Agricultural Diagnostic and Analytical Services

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Agricultural Diagnostic and Analytical Services (ADAS) offers analytical testing of soil, 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, environmental consultants, landscape professionals, state and federal agencies, CSU personnel, and more.

For all composition and diagnostic analyses, we provide management recommendations when applicable.

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Office Hours

Monday – Friday
9:00a.m.–4:00p.m.

Soil, Water & Plant Testing

Plant Diagnostic Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Soil, Water, And Plant Testing Lab

What soil test package should I choose?

For vegetable/fruit crops, home gardens, and lawns, we recommend the S1 test for full nutrient analysis and the S11 test to understand your soils texture. For field crops (corn, wheat, alfalfa), we recommend the S2 test.

Which submission form should I use for my soil or compost?

Horticulture Soil Form: soil from vegetable/fruit crops, home gardens, lawns

Crop Soil: soil from field crops such as corn, wheat, and alfalfa

Soilless Media: non-mineral-based samples such as compost, potting mix, manure, and sludge

How much soil should I send and in what container?

We require about 1 lb or 2 cups of soil to perform a full analysis. Send samples in a sealed plastic bag.

How often should I test my soil?

It is good practice to test your soil once a year. Depending on your goals, you may test before, during, and/or after the growing season.

When will I get my results?

Processing times vary depending on the time of year. Generally, you will receive your results within 7-10 business days of the sample’s arrival.

How do I pay?

You may send a check with your samples. Otherwise, you will receive an electronic invoice with your results that can be paid online via credit card.

Useful Information

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Safe Gardening Guidelines for Marshall Fire

For Areas Affected by the Marshall Fire, read the Boulder County Public Advisory

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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.

Get Directions to CSU Spur