Soil Testing
The Mississippi State Soil Testing Lab is an Extension unit of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. The mission of the Soil Testing Lab is to provide accurate analytical services in a timely manner. With the support of research conducted by MSU faculty members, the Soil Testing Lab provides unbiased nutrient management recommendations. Our lab works closely with County Extension Agents to provide outreach to all Mississippi landowners concerned with improving soil productivity.
The Soil Testing Lab provides the following services:
Soil Test
The soil test represents a vital piece of Mississippi State Extension outreach. If you are interested in improving soil fertility for farming, gardening, lawns or wildlife food plots you should get a soil test! Our analysis includes pH, lime recommendation, phosphorous (P), potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), and Sodium. Total soluble salts (TSS) are reported for all horticultural samples.
Video by Jonathan Parrish
Plant Tissue Analysis
Plant tissue analysis provides a more accurate estimation of essential nutrient concentrations vs. soil analysis. Analysis includes total nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), and Boron (B). Sulfur (S) is available upon request.
Texture Analysis
Sodium hexametaphosphate is used to separate sand, silt, and clay fractions of soil samples which are then evaluated with the hydrometer method.
Total Carbon/Total Nitrogen
This information will be available soon.
Don’t see a service you need?
For plant diseases/nematodes, please see the Plant Disease and Nematode Diagnostic Services website.
For fertilizer, pesticide, or forage analysis, please see the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory website.
Publications
News
Video by Michaela Parker
We’ve finally made it to fall! The temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and I can’t wait to purchase pumpkins and mums for my front porch!
If you’re trying to stay on top of what tasks you should be doing in your yard and garden, check out these four for the month of October.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering another year of free testing for often overlooked nematode pests that frequently cause poor crop performance.
You’ve spent all summer planting and maintaining your garden or mowing your lawn and are ready for a break. But before you put your landscape to bed for a long winter’s nap, consider applying lime.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service Soil Testing Lab has new equipment that allows it to offer an expanded range of services to clients.
If your lawn, landscape, or garden look a little sickly, it might be time for a soil health checkup. (Photo by Jonathan Parrish/Cindy Callahan)
Success Stories
4-H Debuts New Curriculum · Extension Develops Workforce · La-Z-Boy Donates Fabric · Stars Focus On Sustainability · Extension Directs Herbicide Training · Youth Discover Dairy Science · Soil Lab Welcomes New Manager
