[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font_size=”36px” header_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_font_size_phone=”24px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Soil Sampling, Submissions, Pricing<\/h1>\n
The Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory offers analytical testing and science-based recommendations to help clients make informed resource management decisions. Services include comprehensive testing of soil, water, plant tissue, manure, compost, and other agricultural materials. These fee-based services are available to homeowners, agricultural producers, landscape professionals, consultants, government agencies, and University faculty and staff.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1%||1%||true|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Sampling Instructions” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/soil-services\/#sample” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”72px” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/soil-services\/#sample” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1%||1%||true|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Submission Forms” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/soil-services\/#form” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||400″ image_icon_width=”72px” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/soil-services\/#form” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1%||1%||true|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Pricing” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/soil-services\/#price” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”72px” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/soil-services\/#price” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1%||1%||true|false” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”FAQs” url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/soil-services\/#faq” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”72px” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/soil-services\/#faq” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”sample” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”|1%||1%|false|true” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F15625″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text quote_border_weight=”4px” quote_border_color=”#F15625″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” quote_text_color=”#414141″ quote_font_size=”18px” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_module=”23371″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text quote_border_weight=”4px” quote_border_color=”#F15625″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” quote_text_color=”#414141″ quote_font_size=”18px” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Sampling Instructions<\/h2>\n
Understanding your soil is the cornerstone of successful gardening, landscaping, and agriculture. Soil testing provides crucial insights into nutrients and mineral levels, pH balance, organic matter, and other chemical, physical, and biological soil characteristics for plant growth. However, the reliability of the soil test results depends upon the quality of the sample submitted. The soil test result is only as good as the sample collected. A sample must reflect the average soil properties across the area of interest (a field, garden, lawn, or flower bed).<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”|1%||1%|false|true” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#1E4D2B” open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#1E4D2B” icon_color=”#F15625″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” db_closeable=”on” db_initial_state=”all_closed” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Read Soil Sampling Instructions” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]![\"Soil](\"https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/2025\/06\/STL-figure1-sampling-tools1080x700-min.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Tools<\/h2>\n\n- A stainless steel soil-sampling probe, an auger, or a shovel\/trowel (Figure 1)<\/li>\n
- Clean bucket<\/li>\n
- Plastic bags or waterproof lined paper bags<\/li>\n
- Permanent marker<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Sample Collection<\/h2>\n
Use a systematic and\/or random sampling pattern to collect samples (Figure 2). The number of samples you need to collect depends on the size and variability of the sampling area. In general, more samples are better as they provide a more accurate representation.
\n![](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
\nCollect a representative composite sample by combining 10 to 15 samples from the soil surface\u00a0<\/span>(0 inches)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>to a depth of\u00a0<\/span>6<\/strong>
\ninches OR 8 inches (0-6\u201d or 0-8\u201d)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>for vegetable garden and flower beds; from the soil surface to\u00a0<\/span>2 inches OR 3 inches. (0-<\/strong>
\n2\u201d or 0-3\u201d)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>for lawns; and from the soil surface to 8 inches (0-8\u201d) for agricultural crops.<\/p>\nSubmit a separate sample for areas with different crop growth, soil color, or fertilizer\/amendment history. For example, a homeowner may submit one sample from a vegetable garden, one from a flower bed, and one from a front lawn. A farmer may submit a sample from each field, different crops, or from an area of low and\/or high productivity.
