David Ruppert holding a soil core
Updated: May 6, 2022
By Emileigh Lucas

Click on a tab below to find information about laboratories conducting various analyses required for agricultural nutrient management.

Soil Testing Labs

Comparison of Soil Test Labs

CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE PDF (4-20-22 Update)

General Information:

  • ASSUME PAYMENT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH SAMPLES.
  • Organic matter (OM) is an important soil property to track, but it is not offered in some basic packages. Producers are advised to request OM even if they choose a lab that charges an additional fee for the information.
  • Soil texture analysis is not offered by many labs in their basic packages. If labs do offer the analysis for a separate fee, it is often very expensive. Soil texture of the dominant map unit in a field can be obtained from Web Soil Survey.
  • Soil sampling depth should be 8 inches. See Soil Sampling Procedures for more information.
  • There is no need to request recommendations from the soil test labs.
  • Most labs have order forms and price lists on their website.
  • A new soil characteristic called the Degree of Phosphorus Saturation or DPS will be required on fields where phosphorus-bearing nutrient sources are intended and soil test phosphorus is equal to, or greater than, 150 FIV. Some labs already provide DPS as part of their basic packages while others do not. Consult the right column of the table below for information on acquiring DPS or the necessary information for calculating it.

 

Lab

 

Cost

 

Analyses

 

Comments

Degree P Saturation (DPS) or Al and Fe reported?

Waypoint Analytical Virginia, Inc.

7621 Whitepine Road

Richmond, VA 23237

Phone: 804-743-9401

www.waypointanalytical.com

$10.00 (Mehlich-3)

 

 

$1.50 for Al and

$1.25 for Fe

S1M Package

OM, P, K, Ca, Mg, pH, buffer pH, CEC, % base saturation of cations

 

Al & Fe - required for high P soils to determine DPS for UM-PMT

Several micronutrient combinations are also available.

Contact Waypoint for more information.

Al and Fe can be requested for an additional

$2.75 per soil sample.

 

NuMan Pro 4.2 (and later) can calculate DPS when soil test

includes Mehlich-3 Fe & Al.

Waypoint Analytical Pennsylvania, Inc.

280 Newport Road

Leola, PA 17540

Phone: 717-656-9326 or

1-800-464-6019

www.waypointanalytical.com

$10.00 (Mehlich-3)

 

 

$12.50 (Mehlich-3)

 

 

 

 

$1.00

S1M Package

P, K, Ca, Mg, pH, buffer pH, CEC, % base saturation of cations

 

S2M Package

P, K, Ca, Mg, pH, buffer pH, CEC, % base saturation of cations,

plus 2 trace minerals (select Fe & Al – required for high P soils to

determine DPS for UM-PMT)

 

OM

Several micronutrient combinations are also available.

Contact Waypoint for more information.

OM is not included in standard test package. If desired,

OM must be requested for an additional $1.00/sample.

 

Al and Fe may be selected as the ‘two trace minerals’

that may be added in the S2M analysis.

 

NuMan Pro 4.2 (and later) can calculate DPS when soil test

includes Mehlich-3 Fe & Al.

 

 

 

 

AgroLab, Inc.

101 Clukey Dr.

Harrington, DE 19952

Phone: 302-566-6094

www.agrolab.us

$10.00

 

Volume discounts available

BSF

pH, buffer pH, OM, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC, percent base

saturation of cations, Phosphorus Saturation Ratio

See website for more analyses.

Yes. Phosphorus Saturation Ratio is the same as DPS

and is part of their standard soil test.

Brookside Laboratories, Inc.

200 White Mountain Drive

New Bremen, OH 45869

Phone: 419-977-2766

www.blinc.com

Price determined by consultant

SOO1

pH, OM, Mehlich-3 P, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Fe, Al, CEC,

percent base saturation of cations, S, Bray II P

Brookside does not provide recs.

Consultants develop the recs.

Brookside prefers to receive samples from their consultants only.

Al and Fe are routinely reported for option SOO1.

Always enter Mehlich-3 P in NuMan Pro.

NuMan Pro 4.2 (and later) can calculate DPS from this information.

Pennsylvania Agricultural Analytical

Services Lab

Penn State University

111 Ag Analytical Svcs Lab

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-863-0841

http://agsci.psu.edu/aasl

$9.00

 

 

$5.00

$6.00

Standard Soil Test

pH, Mehlich lime requirement, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, S

 

OM

Al & Fe - required for high P soils to determine DPS for UM-PMT

See website for more analyses.

Al and Fe can be requested for an additional $6 per sample.

 

NuMan Pro 4.2 (and later) can calculate DPS when soil test

includes Mehlich-3 Fe & Al.

