Soil Analysis

Soil analysis is important, but it can be pricey. Let us help you out! Contact Matthew Karas, Conservation Outreach Coordinator, to schedule your soil analysis. (413) 362-4720 or [email protected]

As part of our Healthy Soils Program, we are now offering soil analysis through both Cornell University and UMass Amherst at half the normal cost! Plus, we will do the leg work for you for free! Contact us to have a conservationist visit your farm or garden, collect samples, prepare and ship them, and help you interpret the results! There is a limit of 3 samples at a subsidized rate per farmer, but we are happy to send in more than 3 samples at the current rates.

UMass offers a range of soil analysis services and is the more affordable option. You can find information about these servies on the Umass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratories website. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating the options!

Cornell is home of the highly regarded Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) that is used by industry professionals and farmers, but is considerably more expensive than UMass. The two CASH options we are currently offering are:

Basic Soil Health Analysis Package

Cost: $45 per sample (regular price is $90)
Required sample size: 4 cups
Recommended applications: field crops, dairy, lawns

Includes these tests:

  • Soil pH, Organic Matter, Modified Morgan Extractable P, K, additional nutrients: Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Al, Ca, Cu, S, B
  • Wet Aggregate Stability
  • Active Carbon
  • Soil Organic Carbon, Total Carbon, Total Nitrogen
  • Surface, sub-surface hardness interpretation (Optional: You provide the penetrometer readings.)

 

Standard Soil Health Analysis Package

Cost: $65 per sample (regular price $130)
Required sample size: 4 cups
Recommended applications: organic production, vegetable crops, problem diagnosis, home gardens

Includes these tests:

  • Soil pH, Organic Matter, Modified Morgan Extractable P, K, additional nutrients: Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Al, Ca, Cu, S, B
  • Soil Texture
  • Active Carbon
  • Wet Aggregate Stability
  • Soil Respiration
  • Soil Organic Carbon, Total Carbon, Total Nitrogen
  • Predicted Autoclave-Citrate Extractable (ACE) Protein
  • Predicted Available Water Capacity
  • Surface, sub-surface hardness interpretation (Optional: You provide the penetrometer readings.)