Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
UConn Master Gardeners Offer Soil Testing
If you have plans for renovating or constructing a lawn, 0putting in a new vegetable or flower garden, or just were not happy with your plants’ performance this year, University specialists recommend soil testing. For a nominal fee, the UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Lab will test soils for pH, nutrients, limestone and make fertilizer recommendations. To find out how to get your soil tested, call the Master Gardeners at the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford at 203-322-6971.
Soil Testing
Why Have Your Soil Tested?
Soil
testing is an easy and inexpensive way to assess the fertility level
of your soil. Knowing the fertility level will allow you to apply
the correct amounts of lime and fertilizer for optimizing plant performance
and reducing cultural problems. This approach will protect the environment
from contamination due to excessive fertilizer run-off and leaching.
Your results will include measured nutrient and pH levels plus the
amounts of lime and fertilizer needed for the crops specified. We
are always happy to speak with you if you have questions regarding
your results.
The Bartlett Arboretum offers its soil testing service through
The University of Connecticut Nutrient Analysis Laboratory.
This laboratory offers several tests which may be of interest to home gardeners
and commercial growers. Lime and fertilizer recommendations based on soil test
results. Soil testing will not identify problems due to insects diseases, poor
cultural practices, pesticide misuse or climatic factors.
UConn Master Gardeners at the Bartlett Offer Soil Testing
NEW TESTS, NEW PRICE
The University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory announces new tests! As of April 1, 2007, soils submitted for our standard nutrient analysis will now be screened for lead and analyzed for micronutrients. The standard test will continue to measure soil pH and macronutrients. The new price for this comprehensive offering will be $8 per sample.
If you have plans for renovating or constructing a lawn, putting in a new vegetable or flower garden, or just were not happy with your plants’ performance this year, University specialists recommend soil testing. Feel free to call the Bartlett Arboretum at 203-322-6971 for more information, or the Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory at 860-486-4274.
Tests Offered Include:
- Standard Nutrient Analysis $ 8.00
Includes analyses for soil pH, available calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium,micronutrients, lead screening & texture estimate. Soils sent in pre-paid mailers receive this test. The standard nutrient analysis is recommended for most lawn and garden samples. - Saturated Media Extract (Soilless Greenhouse Media)
$10.00 Includes analyses for calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, boron, copper, molybdenum, nitrate, ammonium, pH & soluble salts. - Soil Organic Matter Content $ 7.00
This analysis gives a measurement of the percentage of organic matter in the soil by loss on ignition. Soils containing sufficient amounts of organic matter will be easier to work and retain more water and nutrients for improved plant performance. A soil organic matter percentage of 5% to 10% is ideal for most garden plants. - Soil pH only $ 3.00
The pH level of the soil is determined and the amount of lime or sulfur needed to correct the pH for a specific crop is given.
Fee(s) must be submitted at time of testing. Use your own plastic bag(s) with a "zipper" lock, and follow the directions on taking samples below by scrolling down. Contact the Master Gardener Coordinator at the Arboretum if you prefer to use our prepaid soil test mailer (For Test 1 Only).
Where to Send for Testing
Fill in the completed order form, and return it along with your labeled soil
sample(s) and a check for the appropriate amount made payable to the University
of Connecticut to:
Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory 6 Sherman Place, U-102 University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-5102
Feel free to call the Arboretum at 203-322-6971 for more information, or the
Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory at 860-486-4274.
How to Take a Soil Sample
Samples should be representative of the area to be tested. Lime and fertilizer
recommendations based on improperly taken samples will not benefit your plants.
When Should I Sample?
Samples may be submitted at any time of year with fall being optimum. Avoid
sampling areas which were recently limed or fertilized.
How Many Samples Do I Need?
Areas differing in appearance, slope, drainage, intended plant use or past
fertilizer applications should be sampled separately.
Collect Your Soil Sample In Four Easy Steps
- Using a clean spade or trowel, take 10 or more slices of soil throughout the area you want tested at the advised depths:
- Place these slices in a clean bucket.
- Mix thoroughly and remove one cup of soil for testing.
- Place in your plastic "zipper" lock bag(s). Label the outside of the bags if more than one sample is sent.