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Soil Testing 


Soil Testing is available all year from MSU Extension-Livingston County. Tests with custom-written recommendations are available for vegetable and flower gardens, trees and shrubs, lawns, tree fruit and deer plots. The test will have information about type of soil, the soil pH, and levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium present. The recommendation will include the amount of nitrogen fertilizer and recommendations for phosphorus or potassium, if needed. If it is necessary to change the soil pH to improve growing conditions, a sulfur or lime recommendation will be included. For an additional fee, an organic matter test will tell how much humus is in the soil.

Lawn or New Lawn Top to 4 inches (go to a variety of depths)
Flower or Vegetable Garden Top to 12 inches (go to a variety of depths)
Trees and Shrubs Top to 12 to 18 inches (go to a variety of depths)

A soil test is $17.50. The organic matter test is $23.50.

"Don't Guess...Soil Test" is a spring time soil testing initiative which offers a reduced cost for soil tests during the four Saturdays in April. The drop-off sites are at eight area retailers in Livingston County. The test, which includes an organic matter test, is $15.00.

Soil Test FAQ's:

  • Why should I have my soil tested? Getting a soil test is a way to find out information about your soil that you have no other way of getting. It will tell you soil type, exchange capacity, soil pH, and how much phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium are presently in the soil. You will receive a recommendation to correct the deficiencies, including pH adjustment, if necessary. The recommendation will aid in optimum growth for your plants. The soil test will not show evidence of insect problems, disease or soil contamination.

  • What types of tests are available? The homeowner/residential test will have recommendations for fertilizer that is given in pounds per 100 square feet of area. There are farms/large acreage are given in tons per acre. A greenhouse test is for artificial growth media (soil-less mixtures) that are used for greenhouse growing. Call for information about other specific tests.

  • How do I take a sample? A clean plastic bucket or container and a trowel or small shovel are needed. Decide on the kind of test you want. Go to about a dozen locations in that area. Dig down to the recommended depth and take all the soil from the top down to the bottom in one thin slice. Basically, the soil will be coming from the area in which the roots are growing. Place all the samples for that test in one container and then mix them up. This averages the area and the soil depths. Pick out any sticks, rocks, roots or other plant material. Measure one cup of soil and put it into a plastic sandwich bag.

  • Can I use one test for multiple kinds of plants, like vegetable garden and lawn?  If you do, you will be disappointed with the results. The test is geared to the crop you want to grow, whether it is vegetables and flowers or lawn or trees and shrubs. Each kind of plant has different requirements for nutrients and soil pH. Unfortunately, they are not interchangeable.

  • How much soil is needed for a test? Homeowner/residential = one cup. Farm/large acreage = one cup. Greenhouse test = one quart.

  • What if the soil is wet? Let it air dry on a newspaper at home and then bring it in.

  • Do you test the soil at your office?  The soil is sent to the Michigan State University Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory in East Lansing. They send back the results which are interpreted in the MSU Extension-Livingston County office by the Horticulture Educator and mailed to the person requesting the test.

  • How long does it take to get results? It takes approximately two to three weeks to have the results mailed to your address.

  • How much does a soil test cost? The homeowner/residential test is $17.50. The farm/large acreage test is $17.50. The organic matter test is $6.00. The greenhouse test is $25.00. You can get any combination of these tests on your soil, the pricing is all ala carte.

  • Where do I take my soil? MSU Extension - Livingston County, 2300 E. Grand River, Howell. Phone: 517/546-3950. Open 8 a.m. B 5 p.m., Monday B Friday.


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    MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.  Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.  Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824.  This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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    MSU Extension - Livingston County
    2300 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 111, Howell MI  48843
    Phone 517.546.3950   Fax 517.546.5154
    Email: MSU Extension

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    Last updated:  October 16, 2009  Updated by: L. Coffman