Soil testing resources

Soil is full of mysteries. The more you know, the more effective you will be in managing your plants' nutrition. Learn how to collect soil samples, where to send them and how to interpret the results.

Soil Testing Lab Selection and Recommended Analytical Methods for Oregon

Not all soil tests are the same. Here's how to choose a soil testing lab in Oregon.

Gordon B. Jones, Amber Moore, Eliza Smith | May 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Get Actionable Results from a Soil, Plant or Environmental Testing Lab

Learn how to work with an analytical laboratory to get useful results from your plant tissue, soil or water samples.

Shannon Cappellazzi, Clare Sullivan, Gordon B. Jones, Linda Brewer | May 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

A Guide to Collecting Soil Samples for Farms and Gardens

Laboratory soil tests help you develop your soil and increase crop production by providing information on available nutrient content. Soil testing helps you select the correct kind and amount of fertilizer and ...

Melissa Fery, Jeff Choate, Elizabeth Murphy | Nov 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

How do I test my garden soil?

Learn why you should test your garden soil and the different kinds of tests to ask for. Resources include instructions for how to collect a soil sample for testing and a short video demonstration.

Brooke Edmunds | Apr 2021 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

How do I collect a soil sample for testing?

Collecting a soil sample for testing is easy. In this video, Dennis Brown, OSU Extension Master Gardener volunteer, Portland Metro Area, demonstrates how to take a soil sample in the garden. Video courtesy of Dennis Brown and Dave Meeker.

Dennis Brown, Dave Meeker | Apr 2021 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Soil Test Interpretation Guide

This publication provides an overview of soil testing and general guidelines for interpreting soil test results for nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, ...

Donald A. Horneck, Dan M. Sullivan, Jim Owen, John M. Hart | Jul 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Understanding Soil Health and Biota for Farm and Garden

Like sunlight, water and air, soils are the foundation of life on Earth. Learn how soils link plants, the atmosphere, agriculture, food security, health, the economy and the environment.

Shikha Singh, Linda Brewer, Scott Lukas | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Jun 2024

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