From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Dillonvale, Ohio

What are the pros and cons to getting a soil test done now as opposed to waiting until spring? Would the soil change that much between now and then? Just curious, thanks

11/1/2016 11:42:18 AM

Merrimack NH

Fall test for the large adjustments, spring test for fine tuning. Soil tests are cheap, do them both.

11/1/2016 12:21:20 PM

Germany

Simple answer: Get a soil test now and then and see how your soil changes.
More efficient answer: Yes, it will change.
My favorite answer: In fall add what you will have to add (compost, manure, larger amounts of lime or dolomite etc., whatever you know your soil will need for sure), and in spring get a soil test done and see what you will have to add for fine tuning. Basically what BarryL said, but if yu want to save money then I would save money in fall, not in spring.

11/1/2016 1:20:51 PM

Westmoreland, KS

The more you know is always a good thing. Getting a soil test now and in spring will help you for years to come. I like to compare my tests now from tests in years past at this same time. Make a note of everything you add right now. It just really lets you know if what you have been doing has been a good thing or a bad thing.

Then next year at this time you will have a better idea of what you should do to help improve your soil even more.

11/1/2016 2:39:53 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

Where do you guys get these "cheap" soil tests? I've seen tests that are $50-90 from western labs. That's not cheap IMO.

Is it to late for a fall soil test now that my winter rye is up and doing well? I really couldn't amend much without tilling in the rye.

Didn't mean to hijack your post. Sorry.

11/1/2016 9:21:49 PM

Dillonvale, Ohio

All good Jay, besides, my rye is up too. Maybe a liquid fertilizer? Or granular and water in?
I believe my local OSU extension office will do them for $20. Does Penn State offer anything like that?
And Jay, you are not too far from me, I'm in Ohio just across the river from Wheeling

11/1/2016 10:25:51 PM

Upa Creek, MO

UMASS was around 15 last year.

11/1/2016 10:51:07 PM

Dillonvale, Ohio

Just left the extension office, they change $12 per sample and they send it to Penn state to be done

11/2/2016 9:16:27 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Yep same i work at a university...Kansas State University they are around 12 bucks here too.

11/2/2016 11:18:12 AM

Westmoreland, KS

Here ya go Jay looks like you have a few options http://extension.psu.edu/allegheny/news/spotlight/penn-state-analytical-laboratories-test-your-soil-and-water

412-482-3476 or alleghenymg@psu.edu

11/2/2016 11:20:49 AM

Northern Cambria, Pa.

The Penn State test is very limited. You can get a complete test, including most micros at A&L Labs for $14.40. I use the one in Richmond. You can get the form on the website.
http://www.al-labs-eastern.com/ They will email you the results usually the day after they receive your sample.

11/2/2016 11:54:51 AM

Colorado

Stay with the same lab-comparing numbers between lab reports from different labs isnt helpful

11/2/2016 12:10:47 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

$14.00 for everything. Many,many dairy farmers here in New York uses this, plus many gardeners...Plus they do tissue testing. Fast reply....http://dairyone.com/analytical-services/agronomy-services/soil-testing/

11/2/2016 4:19:53 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks for all the help and again, sorry to hijack your post Wolf3080.

11/2/2016 8:57:00 PM

Dillonvale, Ohio

I'm glad you did, it allowed me to learn more. Now I know of a couple other places for soil tests if the one I get doesn't seem to have much information.

11/2/2016 11:06:35 PM