The thread linked below is now on page 4 and expresses one opinion about the company doing the free soil test submitted thu Calloways Nurseries. I dropped two samples off with them on the 8 th but have not received the results as yet.
Bill P.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread mentioned above.

Your states land grant, agricultural school, universities Cooperative Extension Service if it does soil tests is probably the "preferred" test lab unless you are looking for some unusual test.

Though I have used other labs, as well as the extension services in several states (with varying results), I cannot recommend A and L Laboratories highly enough. I've used them for their basic soil tests, for more detailed information, for plant nutrient tests (tissue tests tell you a great deal), and for pesticide residue testing. Over the years, I've probably had them do countless reports for me (and my clients).

Here is a link that might be useful: Click here for more information

Seligman, do you have reason to believe you cant get a proper reading of a soil sample from your local test lab?

How is one to know whether one is better than another unless one uses it and knows that the results are what was expected.

If you don't wish to use your Extension service of the local university try Solvita.comÂÂ..for a KitÂto test soilÂWoodÂs End Research Labs
Mount Vernon, Maine.

If you don't have something special in mind for wanting a test, many store-bought testers will do for home gardeners and while not precise instruments, they give adequate test reults.

Hi,

Here is a link that explains the types of soil tests. (http://www.aglabs.com/soil_testing.html).

I took the Basic Soils Seminar that was offered by Drs. Reams & Skow in 1985 and have tried to incorporate what was taught.

This year the results were evident when we had three consecutive nights of freeze. Freezes hard enough to burst irrigation and house waterlines in the area. The Swiss Chard, lettuce, green onions, and parsley that were growing in the garden beds did not freeze while the water in the birdbaths was one inch thick if not more. Some landscape plants in soil not the quality of that in the garden beds had frost damage.

Terran

Here is a link that might be useful: 3 basic classes of soil test

Our extension office doesn't do testing. In fact, I've been downright disappointed in what Illinois lacks, esp. when I look at Missouri, next door.

Missouri is a much "poorer" state (i.e. lower taxes) than Illinois. All I can figure is that we have so many governors that steal from the citizens, I guess some of their theft is impacting our agriculture spending.