Submitting Samples for Soil Testing

Read on for instructions for submitting your soil test for nutrient analysis. This test is appropriate for those interested in receiving liming and fertilizer recommendations.

Step 1: Register your soil sample (even if you are paying via physical check or money order).

You will be prompted to create an account if you do not have one. Once you have logged in, please fill out the required fields concerning your contact info and desired crop code.

Online payment options include credit card or eCheck.

If you would rather pay via physical check or money order, please include payment when mailing your soil sample (rather than mailing it separately). We will not process samples without payment.

Once you submit your sample form, you will get a confirmation email containing an order number.

The email will look like this:

Please print this page to include with your soil sample. If you do not have a printer, write your name (as it appears in your confirmation email) and order number somewhere on the soil sample box.

Step 2: Take the soil sample to your local Extension office or mail it directly to the MSU soil testing lab.

If mailing via the U.S. Post Office:

MSU Soil Testing
P.O. Box 9610
Mississippi State, MS 39762

If mailing via UPS/FedEx:

MSU Soil Testing
MS 9610
405 E. Garrard Road
Starkville, MS 39759

If you take your soil sample to your local Extension office, they will mail the sample to our lab for free. However, if you are concerned with quick turnaround time, mailing the sample yourself is probably the fastest option.

Typical turnaround time is within 2 weeks from the time the soil sample is received at the soil lab. You will get an automated email containing your results.

For more information about collecting soil samples or interpreting soil tests, please visit our Soil Testing page online.

Publication 3856 (POD-01-23)

By Keri Jones, PhD, Laboratory Coordinator, Plant and Soil Sciences.