VIDEO #3: Soil Testing

This video presents how to take a soil sample and information about different kinds of soil tests.

We can do pH soils in the lab at our office in Middletown.  For a more complete analysis we send soil samples to Dairy One, a soil lab located in Ithaca.  Soil test results from Dairy One include recommendation from Cornell University. 

The standard soil test includes:

• ph and buffer pH
• organic matter
• phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc & manganese

There is also a troubleshooting test available that includes everything in the standard test plus soluble salts.  This troubleshooting test is used to determine if poor plant growth may be related to high salt concentrations in the soil due to over fertilization or road salting practices.

If we want to test soil for heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, we send the samples to the Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratory. This highly recommended for anyone gardening in Newburgh.