Spectrum Analytic, Inc.

PO Box 639

1087 Jamison Road NW

Washington Court House, OH 43160

Phone: 800-321-1562

www.spectrumanalytic.com

$10.00

 

 

$2.75 for Fe

Al is free if requested

S1

pH, buffer pH, OM, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC, percent base saturation of cations

 

Al & Fe - required for high P soils to determine DPS for UM-PMT

See website for more analyses, including additional micronutrients.

Aluminum will be reported for free if requested.

Iron (Fe) can be tested in addition to S1 for an additional $2.75.

 

NuMan Pro 4.2 (and later) can calculate DPS when

soil test includes Mehlich-3 Fe & Al.

University of Delaware

Soil Testing Program

152 Townsend Hall

531 S. College Avenue

Newark, DE 19717-1303

Phone: 302-831-1392

www.ag.udel.edu/dstp

$14.00

B1-Commercial Agriculture Soil pH, lime requirement,

OM, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe, S, B, Al,

Phosphorus Saturation Ratio.

 

Phosphorus saturation ratio is the same as DPS and

is included in B1 Routine Analysis

Waters Agricultural Laboratories, Inc.

PO Box 382

257 Newton Highway

Camilla, GA 31730-7216

Phone: 229-336-7216

www.watersag.com

$8.00 (Mehlich-3)

 

 

 

$9.00 (Mehlich-3)

 

 

 

$1.00

 

$0.50

Basic Test 2 (B2)

pH, buffer pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC, % base saturation of cations,

 

 

Routine Test 1 (R1)

Same as B2 PLUS ANY TWO OF:

B, Zn, Mn, Fe, or Cu.

 

OM

 

Al

Al and Fe are required for high P soils to determine DPS for UM-PMT

MD samples can now be sent to Georgia, Kentucky, or

N. Carolina locations, as all now run Mehlich-3.

Kentucky Address:

2101 Calhoun Rd, Highway 81, Owensboro, KY 31730

North Carolina Address:

364 W. Park Drive Warsaw, NC 28398

Fe and Al must be requested for high P soils. Select R1 test 

(including Fe) and add Al for $0.50 extra.

 

For the KY and GA locations, specify Mehlich 3 on the soil submission

form.

 

OM is not standard at the Georgia location.

To include OM, check the appropriate box (or specify) on the

soil submission form and it will be included for $1.00 extra.

Manure (and Organic) Testing Labs

Comparison of some labs testing manure and other organic sources:

CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE PDF (4-20-22 Update)

General Information

  • ASSUME PAYMENT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH SAMPLES.
  • Prices may change without notice. Check with lab for current price.
  • Submission forms and supplies are available from many labs. Consult lab’s website for this information

Lab

 

Cost

 

Analyses

 

Organic C or C:N ratio

 

Comments

Waypoint Analytical Virginia, Inc.

7621 Whitepine Road

Richmond, VA 23237

Phone: 804-743-9401

www.waypointanalytical.com

 

$40.00

M1 package

N (total), ammonium-N, P2O5, K2O, % moisture

 

A more extensive analyte list is also available for an additional charge.

Request C:N Ratio for and additional $19.85

 

Waypoint Analytical Pennsylvania, Inc.

280 Newport Road

Leola, PA 17540

Phone: 717-656-9326 or

1-800-464-6019

 www.waypointanalytical.com

$40.00

M1 package

N (total), ammonium-N, P2O5, K2O, % moisture,

% dry matter

 

A more extensive analyte list is also available for an additional charge.

C:N ratio is available for an additional $17.50

 

AgroLab, Inc.

101 Clukey Dr.

Harrington, DE 19952

Phone: 302-566-6094

www.agrolab.us

$45.00

 

Volume discounts available

Standard

N (total), ammonium-N, organic N, nitrate-N, pH, P2O5, K2O, S, Ca, Mg,

Na, Zn, Mn, Cu, B, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), % moisture,  % dry matter

Carbon (%) and C:N ratio are available as part of

“Complete Manure” and "Complete Compost" package 

(includes Standard Package): $75.

 

Brookside Laboratories, Inc.

200 White Mountain Drive

New Breman, OH 45869

Phone: 419-977-2766

www.blinc.com

Will be determined by a consultant

Complete Manure Analysis (Z002)

N (total), ammonium-N, nitrate-N, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, Na, S, Fe, Mn, Zn,

Cu, B, % moisture, organic matter

 

A more extensive analyte list is also available for an additional charge.

C:N ratio available; inquire with consultant.

Expresses results for P and K on both oxide and elemental basis.

