Gary Y. Gao, Ohio State University Extension, Clermont County; Maurice E. Watson, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio; Joseph F. Boggs, Ohio State University Extension, Hamilton County and Southwest District; and James A. Chatfield, Ohio State University Extension, Northeast District and Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.
Growers should consider several factors in choosing a soil-testing laboratory. This article refers to laboratories that determine concentrations of plant-available nutrients in the soil. Soil-testing laboratories are generally not regulated by state or federal agencies. Consequently, it is important for growers to investigate these laboratories by obtaining information about their performance, operation, and service before sending soil samples for analysis. A grower requires assurance that the test results will be of high quality, be credible, and meaningful. Specific guidelines are discussed here to aid the grower in evaluating a soil-testing laboratory.