The Virginia Tech Soil Testing Lab, affiliated with the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension, analyzes soil samples submitted by the public and university researchers.
Tests are performed to evaluate the soil’s nutrient potential and to determine the most beneficial application rates of fertilizer and lime for optimum plant growth.
Routine testing includes analysis of nine elements, plus soil pH and estimated CEC. The lab also performs soluble salts and organic matter tests. Samples are analyzed and computer recommendations are generated, typically within three days.
Year operations started
1938
Samples tested annually
50,000+
Average number of smaples received each March
10,000
Gallons of liquid argon
used each year
1,000
Lawn samples testing low
in phosphorus
1 in 6
Percentage of garden samples with too much lime
34