Be sure to use oxide data in NuMan Pro.

Pennsylvania Agricultural Analytical Services Lab

Penn State University

111 Ag Analytical Svcs Lab

University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-863-0841

www.agsci.psu.edu/aasl

$32.00

Standard Manure Test 1

N (total), ammonium-N, P2O5, K2O, % solids

 

A more extensive analyte list is available for an additional charge.

Order “total carbon” to calculate C:N ratio for an

additional $15.

% moisture = 100 - % solids

 

Manure testing kits available upon request at no cost

Spectrum Analytic Inc.                    

PO Box 639

1087 Jamison Road NW            

Washington Court House, OH 43160

Phone: 800-321-1562

www.spectrumanalytic.com

$42.00

M3 Package

N (total), organic N, ammonium-N, P2O5, K2O,

% moisture, % solids

 

A more extensive analyte list is also available for an additional charge.

C:N ratio available upon request for $10.

 

University of Delaware Soil Testing Program

152 Townsend Hall

531 S. College Ave

Newark, DE 19717-1303

Phone: 302-831-1392

www.ag.udel.edu/dstp

$45 (COMPOST ONLY)

CP-8 Basic Compost Evaluation

N (total), ammonium-N, nitrate-N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn,

Cu, Fe, B, S, Na, Al, compost pH, compost EC, total C,

C:N ratio, moisture content

Included Compost analysis only; not intended for manure

Waters Agricultural Laboratories, Inc.

PO Box 382

257 Newton Highway

Camilla, GA 31730-0382

Phone: 229-336-7216

www.watersag.com

$25.00

 

 

$35.00

Maryland Manure Test 1

N (total), ammonium-N, P2O5, K2O, % moisture

 

Maryland Manure Test 2

N (total), ammonium-N, nitrate-N, P2O5, K2O, % moisture

 

A more extensive analyte list is also available for an additional charge.

C:N available for an additional $12.

Specify “Maryland Manure Test 1” on sample form

 

Maryland test can be requested from Kentucky location also. 

Address:

2101 Calhoun Road

Owensboro, KY 42301

Cumberland Valley Analytical Services     

4999 Zane A. Miller Drive

(for UPS or Fedex)

PO Box 999 (for USPS)

Waynesboro, PA 17268

Phone: 800-282-7522

http://www.foragelab.com/

$36.75

Base Test Package 2

N (total), ammonium-N, P205, K2O, % solids

 

A more extensive analyte list is also available for an additional charge.

Carbon (C:N ratio) is available

for an additional $15.75

% moisture = 100 - % solids

Growing Media Labs

Comparison of Labs Testing Growing Media (Soilless Media or Potting Media)

CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE PDF (4-20-22 Update)

General Information:

  • A growing media test is recommended if the substrate is composed of at least 50% organic material (peat, bark, compost, etc.) by volume.
  • ASSUME PAYMENT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH SAMPLES
  • Most labs have ordering forms on their websites.

 

Lab

Cost

Analyses

Comments

University of Delaware Soil Testing Program

531 S. College Avenue 152 Townsend Hall

Newark, DE 19716-2170

Phone: 302-831-1392

www.extension.udel.edu/dstp/

$40

GH1: Saturated Media Extract (SME)

Analysis- pH, EC, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn,

Zn, Cu, Fe, B, S, Na and Al plus

Nitrate and Ammonium-N

Analysis request form can be found by accessing the

home page, looking under ‘More Information’ and clicking

‘Soil Testing Program Forms.’

Pennsylvania Agricultural

Analytical Services Lab

Penn State University

111 Ag Analytical Svcs Lab

University Park, PA 16802 Phone: 814-863-0841

www.agsci.psu.edu/aasl

$40

Soilless Media Kit: Saturated Media

Extract (SME) Analysis- pH, nitrate-

N, ammonium-N, soluble salts, P, K,

Ca, Mg, Na, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn

1 quart sample size required. Order Soilless Media Kit

from a PA Extension Office or submit media in a plastic,

zipper-sealed bag with payment.

Waypoint Analytical Virginia

7621 Whitepine Rd

Richmond, VA 23237

Phone: 804.743.9401

www.waypointanalytical.com

$42

S8B: Saturated Media Extract (SME)

Analysis- pH, Salinity, Nitrate and

Ammoniacal-N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe,

Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Cl, Mo

Also available at the CA, TN, and PA locations- contact for pricing.

Fill a quart size bag for analysis.

Waypoint Analytical Pennsylvania

280 Newport Road

Leola, PA 17540

Phone: 717-656-9326

www.waypointanalytical.com

$40

Soilless Media: Saturated Media Extract (SME)

Analysis – pH, salinity, nitrate and ammoniacal-N,

P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Cl, Mo

Write in ‘soilless media test’ on soil test submission form

Waters Agricultural Laboratories, Inc.

