Soilless Media Laboratory Test Greenhouse Media Test

Soilless Media Testing

Price List
Soilless Media Sample Submittal Form

Media used to grow various horticultural plants in greenhouse or container nursery conditions are tested for nutrient content to ensure proper plant growth.
Your report will show the amount of pH, Conductivity, Nitrate Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Sodium, Copper, Iron, Manganese and Zinc.

Obtaining a Sample

Containers for your samples are available at your county extension office.

Print instructions.

Obtain a Representative Sample

Growth media samples should be representative of the bed or bench of a given crop. A sampling strategy should consider crop species, planting time, container size and environmental parameters such as shading, location in a greenhouse or nursery bed, etc.
Ideally, a sample should be taken from plants representing each of the possible variations in these factors. However, circumstances may not allow crop management to differ with each of these variations. Therefore, it is best to select several subsamples from plants that will be managed as a block and submit a composite sample.

Sampling Time

Samples may be taken from bulk media before the crop is planted to determine beginning status.
Sampling time should also be considered relative to recent management activities or environmental events such as rainfall. If a crop is receiving routine liquid fertilization, it is generally accepted to wait four to six hours after the application before sampling.

Step-by-Step

Use the sample bags provided by your extension office to collect the sample.

Collect 6 to 8 subsamples from several locations in beds, or from 6 to 8 representative containers in a block. Each of these subsamples should include the growth medium from the whole root zone from the surface to the bottom of the raised bed or container. This is necessary because the soluble salts and other parameters can differ with depth in a container or bed.
Thoroughly mix the subsamples together to create a pooled sample.
Take two pints of the mixture as your sample. Two pints will fill two sample bags.
Mark the sample with an owner ID.
Samples and the completed submission forms should be delivered to your County Extension Office.

Submitting Samples

Kentucky Residents

Due to the technical nature of our reports, you should submit your samples through your county extension office. Your Extension Agent will help you interpret the results and make recommendations about how to remedy any issues that are found. If this is not possible, you may send the sample, submittal form and payment directly to us. Make checks payable to "University of Kentucky" and add 6% sales tax. (Our address is listed on the price list.)

Out of State Residents

IMPORTANT: To prevent the spread of harmful pests, federal law prohibits the movement of soil from certain areas. Do not ship samples from affected areas.

Due to the technical nature of our reports, we highly recommend you submit your samples through your county extension office. Extension Agents can help you interpret the results and make recommendations specific to your area.
If this is not possible, you may send the sample, submittal form and payment directly to us. Make checks payable to "University of Kentucky" and add 6% sales tax. (Our address is listed on the price list.)

University of Kentucky Research

IMPORTANT: To prevent the spread of harmful pests, federal law prohibits the movement of soil from certain areas. Do not ship samples from affected areas.

Please contact the lab before submitting samples.
Submit your sample(s) along with our research form.
If you would like recommendations, submit each sample with the appropriate submittal form (in addition to the research form).

Submitting an account number is appreciated to cover the cost of the tests requested. Contact Frank Sikora to submit an account number.

Price List
Soilless Media Sample Submittal Form

Be sure each sample has ID# and is packed well.

Interpreting Results

A report with laboratory results is emailed to the County Office. The report is also sent to the Horticulture Department where a specialist will add recommendations and resend the report.

Understanding Soilless Media Test Results and Their Implications on Nursery and Greenhouse Crop Management. (HO-112)

You are here

Soilless Media Testing

Quick Links