Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory

The Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory analyzes soil, plant, water, manure, compost and greenhouse media. The laboratory provides quality testing and unbiased, research-based recommendations to clients for economically viable and environmentally safe nutrient management practices.

The fee-based services are available to farmers, homeowners, vegetable and fruit growers, lawn and landscape specialists, golf course managers, consultants, researchers and government agencies.

The services that we offer include:

  • Analyzing soil for nutrient content and fertility status
  • Providing recommendations for economical, environmentally safe and balanced fertilizer and lime applications
  • Special soil tests for nutrient management plans and for addressing environmental issues
  • Analyzing potting mixes for nursery growers
  • Analyzing plant tissue for field crops, ornamentals, vegetables, fruits and turfs
  • Compost testing
  • Manure analysis
  • Water testing for domestic, irrigation, poultry and livestock suitability

Note:  MU Extension does not endorse commercial products.

Videos about understanding and using soil test reports

Remote video URL
Watch Understanding your soil test on YouTube.

Understanding soil tests

Remote video URL
Watch On-farm Compost Use on YouTube.

On-farm compost use

Using compost analyses and soil test reports to determine field application rates

Remote video URL
Watch Understanding Soil Test Reports on YouTube.

Soil testing for growing success

For commercial horticultural soil test reports

Remote video URL
Watch Soil pH Adjustments on YouTube.

Amending soil

pH and salinity management (for commercial horticulture)

Resources

Amending Soil pH (video)

Video about soil pH and salinity management (for commercial horticulture) by Juan Cabrera-Garcia, Field Specialist in Horticulture.

How to Take a Soil Sample (video)

Learn how to do soil sampling and see the process for having samples tested.

Lawn Fertilizer Calculator

Use this MU Extension Lawn Fertilizer Calculator to estimate the coverage area and application rate.

location_on
1100 University Ave
Mumford Hall Room 23
Columbia, MO 65211-0001
phone
print
573-884-4288

Office hours

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST

Description

We are in the east side basement of Mumford Hall with an outside door. There are parking spots behind the building.

location_on