Soil Sampling

Soil Testing

Have your soil tested through Extension La Crosse County by the UW Soil & Forage Analysis Lab  in Madison. A standard soil test will identify soil pH, % organic matter in the soil, and amount of phosphorus and potassium.

The Soil Testing Process

Select the Sample Location
Select your sample area and remove any overlaying mulch, sod, or compost from the sample site.

Take your Soil Sample
Collect approximately 2 – 2 1/2 cups of soil from different area from the top 5-7 inches of soil using a clean trowel, shovel, or soil probe.

Package your Soil Sample
Place your sample in a heavy duty plastic bag or soil sample bag (our office provides free soil sample bags). Label the bag with the sample location description, your name and contact information.

Bring in your Soil Sample
Bring your sample to the Extension La Crosse County office and staff will help you fill out a submission form.

Our office is located at:
La Crosse County Administrative Center
212 6th Street North, Suite 2200
La Crosse, WI 54601

Cost
Total cost will include the analysis, as well as an additional $3 shipping & handling fee (per sample). There are additional/optional tests offered per sample. Payment method can be cash, or check. 

See soil analysis fees

Price Information & Submission Forms

Lawn & Garden

  • General Instructions:
  • Applications:
    • Home lawns, home vegetable and flower gardens, non-commercial fruit crops, landscape trees and shrubs.
  • Pricing:
    • $3 for shipping
    • Standard Analysis: $30 per sample. Includes soil pH, organic matter %, phosphorus and potassium.
    • Includes lime and fertilizer recommendations.
    • Optional: | Soluble Salts: $7 per sample | Physical Analysis (USDA percent sand, silt, and clay): $23 per sample | Calcium and Magnesium $3 per sample |
    • Lead screening is also available for $42 per sample.

Field Soil Sampling

  • General Instructions:
  • Applications:
    • Field Crop, Commercial Vegetable, and Fruit Crop Soil
  • Pricing:
    • $3 per /sample for shipping
    • Routine Analysis: $11 per sample. Includes pH, lime requirement, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and nutrient recommendations.
    • Optional ($ per sample): Calcium + Magnesium ($3) | Boron ($3) | Zinc ($3) | Manganese ($3) | Sulfur-Sulfate ($3)
    • Volume discounts are also available.

Wildlife Food Plot Sampling

  • General Instructions:
  • Applications:
    • Wildlife Food Plots. Accurate index of level of available nutrients in the soil; indicate the degree of nutrient deficiency that may exist for the various crops grown.
  • Pricing:
    • $3 per sample for shipping
    • Routine Analysis: $15 per sample. Includes pH, lime requirement, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and nutrient recommendations.
    • Optional: Calcium + Magnesium: $3 | Boron: $3 | Zinc: $3 | Manganese: $3 | Sulfur-Sulfate: $3