Soil Testing

A soil test refers to analyzing a soil sample to determine nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics such as the pH level in agriculture. A soil test can determine fertility, indicate nutrient deficiencies, potential toxicities from excessive fertilization, and heavy metals. At TPS Lab, we use a method that mimics the function of roots in the soil, making our results accurate with any soil type.

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To have healthy and productive plants, you must start with good soil. Soil in good health retains water, releases nutrients and drains well. A well balanced soil must contain adequate nutrients, optimum pH, and organic matter to produce high quality crops.

Guessing how much fertilizer or additives your lawn or garden need usually results in applying too little or too much fertilizer. Too little fertilizer may result in unhealthy plants. Too much is wasteful and can threaten our lakes and wetlands. Also, soils vary within the state, your neighborhood, and even your yard. What may be suitable for your neighbor or brother’s lawn or garden may not be right for yours.

Don’t guess or take someone else’s recommendations. Find out what your soil needs — take a soil test.

We offer several options, which may include some or most of the following parameters:

• Soil pH

• Levels of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).

• Micronutrients - zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu)

• Salt levels (especially for coastal areas)

• Electrical conductivity

• Texture

• % of Organic Matter

• Detects the presence of lead or other dangerous heavy metal contamination (for health reasons, all soil samples from home gardens and lawns should be tested for lead content).

Test your soil at least once a year. Keep the test results handy so that you can monitor any changes in soil fertility.

You may want to test more often if you have a problem area or if you’ve applied lots of nutrients. Testing your soil every year will save you money on fertilizer and other soil amendments.

How often you test depends on your crop's value and how closely you want to manage it.

You should test your soil well before the growing season, such as in early spring, once you’re able to work in your garden or lawn, or the fall before the ground freezes. 

A soil test typically takes five to seven business days (from when we receive your sample) to complete. 

1.  Use a clean spade, trowel, or soil probe to sample the soil. Take several samples in different spots to adequately represent the garden or field. Click HERE for an illustration.

2.  You will want to sample the entire rooting zone depth — usually 6 to 12 inches for gardens and 6 to 8 inches for lawns or turf. Click HERE for an illustration.

3.  Use a clean container to collect all of the samples. Mix the soil thoroughly and fill the sample bag with your soil. You will need to send in a minimum of 3 to 4 cups of soil.

4.  Label the soil bag with your name and sample identification (e.g., “garden,” “field,” “lawn” — some way for you to remember where the sample came from).

5.  Fill out the submittal form, completing all fields that apply to you. If you include your e-mail address, you can have your results back more quickly.

6.  Send in the submittal form with your sample. 

7.  Put the sample bag(s), submittal form, and payment into your mailing container and send it to TPS Lab at 4915 W. Monte Cristo Rd. Edinburg, TX, 78541.

When you get your soil test results, refer to our Soil Interpretation Guide, available HERE.

If you have any additional questions, a specialist or educator at our office can quickly review your results with you over the phone.

Ask us your question HERE.