2101 Calhoun Road

Owensboro, KY 42301

Phone: 270-685-4039

www.watersag.com

$35

Greenhouse Test: pH, conductivity, ammoniacal-N,

nitrate-N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, B, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu

Also available at the Georgia location. Address:

257 Newton Road

PO Box 382

Camilla, GA 31730

Tissue Testing Labs

Comparison of some labs testing plant tissue

CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOADABLE PDF (4-20-22 Update)

General Information

  • ASSUME PAYMENT MUST BE INCLUDED WITH SAMPLES.
  • Follow University of Maryland recommendations for sampling protocol. See NM-5 “Nutrient Management for Tree Fruits and Small Fruits” 
  • Web pages are updated frequently and addresses for the plant tissue information sheets may change. If this occurs, go to the lab’s home page and follow the links to the plant tissue information sheet.

Lab

Cost

Analyses

Comments

Sample Preparation

Tissue Submission Form on Website?

 

Waypoint Analytical Virginia, Inc.

(Previously A & L Eastern Agricultural Lab)

7621 Whitepine Road

Richmond, VA 23237 www.waypointanalytical.com

$28.00

 

 

 

 

 

$36.00

PT2

N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Al, Na

 

PT3

PT2 plus Molybdenum

 

Air dry if very wet and place in paper bag – no plastic.

Yes. Go to www.waypointanalytical.com

 

On the home page under Resources, click “Submittal Forms”

 

Select Waypoint Analytical Virginia as the location and click “Plant Tissue Information

Sheet”

 

Waypoint Analytical Pennsylvania, Inc.

280 Newport Road

Leola, PA 17540

Ph: 717-656-9326 or

1-800-464-6019

www.waypointanalytical.com

$28.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

$38.00

PT2

N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Al, Na

 

 

PT3

PT2 plus Molybdenum

 

Wipe off excess moisture with paper towel, but do not dry samples completely.

Place in paper bag.

Yes. Go to www.waypointanalytical.com

 

On the home page under Resources, click “Submittal Forms”

 

Select Waypoint Analytical Pennsylvania as the location and click “Plant Tissue Information Sheet”

 

AgroLab, Inc.

101 Clukey Dr.

Harrington, DE 19952

Ph: 302-566-6094

www.agrolab.us

$30.00

 

 

 

$35.00

Standard

% N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S,

and ppm Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, B, Na, Mo

 

Petiole

Standard plus ppm NO3-N

 

Air dry and place in a paper bag.

Yes. Go to www.agrolab.us

 

On the home page click “Services”

 

Go to Plant Tissue Analysis and click “Learn More”, and finally click on “Plant Sample Form.”

 

Brookside Laboratories, Inc.

308 South Main Street New Knoxville, OH 45871

Ph: 419-753-2448

www.blinc.com

N/A

T002

% N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na,

S, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, Al

Brookside prefers to receive samples from their consultants only.

Samples should be taken by a Brookside consultant.

N/A

Pennsylvania Agricultural Analytical Services Lab

Penn State University

111 Ag Analytical Svcs Lab University Park, PA 16802

Phone: 814-863-0841

www.agsci.psu.edu/aasl

$24.00

Standard

N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, Zn, S

Fill out submission form completely (including crop) to get nutrient 

recommendations, which are valid for Maryland NMPs

Air dry samples and place in paper bag – no plastic.

Yes. Go to:

 

https://agsci.psu.edu/aasl/plant-analysis/plant-tissue- total-analysis

 

Click on the desired form.

Spectrum Analytic, Inc.

PO Box 639

1087 Jamison Road NW Washington Court House, OH 43160

Ph: 800-321-1562

www.spectrumanalytic.com

$23.00 

P2

N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B,

Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Zn

 

Air dry samples and place in a paper bag – no plastic.

Yes. Go to www.spectrumanalytic.com Click on the desired form under “Services”.

Waters Agricultural Laboratories, Inc.

PO Box 382

257 Newton Highway

Camilla, GA 31730-0382

Ph: 229-336-7216

www.watersag.com

$17.00

Basic Test

N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, B,

Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu

 

Individual analysis available. See price list.

Tissue tests can be requested from Kentucky location also.  

Address: 2101 Calhoun Road Owensboro, KY 42301

Air dry and place in a paper bag – no plastic.

Yes. Go to www.watersag.com

 

Click on "Submittal forms" and choose the desired location

 

Select "Soil-Plant-Nematode Samples"