K-State Research and Extension Sedgwick County

Soil and Water Testing


Soil Testing for Lawn or Garden
We offer soil testing services through the K-State Soil Testing Laboratory. The standard horticulture soil test analyzes soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and organic matter. Below is a link with detailed instructions for collecting a soil sample. Once you have collected your sample, bring it to the main reception desk at the Extension office (7001 W. 21st St. N.) to complete your paperwork and pay the testing fee.

Testing fees for Lawn or Garden:

  • $23 for first sample (standard test)
  • $20 for each additional sample submitted at the same time.
  • Pricing varies on additional tests for individual trace elements or micronutrients.

We will forward your soil sample to the K-State Soil Testing Laboratory for processing. Results will take 4-6 weeks to be returned to you, and will include personalized written recommendations of what you need to do to improve your soil pH and nutrient levels.

How to submit a soil test for your lawn or garden

Please use the following Information Sheets when submitting your samples, or you can also fill one out here at our office.

Other nutrients and tests that can be run include: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), cation exchange capacity (CEC), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), ammonium (NH4), sulfate (SO4), chloride (Cl), aluminum (Al), texture, soluble salts, and salt alkali.

The lab can also test for heavy metal contamination: lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). If you are interested in heavy metal testing, the soil sampling procedure is slightly different. You should collect soil from only the area that you are most concerned about the heavy metal levels.

Additional fees apply for each additional test selected.

Soil Testing for Agriculture
In order to take an agricultural soil sample, you will need: soil probe or spade (probes can be checked out from extension office), bucket, resealable plastic bag, container, or soil sample bag

  1. Identify areas you would like to sample. Problem or noticeably different areas should be sampled separately.
  2. Collect 10 to 12 plugs of soil from a uniform area that you are wanting to test. Take surface samples to a depth of 6 inches. If Nitrate, Sulfur or Chloride are to be tested a profile sample will be needed. A profile sample should be taken to a depth of 24 inches. If a surface nitrate reading is desired, the 0-6 inch plug will need to be kept separate from the 6-24 inch plug.
  3. Mix all of the soil plugs together in a bucket and then put 2 cups of soil into a labeled plastic bag or other container.
  4. If soil is damp or wet, allow it to air dry overnight or for a day or two.
  5. Bring sample(s) to the extension office front reception desk and pay for desired test.

Testing Fees for Agriculture:

  • Package #1 (pH, P, K)
    • $18.50 for the first sample
    • $11.50 for each additional sample submitted at the same time
  • Package #2 (#1 plus OM, Zn)
    • $26.50 for the first sample
    • $19.50 for each additional sample submitted at the same time
  • Package #3 (#1, plus Ca, Mg, Na, CEC)
    • $22.00 for the first sample
    • $15.00 for each additional sample submitted at the same time
  • See Agricultural Soil Sample Information Sheet for additional test packages available. This is the form to use when submitting an agriculture soil test; they are also available at our office.

Water Testing
Water testing is also done through the K-State Soil Testing Laboratory. We only test water for irrigation quality, NOT for bacteria or drinking water quality. An irrigation water quality test shows the level of soluble salts (salinity) and sodium in your water that may cause problems for your plants. Instructions for collecting a water sample for testing are below.

Water samples should be brought to the main reception desk at the Extension office (7001 W. 21st St. N.) where you will complete the paperwork and pay the testing fee. Please use the entrance by the flagpole in front of our building, and ring the doorbell for admittance. We will forward your sample to the K-State Testing Laboratory for processing, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Once the results of your water test have been calculated, one of the local agents will provide written recommendations for you based on your results.

Water Testing Fee: $15.00 per sample

Instructions for submitting a water sample:

  1. Use a clean, plastic bottle or sealed plastic container.
  2. Let the water run for long enough to remove any water left in the pipes.
  3. Collect about 1 pint of water.
  4. Label the container clearly.
  5. Bring your sample to the main reception desk at the Extension office to complete your paperwork and pay the testing fee.

Important Links

K-State Soil Testing Lab

Contact Information

Have Questions? Contact:

Sedgwick County
Horticulture and Agriculture
7001 W. 21st St. North
Wichita KS 67205-1759
(316) 660-0100
Fax (316) 660-0166

Jeff Seiler
Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
(316) 660-0153
jseiler4@ksu.edu

Matt McKernan
Ornamental Horticulture Agent
(316) 660-0140
mckernan@ksu.edu

Abbey Draut
Food Crops Horticulture Agent
(316) 660-0142
abbeyd@ksu.edu