After a three-month break, Michigan State University Extension is pleased to announce the launch of a new soil testing program for Michigan residents made possible through a partnership with A&L Great Lakes Laboratories, Inc. (A&L). Home gardeners and commercial clients may once again purchase soil sample bags and mailers through MSU Extension and receive recommendations directly from MSU Extension. A&L will analyze soil samples and send results to MSU Extension. MSU Extension staff will generate MSU recommendations and send those directly to the client. All MSU recommendations utilize the latest research and follow state laws and guidelines, including Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs), enabling farms to stay within the provisions of the Michigan Right to Farm Act.
Please do not send samples to the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory (SPNL), which closed on Dec. 31, 2022. Samples sent to SPNL will not be processed.
Which test do I need?
We offer both home lawn and garden soil tests and commercial soil tests. It is important to choose the correct soil test for your application.
The Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer is appropriate for all types of home soil samples, including lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables and fruits. The mailer includes instructions on how to collect a soil sample, a simple form to fill out identifying what you plan to grow (e.g., lawn, vegetables, flowers, shrubs), a bag for the soil sample, and a postage-paid envelope for your convenience. You will receive a report with easy-to-interpret instructions for adding recommended fertilizers or other amendments. You can receive further assistance through Ask Extension or by calling the MSU Lawn and Garden Hotline (1-888-687-3464), both of which may be accessed through our Gardening in Michigan website. The mailer can be purchased in person at MSU Extension offices or online from the MSU Extension bookstore (shop.msu.edu). The cost is $26.
Commercial soil sample bags are appropriate for wildlife food plots as well as farm, landscape, nursery, athletic field and other commercial operations. Although slightly lower priced than the Home Lawn and Garden Test Mailers, they do not include postage to the lab and recommendations will be given at farm-scale (e.g., pounds per acre), which is difficult for home gardeners to interpret. Diagnostic responders who answer our Lawn and Garden Hotline are not trained to answer questions related to commercial tests. Commercial clients are instead supported by MSU Extension educators specializing in particular crops. Commercial soil sample bags can only be purchased in person at MSU Extension offices. The cost for the commercial sample bag is $18 and does not include shipping costs to the lab for analysis.
Why test your soil?
Plants need the correct pH and balance of nutrients to be healthy and productive. Whether you are converting land to a new use or have been growing the same crop for many years, a soil test is essential to guiding your soil management. The soils in our lawns, gardens and fields can become depleted over time, making them less productive. Rather than just guessing what nutrients are needed, it is helpful to test the soil. This protects against over-application of nutrients, which can harm plants, cause imbalances in the soil and pollute our waterways. Soil should be tested every two to three years.
What will the MSU soil test tell me?
The current level of plant nutrients in your soil, including phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).
Personalized recommendations for fertilizer tailored to what you plan to grow.
The pH of your soil, if lime or sulfur is needed, and the amount to add.
The soil organic matter (OM) level and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of your soil.
Note: This is not a test for soil or water contamination or toxicity, and the test does not provide soil texture.
Source: msu.edu
Photo Credit: istock-pkujiahe
Categories: Michigan, Crops