Warren County SWCD partners with Ohio State Extension office and Michigan State University to provide soil test kits to the residents of Warren County.  Please visit our office to purchase your kit today.  Be sure to read Don't Guess - Soil Test! to learn more about the soil test kit, taking a sample and result.

Frequently Asked Questions about soil test kits

Why should I test my soil?

Test your soil to know your soil! Soil testing is an important diagnostic tool to evaluate nutrient imbalances and understand plant growth. The most important reason to soil test is to have a basis for intelligent application of fertilizer and lime. Soil testing allows homeowners to adjust soil pH to the optimum range (6.0-7.0), which makes nutrients more available for plant growth.  You can also avoid contaminants that can enter our surface and ground waters by over-application of phosphorous or nitrogen fertilizers.  Soil testing can offer cost savings.  Why apply what you don’t need? Soil test results provide information about the soil’s ability to supply nutrients to plants for adequate growth and are the basis of deciding how much lime and fertilizer are needed.

when should I test for organic matter as well?

​Soil organic matter influences the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Some of the properties influenced by organic matter include soil structure, water holding capacity, nutrient contributions, biological activity, water and air infiltration rate and pesticide activity. Soils high in organic matter have better water holding capacity, are less prone to nutrient leaching and have more beneficial biological activity. There really isn’t a great reason not to test for organic matter, unless you already know it’s ok.

How often should I test my soil?

Soil tests should be performed every 3-5 years based on use.  A heavy use, changing the soil profile and nutrient content rapidly would be a vegetable garden.  A lighter use that would cause soil characteristics to remain somewhat consistent would be lawn grass.

how many acres does 1 test cover?

The rule of thumb is that each test can test approximately 20 acres.  But it's more about the characteristics of the land and plant diversity exiting on the property.  If characteristics are similar through the entire yard, one test would probably be fine, but if multiple uses exist, multiple tests are needed.  For example: a lawn, flower bed and vegetable garden would require 3 different soil tests.  In addition, the top of a slope might contain very different soils from the bottom, requiring two different tests.  Keep in mind, soil tests for agricultural fields are usually done using a different method by a soil testing company.

How do i take my soil samples?

  • Using a soil probe, spade or trowel, and a clean plastic pail, sample in a zigzag fashion throughout a uniform area.
  • Take a representative sampling of the soil in the area you are testing, 15-20 subsamples are recommended for a 20-acre field, and at least 6-8 for a small plot.
  • Sampling depths are the following:
    • Field soils – 8 inches
    • Garden soils – 6 to 8 inches
    • Lawn – 3 inches below turf
  • Combine all samples into the plastic pail and mix thoroughly.   If soil is wet, spread it on paper and allow to air dry overnight.  Do not heat the soil.  Fill a soil sample box with the sample, or package about a pint of soil. 
  • Fill out an information form and send it with the soil sample to the soil testing lab.

How long does it take to get results?

Depending on the work load at the Soil Testing Lab, it will generally take 10 days to two weeks to receive your results, after it is received at the MSU Soil Nutrient and Plant Lab.  If you submit your sample without an e-mail address, it may take slightly longer for you to receive your results in the mail.

Need help interpreting results?

.If you need help interpreting the results of your soil test, please call Greg Meyer, OSU Extension Office at 513-695-1311 or e-mail meyer.213@osu.edu.  

You can also visit MSU's Understand Your Soil Test webpage for more information.