Time for a Soil Test? New & improved reporting system

Savvy farmers and gardeners consider regular soil testing the most cost-effective crop insurance available.

For the price of a couple of fast food meals, a home gardener or commercial grower can receive a detailed soil analysis from a state-of-the-art testing facility, along with crop-specific recommendations for what to do. Following through with these recommendations will save you money, help you grow better crops, and improve your soil environment.

You may have heard that the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture will close its Durham testing lab soon. It’s true. But, as we’ve done for more than a century, UNH Cooperative Extension will continue to provide a comprehensive soil testing service to New Hampshire farmers and home gardeners.

Logistically, nothing will change for you. Sampling and mailing procedures remain the same. Costs won’t change. When you send your samples to UNH, Extension staff will forward them to a state-of-the-art laboratory at Pennsylvania State University for analysis. Based on the lab’s analysis, Extension soil experts will make recommendations specific to New Hampshire’s climate and soils.

New, improved reporting system

Not only will Cooperative Extension continue making soil recommendations, we’ve improved our reporting system.

• The new system reflects new research findings, including the latest research on environmental risks from nitrogen and phosphorus movement.
• Home garden reports will contain the results of a lead screening test, with guidelines for minimizing risks to children.
• We’ve improved the readability of our reporting format.
• Each report will refer you to the latest fact sheets related to the crops you plan to produce.
• The new system gives you the option of receiving your report and recommendations by email. Those who don’t wish to receive their results online can still choose to receive results by U.S. mail.

We’ve posted new forms and more detailed information about our soil testing services

You can also request copies of the forms and information you need by calling or visiting your local UNH Cooperative Extension office.

Information for home gardeners:

• Understanding Your Soil Test Results
  
  
• Home Gardening Fact Sheets
  
  
• Information for Commercial Growers
  Click on general category of interest at left side of page to find specific information and fact sheets