Soil Testing Laboratory

The Soil Testing Laboratory is a part of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES). Located on the G. H. Cook Campus, the Soil Testing Laboratory is a service unit that offers chemical and mechanical analyses of soils for the residents of New Jersey and for Rutgers University researchers. Our mission is to provide accurate and timely soil and water test reports to meet the unique agricultural and environmental needs of our state.

• Soil Sampling Instructions
• Soil Testing Kits

Benefits of Having Soil Tested

Soil testing is economically prudent. The appropriate application of nutrients and/or lime can save money. Don't buy nutrients that your soil doesn't need; instead, invest in those nutrients that will bring about healthy growth and yields.

To apply optimal levels of nutrients or lime to your soil, it is necessary to know the existing pH and the availability of essential plant nutrients in the soil. Having too much or too little of these nutrients or limestone can be harmful to plant growth. We can help you adjust these levels for best results.

Soil testing is an environmentally responsible practice. Applying fertilizer or other nutrient sources incorrectly can lead to nitrate or phosphorus contamination of our water resources. By applying fertilizer appropriately, you can ensure that you are "feeding" your plants in an environmentally friendly and "green" way.

Featured Soil of New Jersey

In your travels around the Garden State, you may have noticed differences in soil types, from the sandy soils of the Coastal Plain, to the shallow, rocky soils of the Appalachian region, and the smooth-textured, shale-derived soils in between. Did you know that there are about 85 named soils (series) in New Jersey? Click the link below to learn more about New Jersey's myriad soils.

• Featured Soil of New Jersey (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service)