Soil labs by state
Massachusetts
Massachusetts homeowners can use the public UMass Amherst Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory for routine soil fertility testing. Unlike many states, Massachusetts no longer has full county Extension offices statewide; most residents submit directly to the Amherst lab, while Barnstable and Plymouth remain county-linked Extension exceptions.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State soil lab
- UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory
- Lab website
- Official page →
- Basic test price
- $20.00 per sample
- Find your county Extension office
- Official page →
Official resources in Massachusetts
Main official lab page with services, turnaround details, and current testing status.
Homeowners download the routine soil form here and are told to mail or hand deliver samples.
Official instructions for collecting, drying, bagging, labeling, and paying for a sample.
Explains mailing, drop-box drop-off, and large-order drop-off procedures for the Amherst lab.
Official UMass page listing Massachusetts Extension field office locations, including Barnstable and Plymouth.
Key facts for Massachusetts
- UMass Amherst's Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory is open to the public. Source: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory
- Homeowners submit routine samples by mailing or hand delivering them with the form and payment. Source: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/ht/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/ordering-information-forms
- The lab's Contact page says most samples are mailed by USPS or other private carrier. Source: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/contact-lab-hours
- The Amherst lab also accepts drop-box drop-off outside Paige Laboratory. Source: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/contact-lab-hours
- Routine Soil Analysis is listed at $20.00 per sample. Source: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/services/soil-plant-nutrient-testing-laboratory/lab-services
- UMass says Massachusetts no longer has county-funded offices statewide, except Barnstable County and Plymouth County collaborations. Source: https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/extension/umass-extension-in-your-community
What to do next
- Start at the Ordering Information page, download the home grounds and gardening routine soil form, and read the sampling instructions before collecting soil.
- Air-dry about one cup of soil, place it in a labeled zip bag, and include full payment with the submission form.
- If you need a local office, check the Extension Field Offices page first; for most residents, the soil sample still goes directly to Amherst.
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