UNH Cooperative Extension Soil Testing Program

Welcome to UNHCE Soil Testing

Since the early 1900s, UNH and UNH Cooperative Extension have been providing soil analysis and nutrient recommendations to researchers, farmers and homeowners.

Our soil testing procedures are best suited to typical New England soil types and may not be appropriate for samples submitted from other regions of the United States. We recommend that you use a local or regional laboratory whenever possible to obtain the best test results and recommendations. The recommendations that you will receive are based on the latest research conducted in New Hampshire and the northeastern states. Due to our unique soil and climatic conditions, these recommendations may be very different from other areas of the country.

Forms

Homeowners should use the Home, Grounds and Garden form.

All other soil testing forms can be found here.

Sampling Information

Test result turn around time is from 10 to 14 business days.

General Sample Taking Information

Below are a couple thoughts from the lab that will help us to process the soil more efficiently.

• a good sample is dry, without leaves, grass, roots, moss, rocks and worms included.
• The form and check should NOT be put directly in the bag with wet soil.
• There is no need to staple the check to the form. We will not lose it and pulling all these staples is time consuming. It is ok to staple all pages of the form together.
• There is no need to cut apart & staple each sample description page to the bag that has that soil. If everything is labeled clearly, we can figure this out. Use a sharpie to write the sample name on the outside of the bag.
• There is no need to use tape anytime, any place or anywhere. Plastic bags, checks and paperwork all tear when the tape is pulled away - this is especially true when duct tape is used.

For more information and answers to common questions, please see Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact Information

For more information on the soil testing program or help filling out a soil test form please contact Suzanne Hebert at 603-862-3200 or e-mail: soil.testing@unh.edu

Office Hours: Mon - Fri, 8:00-12:00, 1:00-4:30 except on university recognized holidays.

Location: Spaulding Life Science Center, Room G28, 38 Academic Way (formerly College Road) Durham, New Hampshire 03824.

Soil samples can be hand delivered or mailed to the above address in Spaulding Hall.

Click here for written directions or here for a map to our location.

Helpful Resources

Reference materials and other fact sheets can be found on the Cooperative Extension publication page.

Other resources can be found on the Education Center and Info line webpage.

Have a specific question? Call the Education Center and Info Line at

1-877-EXT-GROW (1-877-398-4769) to talk a trained master gardener. Hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 2:00pm and Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7:30pm.