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What is a Soil Test?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A soil test is a test which is used to gather information about the composition of the soil in a particular area. In a classic soil test, multiple samples are taken from the region of interest and tested before being averaged, ensuring that a random area of contaminated soil does not skew the sample. There are a number of reasons to conduct soil testing, ranging from a desire to grow a healthier garden to curiosity about potential contaminants in the soil.

A typical soil test is done by taking samples and sending them to a lab for investigation. In some cases, a government agency may pay for the soil test. For example, if tenants suspect that a substance which is bad for them is in the soil, the public health department may take samples and pay for the testing. In other instances, the cost of the soil testing is the responsibility of the person ordering the test.

A pH test. A soil test will often reveal the pH balance of the soil.
A pH test. A soil test will often reveal the pH balance of the soil.

When a lab performs a soil test, it sends back detailed results, often with a soil test guide so that people understand what the results mean. Many gardening organizations also publish soil reviewing tips, so that gardeners know how to address specific soil test results.

Gardeners use soil testing to learn about the pH balance and mineral composition of their soil. This can be used to determine which soil amendments should be added to keep the garden happy and healthy. For example, acidic soil would need to be modified with a base, or the gardener would need to plant things which can tolerate high acid levels. Improving soil quality is often an ongoing task for gardeners, and the soil may be tested on a regular basis to see whether or not soil amendments are being retained.

A soil test provides information about a patch of soil's composition.
A soil test provides information about a patch of soil's composition.

Before ground is broken for a new construction project, soil testing is sometimes required, along with an environmental impact report. The soil testing can sometimes turn up important information which may have an impact on the construction. For example, if the testing reveals the presence of a contaminant in the soil, the contaminant may need to be cleaned up before construction can commence. People who are buying land with plans to develop it may want to consider getting a soil test done before signing a purchase contract.

Commercial development may involve testing the soil to ensure that it will be able to hold future structures.
Commercial development may involve testing the soil to ensure that it will be able to hold future structures.

Environmental agencies also routinely use soil testing in their works. Soil tests are performed to monitor problem areas for pollution and released contaminants, and to keep an eye on environmental remediation programs. If land does require environmental cleanup, a soil test must be performed at the end of the cleanup to confirm that the soil has been properly handled and the land is safe to use.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon284067

Soil testing falls under which environmental law (What section) in India?

Fiorite

@ Amphibious54- Another organic method you can use is to plant grasses to grow during the off-season, and till them into the soil in the spring. If you grow winter wheat or rye on your fields, you can till them into the soil in the spring and this will help to reduce the alkalinity of your soil. This might be a better option for a large area. It is much cheaper than tilling compost into the soil, and it will help a lot.

ValleyFiah

There are a few easy ways that you can lower the pH in your soil. One method that I think works very well is composting. Compost will lower the pH in your soil and it is loaded with micro and macronutrients. You can use composted manure (fresh manure will be too hot and burn your plants), or you can use composted plant and food matter. If your garden is small, this is often the cheapest solution. I have a tumbler at home, and I make enough compost between brush and lawn clippings (organic lawn), chicken droppings, and food scraps to cover my whole garden. This should help to correct your pH problem by the next growing season.

Amphibious54

I used a soil test kit and it said that my soil was alkaline. This explains the stunted growth on some of my vegetables, but Now I am trying to figure out what I should do. My garden is organic so I don't want to use any chemical based product to reduce alkalinity. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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    • A pH test. A soil test will often reveal the pH balance of the soil.
      By: Sabine
      A pH test. A soil test will often reveal the pH balance of the soil.
    • A soil test provides information about a patch of soil's composition.
      By: M. Schuppich
      A soil test provides information about a patch of soil's composition.
    • Commercial development may involve testing the soil to ensure that it will be able to hold future structures.
      By: kez53
      Commercial development may involve testing the soil to ensure that it will be able to hold future structures.