Why Have the Soil Tested?
Plants thrive best in soils that have the proper pH and nutrient levels for healthy growth. The pH of the soil is constantly changing. Organic matter is constantly being broken down. The mineral portion of the soil is slowly but constantly breaking down and changing as well. When we remove the leaves of trees and shrubs from the ground, we are also removing the nutrients that would be released into the soil as they break down.
For plants to grow healthy, the soil needs to have an appropriate pH with enough nutrients to support proper growth of the plants. Having the soil tested is the best way to know \what the pH and nutrient levels in the soil are.
If the pH and nutrient levels aren’t where they should be for optimal plant growth, make adjustments according to the recommendations on the soil test report. Test the soil each year until the pH and nutrient levels are in the optimal range. Then, test the soil every two to three years to make sure they remain at optimal levels.
Videos
Below are two videos. The first video shows how to take a soil sample and send it off to the soil test lab in Raleigh. The second video goes over how to read and understand the soil test report once it is received.
Where to Find Boxes and Forms
Here is a list of where soil sample boxes can be found in Carteret County.
- NC Cooperative Extension Office - 303 College Circle, Morehead City, 3rd floor of the CMAST building.
- Newport Garden Center - 291 Chatham Street, Newport
- Carteret County Public Library
- Western Branch - 230 Taylor Notion Road, Cape Carteret
- Down East Branch - 708 US Hwy 70, Beaufort
Soil sample boxes and forms should be mailed to NCDA&CS
Mailing address when using the US Postal Service
- NCDA&CS Agronomic Division Soil Testing Section
- 1040 Mail Service Center
- Raleigh, NC 27699-1040
Mailing address when using UPS or FedEx
- NCDA&CS Agronomic Division Soil Testing Section
- 4300 Reedy Creek Road
- Raleigh, NC 27607
