NDSU Soil Testing Lab
Why Soil Test?
Soil sampling and analysis gives you chemical and physical information about
your soil which can be used to optimize plant growth or assist in solving soil-related
problems. Soil test results will guide you in the decision whether or not to fertilize,
resulting in environmental and economic benefits. See "What do I do with my soil test
results?" for fertilizer recommendations for numerous plant species.
Soil test results can indicate problem areas in your soil. Some examples include:
excess salts, high or low pH, problematic soil texture, adverse nutrient levels, etc. These
results can be useful for guidance in management or remediation decisions.
Soil test results taken over time also allow you follow changes in soil properties
over time. This is useful to track remediation efforts or determine if unfavorable trends
are occurring.
