can help you get the right submission forms and explain what the results and recommendations mean. 

   

   

   

• Limitations for Soil Testing

  Soil testing cannot do any of the following: 

  • Tell you what crop to grow - Soil test only show what's in your soil, not what plants you should choose. 
  • Identify plant problems- They can't diagnose diseases, pests, or tell you what kind of plant you have. 
  • Replace good gardening habits- you still need to water, fertilize, and care for your plants the right way.