Soil, Water & Plant Diagnostics Laboratory
The CSU Soil, Water & Plant Diagnostics Laboratory offers composition analysis of soil, water, manure, and plants, as well as basic and advanced testing for fungal, bacterial, viral, and abiotic plant health conditions. We also provide plant and insect identification services.
We welcome samples from farmers, homeowners, consultants, government agencies, CSU personnel, and more.
For all composition and diagnostic analyses, we provide management recommendations when applicable.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00a.m.–4:00p.m.
We do NOT offer analysis of:
- Herbicides or pesticides
- Microplastics in water
- Samples collected from the human body (Scotch tape samples from skin or hair)
- Marijuana samples (we accept hemp samples with a valid Colorado Department of Agriculture license number)
- Mushroom identification (please visit Montana State University)
- Disease identification from dead tissue
How to Submit a Sample
Take a moment to review the steps for submitting a soil sample. We want ensure you submit a successful sample.
Step 1: Collect & Package Your Sample
Accurate diagnostics depend on a quality sample.
How to Collect:
- Soil Sample
- Water Sample
- Forage Sample
- Plant Diagnostic Sample
- Insect ID Sample
- Turfgrass Sample
- Tree Sample
- Tree Samples
Step 2: Complete the Submission Form
Submission Forms
- Horticulture Soil
- Crop Soil
- Water
- Manure / Compost
- Plant Tissue
- Feed & Forage
- Plant Diagnostic
- Plant/Insect/Arthropod ID
- Pathogen Detecti
- Pathogen Detection and Screening
Step 3: Hand Deliver or Mail Your Sample
Address for Mail and Walk-in Delivery
T-316 Terra Building
CSU Spur Campus
4780 National Western Drive
Denver, CO 80216
Frequently Asked Questions
Soil
What test package should I choose?
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What is the difference between horticultural soil, crop soil, and compost?
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How much soil should I send and in what container?
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How often should I test my soil?
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Plants
What is the difference between a plant tissue sample and a plant diagnostic sample?
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Administration
When will I get my results?
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How do I pay?
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Useful Information
Safe Gardening Guidelines for Marshall Fire
For Areas Affected by the Marshall Fire, read the Boulder County Public Advisory
Educational Resources
We are at CSU Spur
You’ll find our lab in the Terra Building at CSU Spur. This unique campus allows the College of Agricultural Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station to collaborate with partners to provide a community-centric, experiential, and lifelong learning opportunity focusing on the safety, security, and sustainability of food and natural resources to enhance the well-being of humans, plants, and animals.