UGA Cooperative Extension: Coweta County: Ag & Natural Resources
Testing Services
Soil Samples
Soil Sample Bags Available at Extension Office
Soil tests will provide valuable information on the soil’s actual nutrient status. Test results are used to determine the amount and kind of nutrients that should be added for the best growth of lawn, garden and other types of plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a soil sample cost?
A: Soil samples cost $8.00 per bag to send to the lab. You can pay by cash or check.
Q: When and how often should soils be tested?
A: Soils can be tested any time during the year. However, allow enough time for the analysis and for fertilizer and lime application. Lime reacts slowly and, if possible, it should be mixed with the soil two to three months before planting. Generally, fall is the most desirable time to sample because landscapes and gardens are usually dry and easily accessible.
Once medium or high fertility levels are established, lawn and ornamental areas need to be sampled every two to three years.
Vegetable gardens should be sampled every 1 to 2 years.
Q: How soon will I get my results back (turn-around-time)?
A: The analysis takes two to three working days from the time the lab receives the samples. In general, it takes 7 to 10 days from the time we receive the samples to the time you get your test reports back.
Q: Who do I contact regarding my soil test results and recommendations if I don’t understand the numbers?
A: The Soil Test Report provides an interpretation of all soil tests done by the Soil Testing Lab and is accompanied by appropriate nutrient and lime recommendations. If you need further information about your test results, contact the Coweta County University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office at 770-254-2620.
To find out how to take a soil sample http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubd/L99.htm
Other Testing Services
Water Samples
A basic water sample will test for pH and hardness, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, aluminum, chromium, manganese, copper, cadmium, iron, zinc, sodium, nickel, magnesium, boron, molybdenum and silica. The fee is $12.00 per sample and will take approximately 7-10 working days. To have your well water tested, you will need to take one full cup of water in a clean jar (no residue of previous contents) to the Extension Office. Please do not use a jar that has contained vinegar or salsa.
The fee for the expanded water test is $45.00 per sample and will test for the pH, and minerals contained in the basic test plus chloride, fluoride, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, soluble salts and alkalinity. One pint of water is needed for the expanded water test. Use a sterilized jar (no residue of previous contents).
Water Samples are accepted at the Coweta County Extension Office Monday through Wednesday.
Pond Samples
If you are having problems with weeds in your pond and would like the water tested, bring a quart jar of the water and a sample of the weeds to the Extension office. This is a free test provided by the Extension agent.
Forage Samples
Sampling is a major factor affecting the accuracy of forage quality analyses. The basic test includes moisture, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber. The fee is $20.00 per sample. Some of the individual elements listed can be tested individually. Bring your sample in a gallon zip-loc bag to the Extension office.
Lagoon Samples
This will test for phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium, sulfur, manganese, iron, aluminum, boron, copper, kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, and ammonium-nitrogen. The fee is $57.00.
