Soil Testing

For soil testing, please bring your sample (about 2 cups per sample) to the UW-Extension office during our office hours of 8 am- 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The price for samples varies depending on where the soil is coming from. For Lawn and Garden and Wildlife Food Plots, prices are $15 per sample, plus $5 for shipping that covers up to four samples. For Farm Plots, prices are $8 per sample, plus $5 for shipping that covers up to four samples as well. Soil samples are sent to the UW Soil and Forage lab to be tested. It takes about seven to ten business days for samples to be processed and the results sent.

How to Collect a Soil Sample: 

soil-sampling

  1. A soil probe is the best tool to use for taking a soil sample. Soil probes can be checked out at our office, with a $20 deposit (deposit will be returned after soil probe is returned, or can be applied to the cost of soil sample). 
  2. Collect soil from at least 10 locations in the area and combine them into one sample.
  3. Samples should be taken from about 5 to 7 inches deep into soil.
  4. Combine soil mixture in a plastic bag or soil sample bag from county extension office. Fill out appropriate form and bring with payment to UW-Extension office.

For more information on collecting soil samples, please visit the UW-Extension learning store: http://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/