Soil Testing Services

Soil Testing Services (7/27/2026)

Why Test Soil?

A soil test will tell you what nutrients are in your soil and what you may need to add (in the form of fertilizer) for successful crop growth. Plants need nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (macronutrients) as well as micronutrients to grow. Deficiency or excess of these elements will impact the health and productivity of plants. In addition, the pH (acid/alkaline level) of your soil has an impact upon how much of your soil's nutrients your plants will be able to use.

pH Testing

A pH test measures the acid/alkaline level of your soil. In the pH scale, 7.0 is considered neutral; lower numbers indicate acid soil, while higher numbers indicate that the soil is alkaline. Most plants prefer a pH of 6.8. pH levels influence nutrient availability, with most nutrients being available to plants when the pH is in this range (6.8-7.0). If a soil is too alkaline or too acid, certain nutrients may be limited. To change soil pH to the desirable range, you can either add lime if the soil is too acid or sulfur if the soil is too alkaline. With your pH test result, the amount of lime or sulfur to add can be determined if any.

CCESO no longer provides soil pH tests in-house. However, Master Gardener Volunteers and Horticulture Staff can help guide you to information and resources on how to test your pH. Home pH kits can be purchased at many garden centers or hardware stores. For more extensive soil testing, Soil Nutrient Testing is recommended.

Soil Nutrient Testing

Soil Nutrient Testing measures pH, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and micro-nutrients. This test provides recommendations for establishment and maintenance of home lawns and gardens, commercial turf, commercial vegetables, commercial fruit, and field crops (pasture, hay, annual crops).

Soil Nutrient Testing can be done through many State Universities (UMASS, PennState, Rutgers). The cost of soil nutrient tests ranges from $13 to $25 (plus shipping) depending on the type of test and will require you to complete a submission form with your soil sample. Many Cornell Extension Associations use Dairy One Cooperative, Inc. (www.dairyone.com) for Soil Nutrient Testing. If using Dairy One, use the following instructions:

• 1.Download and print the appropriate form from the Dairy One website to include with the soil test. For non-commercial home gardens, lawns, and landscapes, use (“FORM H”).
• 2.Collect your soil sample. Dairy One also provides helpful instructions on “Taking a Soil Sample”. **Soil samples must be completely dry and can be transported in a zip lock bag.
• 3.Submit your sample. Once you have collected your soil sample and completed the submission form, you can mail the soil sample directly to the laboratory. If you are using Dairy One for your soil testing, you can mail in your sample or there are several drop locations around the state (https://dairyone.com/resources/sample-transportation/).

Master Gardener Volunteers and Horticulture Staff at CCESO are available to help you with guidance on how to take a soil sample, complete the submission form, and interpret the results by appointment.

If you live in Otsego County, call 607-547-2536 extension 235, or email: mkf48@cornell.edu. If a Master Gardener Volunteer is not available to take your call, please leave a voice mail message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

If you live in Schoharie County, call 518-234-4303 extension 124, or email: mkf48@cornell.edu. If a Master Gardener Volunteer is not available to take your call, please leave a voice mail message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

For additional information on soil testing and interpreting your results, visit https://gardening.cals.cornell.edu/garden-guidance/healthysoil/.

Other local resources that may be able to assist home gardeners and commercial growers with soil testing and resources include Soil and Water Conservation Districts:

Schoharie County Soil and Water Conservation District: 173 S Grand Street # 3, Cobleskill, NY 12043; 518-823-4535.

Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District: 976 Co Hwy 33, Cooperstown, NY 13326; (607) 547-8331 ext. 4

Last updated July 31, 2026