Sampling and Determining Texture

Soil Sampling:

Sampling your soil is in your hands! Taking a proper soil sample is first step in receiving accurate soil test results. The West Virginia University Soil Testing Laboratory performs scientific and accurate soil analysis on all samples received. We will control the quality of the test results; you will control the quality of the sample we analyze. After you sample correctly, sample preparation and mailing can also affect the quality of your soil test results. The soil test recommendations are only as good as the samples we receive.

On this page, we will provide advice on how to take and mail the soil sample. Please review some of the materials we prepared to guide you in sampling your soils:

I.- Soil sampling presentation

II.- Sampling Summary Pamphlet 

III.- Sampling Summary Flyer, printer friendly flyer

IV.- WVU Extension Sampling

V.- WVU Extension Soil Sampling and Testing in Pasture

How to determine Soil Texture:

Soil texture is a very important soil property. The Soil Test Form requests that you provide the texture of your soil sample. You will be able to estimate the soil texture during the sampling process. In the document below we will provide and easy and reliable way to estimate your soil texture.

VI.- Soil texture

VII.- Soil texture flow chart