\n
\nWhen using a soil probe, Insert it into the soil to the proper depth (0-6\u201d or 0-8\u201d). Remove the soil core and place it into a clean bucket. Repeat this process at each of the predetermined subsampling points within your designated area.<\/p>\n
If a tool such as a spade is used, dig a V-shaped hole to sample depth\u00a0<\/span>(6 inches OR 8 inches)<\/strong>; then cut a thin (approximately\u00a0<\/span>1 inch thick<\/strong>) slice of soil from one side of the hole. For the sample, save a 1-inchwide strip of soil from the center of the spade (Figure 3).<\/p>\nWhen using an auger for sampling, bore a hole to the desired sampling depth (6 inches OR 8 inches) and then withdraw it. Replace the auger tip with a core sampler, lower it down the borehole to the sampling depth. Withdraw the tube core sampler and collected the sample.<\/p>\n
Once you have collected all the necessary subsamples from your defined area, it is time to combine them into one representative sample. This is referred to as a\u00a0<\/span>composite sample<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThoroughly mix all the subsamples in a clean bucket. This ensures that any variations between sampling points are averaged, giving a more accurate representation of the soil conditions. Break up any large clumps of soil, remove and discard surface litter (crop residue, grass, wood chips, manure, roots, or rocks\/gravel), and mix thoroughly until you have a homogeneous mixture.<\/p>\n
Take one pound of the mixed soil from the bucket and place it in a clean plastic bag or waterproof lined paper bag. This is the representative composite sample to be submitted to the Lab.<\/p>\n
Using a permanent marker, label the bag with your name, sample depth, and sample name such as FIELD1, GARDEN1, LAWN, BACK YARD, etc.\u00a0<\/span>Fill out the appropriate submittal form, found on this web page<\/a>. For lawns, vegetable gardens, flower beds, trees, and orchards as well as reclamation sites, use the Horticulture Soil Submission Form. For agricultural crops, use the Crop Soil Submission Form. Make sure that the sample name on the bag matches the Sample ID on the submission form.<\/p>\nSelecting a Soil Test<\/h3>\n
The soil testing packages offered by the SWPTL are soil management tools for anyone interested in diagnosing and correcting soil fertility problems, determining the fertilizer requirements of their crops and improving soil health.<\/p>\n
Our most popular soil test is S1. This comprehensive test is suitable for farmers and ranchers, agronomists, homeowners, landscape professionals, and environmental consultants. It provides information on all essential nutrients and minerals a crop\/plant needs for optimum growth and development.<\/p>\n
Soil Texture (S11) is also a key test to understand soil water and nutrients holding capacity and water drainage, and organic matter decomposition among other soil properties. This test determined the percentage of sand, silt and clay.<\/p>\n
Submitting Samples<\/h3>\n
Colorado State University County Extension offices throughout the state provide sample bags, tools and technical assistance for collecting and shipping samples, and results interpretation.<\/p>\n
Samples can be submitted in person or mailed. When mailing samples, place sample(s) and submittal form in a sturdy box or envelope. Seal the box with packing tape and mail it to the address on the submittal form. You will receive the soil testing report within 7 to 10 business days.<\/p>\n
Dropping or Mailing Address:<\/strong>
\nSoil Water and Plant Testing Lab
\nTerra Building T 3-16
\n4780 National Western Drive
\nDenver, CO 80216<\/p>\nPayment<\/strong>
\nPayment is expected at the time of sample(s) submission. Purchase orders are accepted for city offices, landscape companies, crop and environmental consultants, schools and universities.<\/p>\nWith the exception of existing accounts, all other sample submissions must be accompanied by a check or money order made payable to Colorado State University for the total amount due.<\/p>\n
For information about purchase orders, invoicing or payment, contact the SWPTL at\u00a0<\/span>soiltestinglab@colostate.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>or by phone at\u00a0<\/span>(970)491-5061<\/a>.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/2026\/03\/SOIL-SAMPLING-INSTRUCTIONS-03052026.pdf” button_text=”Download a Print Version Here” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”form” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ custom_padding=”|3%||3%|false|true” border_radii=”off|6px|6px||” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ border_width_bottom=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||400″ icon_color=”#F15625″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text quote_border_weight=”4px” quote_border_color=”#F15625″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” quote_text_color=”#414141″ quote_font_size=”18px” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_module=”23371″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t
Sample Collection<\/h2>\n
