UNH Cooperative Extension Soil Testing Program

Since the early 1900s, UNH and UNH Cooperative Extension have been providing soil analysis and nutrient recommendations to researchers, farmers and homeowners.

Our soil testing procedures are best suited to typical New England soil types and may not be appropriate for samples submitted from other regions of the United States. We recommend that you use a local or regional laboratory whenever possible to obtain the best test results and recommendations. The recommendations that you will receive are based on the latest research conducted in New Hampshire and the northeastern states. Due to our unique soil and climatic conditions, these recommendations may be very different from other areas of the country.

Soil Test Form
To create and download a Soil Test Form please click below on the type of soil you would like to test.    You can also obtain the forms from your local county extension office. It is important to use a current form when submitting samples.

For more information on the soil tests that UNHCE offers, as well as costs, and specific directions on how to take the sample, please select the appropriate link from the list below:

• Home Grounds and Gardens
• Biosolids
• Commercial Corn, Forage and Pasture
• Compost
• Commercial Fruit
• Commercial Greenhouse and Nursery Container Grown Crops
• Commercial Field Nursery
• Commercial Landscape
• Commercial Turf
• Commercial Vegetable
• Commercial Plant Tissue
• Xmas Trees
• Non-Commercial Hay & Pasture

If you would like more information on the UNH soil anaylsis packages please click here!

Contact Information: For more information on the soil testing program or help filling out a soil test form please contact Suzanne Hebert at 603-862-3200 or email soil.testing@unh.edu

Click here for written directions or here for a map to our location.

Hours: The UNH Cooperative Extension-Biological Sciences Department is open M-F, 8:00-12:00, 1:00-4:30 except on university recognized holidays.

Location: Spaulding Life Science Center, Room G28A, 38 Academic Way (formerly College Road) Durham, New Hampshire 03824

General Sample Taking Information

Specific directions for collecting soil samples are given on the individual Soil Test Information Forms. In general samples should be collected as follows:

Using a clean spade, take soil randomly from at least 6-8 spots in each garden or lawn area you want tested. Combine the soil from these 6-8 spots to make one sample. Air dry the sample prior delivery to UNH. Remove stones and other large debris, and place ½ to 1 cup of dry soil in clean plastic bag, labeled with a name and sample number (e.g., Front lawn, Sample #1; Vegetable garden, Sample #2.) Make sure you include the sample name(s) and number(s) on the sample sheet you fill out and mail with your sample.

Soil samples can be hand delivered or mailed to the above address in Spaulding Hall.

Test result turn around time is from 10 to 14 work days.

Your sample results and recommendations can be received from UNHCE in one of three different methods: mail, fax, email. If you do not select a method on the soils form your results will be e-mailed to you.

Reference materials and other fact sheets for commercial growers can be obtained from our UNHCE Agricultural Resources webpage and then selecting (clicking on) the area of interest. Reference materials and other fact sheets for Homeowners (Home Grounds and Gardens) can be obtained from the UNHCE Family, Home and Garden Education Center webpage, or by phone at 1-877-EXT-GROW (1-877-398-4769).