Soil Testing

Submitting a Soil Test to the Lab

Read on for instructions for submitting your soil test for nutrient analysis.

This test is appropriate for those interested in receiving liming and fertilizer recommendations.

Step 1:
 

Submit a Soil Test
(even if you are paying via physical check/money order)

You will be prompted to make an Extension Account if you do not have one. Once you have logged in, fill out the required fields concerning your contact info and desired crop code.

Crop codes are categorized and listed via a dropdown menu:

You may select up to six different crop codes for each sample.

Most homeowners and farmers should choose “soil test.”

For those interested in knowing the soil organic matter, that option is available, but know that it will not impact fertilizer and lime recommendations. Soil organic matter is an indicator of overall soil health. Farmers may use %OM to help calculate herbicide application rates.

Composed material, mulch, and potting media samples are not truly “soil,” so it is not appropriate to test them for soil organic matter. Choose “soil test” for these samples.

Online payment options include credit card and eCheck.

If you would rather pay via physical check/money order, please include payment when mailing your soil sample (rather than mailing it separately). We will not process samples without payment.

Once you submit your sample form, you will get an automated confirmation email containing an attachment with your receipt. Please check your junk mail folder if you don't see it in your inbox.

Print this attachment to include with your soil sample.

If printing is not available, then at a minimum, write your order number somewhere on the soil sample box. 

Step 2:

Take the soil sample to your local Extension office or mail the soil sample directly to the MSU soil testing lab.

If mailing via the U.S. Post Office:

MSU Soil Testing
P.O. Box 9610
Mississippi State, MS 39762

If mailing via UPS/FedEx:

MSU Soil Testing
MS 9610
405 E Garrard Road
Starkville, MS 39759

If you take your soil sample to your local Extension office, they will mail the sample to our lab for free. However, if you are concerned with quick turnaround time, then mailing the sample yourself will probably be the fastest option. Taking the sample to the local Extension office may delay your results by several days.

Typical turnaround time is within 2 weeks from the time the soil sample is received at the soil lab. You will get an email containing your results.

Click here for instructions on how to interpret your results.