Use a systematic and\/or random sampling pattern to collect samples (Figure 2). The number of samples you need to collect depends on the size and variability of the sampling area. In general, more samples are better as they provide a more accurate representation. Submit a separate sample for areas with different crop growth, soil color, or fertilizer\/amendment history. For example, a homeowner may submit one sample from a vegetable garden, one from a flower bed, and one from a front lawn. A farmer may submit a sample from each field, different crops, or from an area of low and\/or high productivity. If a tool such as a spade is used, dig a V-shaped hole to sample depth\u00a0<\/span>(6 inches OR 8 inches)<\/strong>; then cut a thin (approximately\u00a0<\/span>1 inch thick<\/strong>) slice of soil from one side of the hole. For the sample, save a 1-inchwide strip of soil from the center of the spade (Figure 3).<\/p>\n When using an auger for sampling, bore a hole to the desired sampling depth (6 inches OR 8 inches) and then withdraw it. Replace the auger tip with a core sampler, lower it down the borehole to the sampling depth. Withdraw the tube core sampler and collected the sample.<\/p>\n Once you have collected all the necessary subsamples from your defined area, it is time to combine them into one representative sample. This is referred to as a\u00a0<\/span>composite sample<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Thoroughly mix all the subsamples in a clean bucket. This ensures that any variations between sampling points are averaged, giving a more accurate representation of the soil conditions. Break up any large clumps of soil, remove and discard surface litter (crop residue, grass, wood chips, manure, roots, or rocks\/gravel), and mix thoroughly until you have a homogeneous mixture.<\/p>\n Take one pound of the mixed soil from the bucket and place it in a clean plastic bag or waterproof lined paper bag. This is the representative composite sample to be submitted to the Lab.<\/p>\n Using a permanent marker, label the bag with your name, sample depth, and sample name such as FIELD1, GARDEN1, LAWN, BACK YARD, etc.\u00a0<\/span>Fill out the appropriate submittal form, found on this web page<\/a>. For lawns, vegetable gardens, flower beds, trees, and orchards as well as reclamation sites, use the Horticulture Soil Submission Form. For agricultural crops, use the Crop Soil Submission Form. Make sure that the sample name on the bag matches the Sample ID on the submission form.<\/p>\n The soil testing packages offered by the SWPTL are soil management tools for anyone interested in diagnosing and correcting soil fertility problems, determining the fertilizer requirements of their crops and improving soil health.<\/p>\n Our most popular soil test is S1. This comprehensive test is suitable for farmers and ranchers, agronomists, homeowners, landscape professionals, and environmental consultants. It provides information on all essential nutrients and minerals a crop\/plant needs for optimum growth and development.<\/p>\n Soil Texture (S11) is also a key test to understand soil water and nutrients holding capacity and water drainage, and organic matter decomposition among other soil properties. This test determined the percentage of sand, silt and clay.<\/p>\n Colorado State University County Extension offices throughout the state provide sample bags, tools and technical assistance for collecting and shipping samples, and results interpretation.<\/p>\n Samples can be submitted in person or mailed. When mailing samples, place sample(s) and submittal form in a sturdy box or envelope. Seal the box with packing tape and mail it to the address on the submittal form. You will receive the soil testing report within 7 to 10 business days.<\/p>\n Dropping or Mailing Address:<\/strong> Payment<\/strong> With the exception of existing accounts, all other sample submissions must be accompanied by a check or money order made payable to Colorado State University for the total amount due.<\/p>\n For information about purchase orders, invoicing or payment, contact the SWPTL at\u00a0<\/span>soiltestinglab@colostate.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>or by phone at\u00a0<\/span>(970)491-5061<\/a>.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/2026\/03\/SOIL-SAMPLING-INSTRUCTIONS-03052026.pdf” button_text=”Download a Print Version Here” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”form” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F1F1F1″ custom_padding=”|3%||3%|false|true” border_radii=”off|6px|6px||” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”#F15625″ border_width_bottom=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||400″ icon_color=”#F15625″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_icon][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.7″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text quote_border_weight=”4px” quote_border_color=”#F15625″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” quote_text_color=”#414141″ quote_font_size=”18px” header_2_font_size=”36px” global_module=”23371″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\t\t
\n![](\"https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/2025\/06\/STL-figure2-sampling-pattern1080x700-min.jpg\")
\nCollect a representative composite sample by combining 10 to 15 samples from the soil surface\u00a0<\/span>(0 inches)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>to a depth of\u00a0<\/span>6<\/strong>
\ninches OR 8 inches (0-6\u201d or 0-8\u201d)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>for vegetable garden and flower beds; from the soil surface to\u00a0<\/span>2 inches OR 3 inches. (0-<\/strong>
\n2\u201d or 0-3\u201d)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>for lawns; and from the soil surface to 8 inches (0-8\u201d) for agricultural crops.<\/p>\n
\n![](\"https:\/\/agsci.colostate.edu\/soiltestinglab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/140\/2025\/06\/STL-figure3-sampling-depth1080x700-min.jpg\")
\nWhen using a soil probe, Insert it into the soil to the proper depth (0-6\u201d or 0-8\u201d). Remove the soil core and place it into a clean bucket. Repeat this process at each of the predetermined subsampling points within your designated area.<\/p>\nSelecting a Soil Test<\/h3>\n
Submitting Samples<\/h3>\n
\nSoil Water and Plant Testing Lab
\nTerra Building T 3-16
\n4780 National Western Drive
\nDenver, CO 80216<\/p>\n
\nPayment is expected at the time of sample(s) submission. Purchase orders are accepted for city offices, landscape companies, crop and environmental consultants, schools and universities.<\/p>\n