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How often should I test my soil?

A soil sample should be taken at least once every three years, or when there is a change in crop to be grown. A soil sample should also be taken if problems occur during the growing season.

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Publications

Publication Number: P3883
Publication Number: P1224
Publication Number: P3858
Publication Number: P3856

News

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Filed Under: Sweet Potatoes, Soil Testing, Plant Diseases and Nematode Diagnostic Services March 23, 2023

Sweet potato growers in Mississippi can get free nematode testing of soil samples they send to Mississippi State University from now until Dec. 31, 2024. The samples can be submitted in nematode bags available at local county MSU Extension Service offices; samples are also accepted in quart-sized, sealed plastic bags.

Woman in blue lab coat holding up paper.
Filed Under: Soils, Soil Health, Soil Testing August 5, 2022

Having healthy soil in your garden results in healthy plants. Whether you’re planting vegetables, flowers, grass, trees, shrubs, or anything in between, a soil sample is the first thing to check off the list. Gathering a soil sample from your landscape and having it tested by MSU Extension’s Soil Testing Lab should be the initial step in any gardening adventure. Plus, it’s pretty easy to do!

Raking leaves
Filed Under: Soil Testing, Lawn and Garden, Herb Gardens, Turfgrass and Lawn Management, Vegetable Gardens September 28, 2021

Autumn is officially here! It’s not hard to love this time of year. Temperatures are cooling, leaves are changing, and there will be more branches than foliage soon. It’s hard not to love this time of year! As we close out this calendar year, it’s easy to convince yourself there’s not much to do in the yard. Take a break, but also take time to check off these tasks

Filed Under: Soils, Soil Testing, Healthy Soils and Water September 8, 2021

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Far too often in Mississippi, soil management after major weather events must be considered, but landowners affected by Hurricane Ida now have a guide on how to approach this task.

“Soil Management After Hurricane Ida” is available online on the Mississippi Crop Situation blog at https://www.mississippi-crops.com/2021/09/02/soil-management-after-hurricane-ida/.

Filed Under: Soil Testing June 17, 2021

Mississippi agricultural producers and landowners who are interested in carbon sequestration can test their soil’s carbon content through the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Watch

How to Take a Soil Sample - MSU Extension Service
Extension Stories

How to Take a Soil Sample

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 1:45pm
Interpreting Soil Test Results - MSU Extension Service
Extension Stories

Interpreting Soil Test Results

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 1:30pm

Listen

Monday, October 15, 2018 - 2:00am

Contact Your County Office

Your Extension Experts

Portrait of Dr. Keri Denley Jones
Laboratory Coordinator
Soil Testing Lab