Soil labs by state
Iowa
For Iowa homeowners, Iowa State University says home lawn and garden soil tests are not available from ISU; instead, its Yard and Garden guidance points residents to neighboring university and private labs. ISU also maintains county Extension offices statewide, which can help residents find local resources and, in some counties, soil-test-kit materials. ([yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/soil-testing-resources-home-gardeners))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State soil lab
- University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory
- Lab website
- Official page →
- Basic test price
- $22/sample
- Find your county Extension office
- Official page →
Official resources in Iowa
Iowa-specific overview of where homeowners can send soil samples, how to collect them, and what to expect from a lab. ([yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/soil-testing-resources-home-gardeners))
Official submission page with mailing instructions, current lawn-and-garden test options, and prices. ([soiltest.cfans.umn.edu](https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden?utm_source=openai))
Official county office finder; residents can select their county to reach the local Extension office. ([extension.iastate.edu](https://www.extension.iastate.edu/countyservices/))
ISU article stating the lawn-and-garden soil-test-kit resource was made available to all Iowa county Extension offices. ([yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2022/02/soil-testing-kits-available-extension-county-offices))
Key facts for Iowa
- Iowa State University says home lawn and garden soil tests are not available from ISU. ([yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/soil-testing-resources-home-gardeners))
- ISU lists the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory as a university lab for home-garden and lawn samples. ([yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/soil-testing-resources-home-gardeners))
- UMN says homeowners can mail samples, payment, and the request sheet directly to its Soil Testing Laboratory in St. Paul. ([soiltest.cfans.umn.edu](https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden?utm_source=openai))
- UMN also allows in-person sample drop-off at the lab. ([soiltest.cfans.umn.edu](https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden?utm_source=openai))
- The UMN regular lawn-and-garden test is $22 per sample and includes phosphorus, potassium, pH, organic matter, and estimated texture. ([soiltest.cfans.umn.edu](https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden?utm_source=openai))
- ISU says all 99 Iowa counties have an Extension office, and residents can locate theirs through the County Services page. ([extension.iastate.edu](https://www.extension.iastate.edu/countyservices/))
What to do next
- Use the ISU home-gardener soil-testing page first, then choose a lab that gives recommendations for lawns or gardens, not just agronomic crops. ([yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/soil-testing-resources-home-gardeners))
- Before driving over, use the county office finder and ask your local Extension office whether it currently provides the lawn-and-garden soil-test-kit materials. ([extension.iastate.edu](https://www.extension.iastate.edu/countyservices/))
- If you use UMN, print its request sheet, label each sample clearly, and send the sample with payment directly to the lab. ([soiltest.cfans.umn.edu](https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden?utm_source=openai))
Helpful guides
- How to take a soil sample for a lab test
- University soil labs vs. private labs vs. home kits
- How to read a soil test report
- Soil pH and lime: what your test is telling you