Soil Testing Program
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Soil Testing Program |
Providing analytical services and educational programs to the Delaware community since 1947.
History:
The University of Delaware established a soil testing laboratory in 1947 to provide a rapid, accurate soil analysis service to the state's farmers. Analyses were performed by faculty and graduate students. The opening of the laboratory coincided with a serious effort by university and industry agronomists to promote the proper use of lime and fertilizer for the purposes of maintaining or improving soil fertility and maximizing crop yields.
Since that time, the Soil Testing Program has undergone many changes and improvements. The program now employs three full-time staff members and several seasonal workers. Fertilizer recommend-ations for specific crops have been provided along with soil test results since the early 1950's. Since 1976, those recommendations have been generated by computer - an improvement which has greatly reduced turn-around time for sample analyses.
The clientele of the Soil Testing Program has expanded since the opening of the laboratory and now includes not only farmers but also homeowners, landscape contractors and lawn care companies, agronomic, geotechnical and environmental consultants, university and industry researchers and extension personnel. The variety of services offered has also expanded to meet the needs of
the Program's clients. The analyses currently offered include a comprehensive "routine" package [the key plant nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn), pH, lime requirement and organic matter content] and special tests including the pre-sidedress soil nitrate test, other plant nutrients (B, Cu, S), soluble salts, characterization analyses including cation exchange capacity and particle size analysis, heavy metal analysis and alternative organic matter tests. Analyses for soilless media are also offered to meet the needs of the greenhouse and nursery industries.
Today, the Soil Testing Laboratory analyzes over 15,000 samples a year. Approximately 5,000 of those samples are submitted for nutrient analysis and fertilizer recommendations. Between 100 and 200 are submitted by county agents as "trouble-shooters" to help diagnose problems in the field or greenhouse. Another 2,000 to 5,000 are submitted for characterization analyses. The remainder are submitted by university personnel as part of ongoing research projects and include not only soil samples but also water, plant extracts, and manure digests. "State of the art" instrumentation, the latest analytical techniques and rigorous quality control measures are utilized to ensure that clients receive accurate, unbiased results in a timely manner.
Reference Information about Soil Testing
1. Why soil test?
A soil test measures the quantity of plant available nutrients present in a soil. It can detect potential nutrient deficiency before it occurs or indicate when sufficient nutrients are present to eliminate the need for fertilization. Based on the results, a detailed fertilizer recommendation specific to the site can be developed. A soil test can save the client money by determining the actual amount of fertilizer needed. It can also prevent difficulties later by indicating when a potential site is unsuitable for a specific use. Finally, routine soil testing is environmentally sound practice as it helps to minimize over-application of nutrients.
2. How do I have my soil tested?
Purchase a soil test kit at your local county extension office or one of the other locations listed below. A kit consists of the soil bag and envelope, information sheet and instructions for taking a proper sample. The cost is $7.50 per sample. Follow the instructions, collect the sample, complete the information sheet and place it in the envelope. Record the serial number of the bag for reference. Return the kit to the University of Delaware. Kits can either be dropped off at the county office where it was purchased or mailed directly to the laboratory. Postage is usually under $2.00. You should receive your soil test report from the laboratory in 2-3 weeks.
3. Where may I purchase a soil test kit?
Soil test kits may be purchased at any of the following locations:
4. What if I have a question about my soil test report?
Homeowners should contact the Master Gardeners Homeowner Hotline. The phone number for each county are as follows:
Commercial growers should contact their local county agent.
5. For additional information about the UD Soil Testing Program, contact:
Karen Gartley, Soil Testing Program Coordinator
(302) 831-1392
Department of Plant and Soil Science
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19717-1303
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