Soil Analysis

We offer soil sampling services for collecting, shipping, and analyzing the UMass Soil and the Cornell CASH tests. Contact Matthew Karas, Conservation Outreach Coordinator, to schedule your soil sampling and to receive an estimate! Cost for sampling is variable based on plot acreage and distance. (413) 362-4720 or MatthewHHCD@gmail.com

If you are a farmer working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), you may be eligible for reimbursement with your conservation plan.

 

UMass Soil Testing Labratory offers a simple sampling method and results are available between 2-3 weeks. You can find information about these UMass soil analysis on their Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratories website. The routine test can be found below:

Routine Soil Analysis 

Cost of Test: $20

The Routine Soil Analysis is not intended for greenhouse planting mixes or organic soils containing more than 20% organic matter.

Included in these tests:

  • pH
  • Exchangeable acidity
  • Modified Morgan extractable nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, S), l
  • Lead (Pb)
  • Aluminum (Al),
  • Cation exchange capacity
  • Base saturation
  • Crop-specific lime and nutrient recommendations

The Modified Morgan extraction method and recommendations were developed for New England soils and climate.

Cornell is home of the highly regarded Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health (CASH) that is used by industry professionals and farmers, but the results take much longer (at least 3 months). The two CASH options we are offering are:

Basic Soil Health Analysis Package

Cost of Test: $100

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 of Test: $140

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.)

 

Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating the options!

Click Here to Learn About Soil Amendments and Calculating Fertilizer Needs