Soil Testing

Why Test Soil?

A soil test will tell you what nutrients are in your soil and what you may need to add (in the form of fertilizer) for successful crop growth. Plants need nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (macronutrients) as well as micronutrients to grow. Deficiency or excess of these elements will impact the health and productivity of crops. In addition, the pH (acid/alkaline level) of your soil has an impact upon how much of your soil's nutrients your plants will be able to use. CCEDC can provide or arrange several different tests for your soil and can help you to interpret the results and choose an appropriate course of action if necessary.

For Home Gardeners:

Non-commercial can receive assistance through our Master Gardener Program. Click here to view instructions and FULL ANAYLSIS soil sample testing options  offered by CCE Dutchess.

Soil pH testing:

We test pH of the soil In-House for $15, you can also purchase a kit for $15 and do it at your own leisure. 

1. Samples should be 4 to 5 inches below soil surface or sod layer.
2. Take serval random samples from the area to be tested & mix together.
3. Submit at least one cup of DRY SOIL.
4. Samples for pH testing can be dropped off M-F 9am-12pm April-October.
5. pH In-House sample form. (PDF)

Complete Soil Nutrient Analysis

We provide more extensive testing through Rutgers University. The cost for Full analysis testing (includes pH & nutrients) is $25.00. You can pick up the soil kit at our office and mail it yourself with the choice of your mailing courier. Kits can be picked up M-F from 9am-4pm at the Dutchess County Farm & Home Center.

For Commercial Growers and Farmers:

Commercial and Farm producers can receive assistance through Agricultural program educators. Full soil test is conducted by Dairy One Lab in Ithaca. Soil sample DROP OFF are conducted M-F 9am-4pm only, fee is $30 per soil sample.

Click below for submission forms:

• Commercial Field Corp A .PDF
• Commercial Vegetable Crops V. PDF
• Form F-Commercial Fruit, Hops, & Christmas Trees. PDF
• Form T-Commercial Turf. PDF

Please visit here Dairy One for testing instructions and other forms.

Last updated June 20, 2023