Soil Testing Lab

Sample Submission Form:

Fee: $25

Routine soil check includes:

• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• pH
• Soluble salt (EC)
• Organic Matter
• Customized recommendations

Sample Submission Forms:

• Information Sheet for 1 field
• Information Sheet for 2 fields

Price List: Soil Testing Charges for Producers

Resources:

• North Dakota Corn Nitrogen Calculator
• North Dakota Corn Potassium Calculator
• North Dakota Sunflower Nitrogen Calculator 
• North Dakota Crop Nitrogen Calculator
• Nitrogen Decision Calculator
• Soybean Nitrogen Calculator 
• Wheat Nitrogen Calculator 

Sample Submission Form:

• Research Sample Information Sheet

Price List: Soil Testing Charges for Researchers

Tools needed

• pail or other open container at least 1 gallon in size
• shovel or other soil extraction device
• bag(s) for samples (NDSU Soil sample bags or quart size zip lock bag)

Instructions

1. Locate several (2-6) spots in site to be sampled. Spots should represent size of site to be sampled. (the larger the area you are testing, the more samples should be taken.)
2. Remove non-soil (grass, thatch, leaves, plastic, etc.) layer from surface of sampling location.
3. Use shovel or soil extraction device to remove sample to approximately 6 inches deep.
4. Place sample in pail or container.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for remaining sampling spots.
6. Stir soil in pail so thoroughly mixed.
7. Place at least 1 pint (or fill to the line on the soil bag) of the mixed soil from the collection pail.
8. Label paper bag with name, address, sample depth increment, and some sort of sample identifier (GARDEN1, LAWN, etc.)
9. Complete the Lawn and Garden Solutions form for each sample submitting for testing.
10. You do not need to include the payment for the testing, as we will send an invoice after tests are completed.

How Do I Send Soil Samples?

1. Close bag(s) containing soil samples securely.
2. Ensure sample bag(s) contain name, address, sample depth increment, and sample identifier.
3. Place sample bag(s) in a sturdy box, preferably surrounded by some sort of packing material, and seal up box.
4. Include the completed soil information sheet with the sample, and no payment is needed, as you will be sent an invoice when the testing is completed
5. Ship via mail or a parcel service to the following address:

Postal Address

NDSU Soil Testing Lab
Dept. 7660
P.O. Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Physical address for UPS/FedEx

NDSU Soil Testing Lab
1360 Bolley Drive
103 Waldron Hall
Fargo, ND 58102 

Tools needed

• pail or other open container at least 1 gallon in size
• shovel or other soil extraction device
• newspaper
• household fan (if available)
• bag(s) for samples (paper for wet samples, or paper or plastic for dried samples)

Instructions

1. Locate several (2-6) spots in site to be sampled. Spots should represent site to be sampled.
2. Remove non-soil (grass, thatch, leaves, plastic, etc.) layer from surface of sampling location.
3. Use shovel or soil extraction device to remove sample to approximately 6 inches deep.
4. Place sample in pail or container.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for additional depths or remaining sampling spots.
6. Stir soil in pail so thoroughly mixed.
7. For dried sample: *Note: we recommend sending dried samples to improve data accuracy
   1. lay out newspaper on floor or table
   2. spread soil sample out on newspaper so soil layer is about 1 inch thick
   3. try to break up large (golf ball size or larger) clods in soil
   4. if possible, have household fan blowing on sample to facilitate drying
   5. stir sample occasionally
   6. allow sample to dry at least 24 hours or until soil color does not change when stirred
   7. Label plastic or paper bag with name, address, sample depth increment, and some sort of sample identifier (GARDEN1, LAWN, etc.)
   8. place at least 1 pint of dried soil in bag
8. For moist sample: *Note: we recommend sending dried samples to improve data accuracy
   1. Label paper bag with name, address, sample depth increment, and some sort of sample identifier (GARDEN1, LAWN, etc.)
   2. place at least 1 pint of moist soil in paper bag

How Do I Send Soil Samples?

1. Close bag(s) containing soil samples securely.
2. Ensure sample bag(s) contain name, address, sample depth increment, and sample identifier.
3. Place sample bag(s) in a sturdy box, preferably surrounded by some sort of packing material, and seal up box.
4. Include the completed soil information sheet with the sample, and no payment is needed, as you will be sent an invoice when the testing is completed
5. Ship via mail or a parcel service to the following address: NDSU Soil Testing Lab Dept. 7660 P.O. Box 6050 Fargo, ND 58108-6050 (Postal Address) NDSU Soil Testing Lab 1360 Bolley Drive 103 Waldron Hall Fargo, ND 58102 (Physical address, for UPS/FedEx)

1. Close bag(s) containing soil samples securely.
2. Ensure sample bag(s) contain name, address, sample depth increment, and sample identifier.
3. Place sample bag(s) in a sturdy box, preferably surrounded by some sort of packing material, and seal up box.
4. Ship via mail or a parcel service to:
   1. Postal address:  NDSU Soil Testing Lab Dept. 7660 P.O. Box 6050 Fargo, ND 58108-6050
   2. Physical address for UPS/FedEx: NDSU Soil Testing Lab 1360 Bolley Drive Fargo, ND 58102 
5. Or bring to the NDSU campus: 

Waldron Hall
1360 Bolley Drive
Fargo, ND 58102

• Online payment

• North Dakota Fertilizer Recommendation Tables and Equations
• Evaluating, Preparing and Amending Lawn and Garden Soil
• Interpreting the NDSU Soil Test Analysis for Managing Turfgrass
• Irrigation Water Sample Analysis