Benefits of Having Soil Tested
Soil testing is economically prudent. The appropriate application of nutrients and/or lime can save money. Don’t buy nutrients that your soil doesn’t need; instead, invest in those nutrients that will bring about healthy growth and yields.
To apply optimal levels of nutrients or lime to your soil, it is necessary to know the existing pH and the availability of essential plant nutrients in the soil. Having too much or too little of these nutrients or limestone can be harmful to plant growth. We can help you adjust these levels for best results.
Soil testing is an environmentally responsible practice. Applying fertilizer or other nutrient sources incorrectly can lead to nitrate or phosphorus contamination of our water resources. By applying fertilizer appropriately, you can ensure that you are “feeding” your plants in an environmentally friendly and “green” way.
Soil Test Kits: Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Essex County is pleased to now offer soil test kits at the Environmental Center of Essex County. We will offer standard soil fertility tests for landscape and garden as well as soil/plant suitability tests. Instructions on how to obtain a representative sample are enclosed in the kit along with a submission form about your sample. Once you collect your sample, you will then send it to the Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory who will then email you the soil test report. The standard soil fertility test is $20 and provides information on nutrients, pH, and recommendations for two types of planting. For additional tests, you can refer to the Soil Testing Laboratory website https://extension.rutgers.edu/soil-testing-lab. If you have any questions about purchasing soil test kits or the hours available, please contact ECEC directly at (973) 228-8776. If you have any questions about the soil test report, please contact the Master Gardener Helpline at (973) 228-2210 or mastergardenerec@gmail.com.
Essex County Environmental Center
Address: 621 Eagle Rock Ave, Roseland, NJ 07068
Soil Test Questionnaire can be downloaded here.
Soil Sampling Instructions can be found here
