How to Collect Soil Samples for Testing

Developed by Traci Johnson, Oldham County Agriculture Extension Agent

Collect soil for testing using the following guidelines:

• For plowed or tilled areas - collect soil from top 6 - 8 inches of soil.

• For non-tilled areas (lawn, pasture, no-till and minimum till-crops) - collect soil from the top 3 - 4 inches of soil.

• Avoid collecting soil from areas where nutrient levels may be skewed (livestock feeding areas, compost piles, tree driplines, areas adjacent to streets or areas where deicers have been applied)

• Consider sampling problem areas separately.  For example, if there is variation in soil type or drainage characteristics in one part of a yard vs. another, then submit a soil sample from each area.

• Use a clean, dry plastic bucket to collect samples.  Do not use rubber or galvanized buckets to collect or mix soil.

• Collect soil randomly across entire area (field, lawn, garden, pasture, etc.) and mix to represent each area soil sample.  Pulling soil from only 1 or 2 spots may not give an accurate representation of soil nutrient levels.  Pulling soil randomly from across entire area will give more accurate results.

• Remove twigs, grass, leaves, etc. from sample.

• Allow soil to air-dry.  Do not artificially dry samples.

• Bring enough soil to fill a zip-lock sandwich bag to our office for testing.  Office is located at 207 Parker Drive, La Grange. 

• The current fee is $10.00 per sample for testing services at Oldham County Extension.  Vouchers may be available to cover this fee from the Oldham County Conservation District and Oldham County Extension. 

• Residents may borrow soil probes for sampling.  This is a time saving tool when sampling many areas/fields.

• Questions?  Call (502) 222-9453.