CSU Extension fact sheet providing considerations of choosing a soil, plant and water testing lab.
Fact Sheet No. 0.520. R.M. Waskom, T. Bauder, J.G. Davis and J.R. Self. Revised 2013
Soil and manure testing are the foundation of an economically and environmentally sound crop management program. Plant tissue analysis can be a useful method to assess crop nutrient status. There are a number of qualified laboratories in Colorado and around the region that provide these services. Without an analysis, you may be buying unnecessary fertilizer or applying too much manure to your fields.
- Yearly sampling of each crop field is recommended to make accurate nutrient management recommendations.
- Lawn and garden management also can be improved by soil sampling.
- About a dozen soil cores are adequate for a typical urban lawn or garden sample.
- Manure testing is the best way to determine the fertilizer value of manure spread on fields or gardens.
- Annual water testing is suggested to help monitor the quality of your private water supply