Soil and Water Testing

Cooperative extension

Soil and Water testing

Soil and Water Testing

Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service provides testing for soil, plant tissue, water quality, animal waste, feeds and forages, pesticides, and more.

Soil testing can be done to help you develop and maintain a more productive soil by providing information on nutrient levels and soil pH. The basic soil test, our most popular test checks for pH/Lime Requirement, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Manganese. We offer a myriad of soil tests. For additional soil testing options, contact our office.

Testing Fees:

Basic Soil Test $12

Expanded Soil Test $14

Water samples can also be tested for a variety of purposes. The basic water test checks for pH, water hardness, and the presence of 16 minerals.

Basic Water Test $22

Expanded Water Test $62

Soil testing

Step 1

of 4

Step 1

The soil must be dry. For each area you sample (i.e. front yard, or back yard, or vegetable garden), you will need to take 8 to 10 small samples, in a zigzag manner (20 small samples is better for larger areas).

Step 2

of 4

Step 2

Dig 4 inches deep for a lawn soil sample, and 7 inches deep for everything else, and leave out any grass, thatch, or mulch. Take a slice from the top of the soil to the 4 inch or 7 inch depth.

Step 3

of 4

Step 3

Repeat this until you have about 2 cups of soil, then mix all the small samples together.

Step 4

of 4

Step 4

Place it into a zip lock bag and bring it into the office.

water testing

To collect your water sample (W1, W2):

Collect your water from a kitchen faucet or a faucet used most often for drinking and cooking.

1. A first draw water sample should be collected either early morning or evening upon returning home to ensure that the necessary 6-152 hours stagnant water conditions exist.

2. Place a clean sample container below the faucet and gently open the cold water tap. Completely fill all sample bottles being careful not to contaminate the sample. To prevent contamination, do not touch the inside of the bottle or lid.

Step 1

of 2

Step 1

Basic Water Test (W1)

Get a clean (sterilized) glass jar or bottle to collect the 6 ounces of water you want tested (bring extra in case of spillage when you transfer the water into our specialized bottles).

Step 2

of 2

Step 2

Expanded Water Test (W2)

Collect 16 ounces of water in a clean (sterilized) glass jar or bottle.

soil and water testing

faqs

how to test my home for radon?

Radon occurs naturally when uranium breaks down to form radon. Uranium is often found in high concentrations in granite and rocky soils. Radon is released into the soil and can easily enters a home through the foundation and well water.

https://www.fcs.uga.edu/extension/home-radon

how to determine if my plant has a disease?

Because you did not identify your plant, please visit http://extension.uga.edu/about/county for help in identifying your plant, possible diseases and how to rid your plant of the disease.