UGA Extension Office

Soil Testing

Soil tests are used to determine a wide range of nutritional deficiencies by providing detailed information on the nutrient status and recommendations for improvement. Soil test can be used to establish new, diagnose existing, and maintain successful lawns, gardens and crop stands.

Our most common soil test, the routine soil test, test for the basic soil nutrients and minerals such as:

  • pH (soil acidity)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Lime requirements
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Phosphorous (P)
  • Zinc (Zn)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Manganese (Mn)

In addition to the routine soil test, there are several other test available, better suited for commercial applications. Consult with an agent before requesting any additional soil test to determine which would best benefit you. Allow ten (10) to fourteen (14) business days for completed test results, and if you have any questions about the results and how to interpret the recommendations, feel free to meet with an agent.

  • Basic Soil Test: $12
  • Expanded Soil Test: $14

Contact us

If you’re interested in soil testing services, please call our offices. You will be sent the pertinent forms to ensure a speedy visit with us.

  • For the East Point office call: 404-613-4920.  
  • For the Sandy Springs office call: 404-613-7670.
  • For the Camp Truitt - College Park office call: 404-762-4085.
  • Please note that our Atlanta History Center location does not currently accept soil, water, or plant samples. Please contact the North Fulton office for testing services in that area.

For general questions or more information about soil/water testing in Fulton County, please contact 404-613-4920. Please call the drop-off location of your choice before coming, to ensure expedited service. 


Soil testing sample bags

For information on how to take a proper soil sample:

Extension Publications

  • Vegetable Garden Calendar (C 943) The recommendations in this circular are based on long-term average dates of the last killing frost in the spring and first killing frost in the fall. Every year does not conform to the "average," so you should use your own judgment about advancing or delaying the time for each job, depending on weather conditions.
  • Native Plants for Georgia Part I: Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines (B 987) This publication focuses on native trees, shrubs and woody vines for Georgia. It is not our intent to describe all native species — just those available in the nursery trade and those that the authors feel have potential for nursery production and landscape use. Rare or endangered species are not described. Information on each plant is provided according to the following categories: Common Name(s)/Botanical Name/Family, Characteristics, Landscape Uses, Size, Zones and Habitat.
  • Time Management: 10 Strategies for Better Time Management (C 1042) Learn 10 strategies for better time management, including knowing how to spend your time, setting priorities, using planning tools, getting organized, scheduling, delegating, and avoiding procrastinating, wasting time, and multitasking.
  • First Flock Refresh
    First Flock Refresh Georgia’s inaugural First Flock is retiring to Fortson 4-H Center almost three years after they came to roost at the Governor’s Mansion in 2021. By Josie Smith | Published: 3/18/2024
  • 2024 Alumni Awards
    2024 Alumni Awards Seven alumni from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will be recognized at the 68th annual CAES Alumni Association Awards banquet on April 6. By Jordan Powers | Published: 3/13/2024
  • Kylee Jo Duberstein
    Kylee Jo Duberstein Kylee Jo Duberstein, the state equine specialist for UGA Extension and professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science, competed jumping horses at a national level for over 15 years before becoming an award-winning instructor. By Erin Yates | Published: 3/12/2024
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