Provides information and assistance to potato, forage, vegetable and livestock farmers.

Works with greenhouses, garden centers, grounds maintenance, landscape contractors, interior plantscape and nursery operations.

Provide introductory GPS programs for schools, 4-H programs, emergency service agencies and the general public.

Work with local farmers to develop and utilize precision agriculture technology to improve field and farm management.

Before our office can make a proper soil amendment recommendation to correct deficiencies in nutrients or pH, the land owner must take a soil sample. Procedures for this process can be found in the UAF-CES publication, Soil Sampling, FGV-00044.

After taking the soil sample, the land owner sends it to a laboratory of their choice. Please refer to UAF-CES publication, Factors to Consider in Selecting a Soil Testing Laboratory, FGV-00045.

In Alaska, soil sample testing is performed by the UAF Laboratory located at the UAF Palmer Center for Sustainable Living (Matanuska Experiment Farm). The lab is located at 1509 S. Georgeson Dr., Palmer, Alaska 99645 (formerly Trunk Road).

Please send your sample directly to the laboratory to avoid any delays. The Soil Sampling publication gives instructions on how to package and mail your soil sample. Please print and include the two forms included with the publication. The UAF Laboratory can be reached at (907) 746-9450 if you have further questions. If you choose another laboratory, please follow their instructions for submitting your soil sample.

The UAF lab usually has results in approximately 7-10 days after receipt of the soil sample. The cost is $40 for the basic test (pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium levels). The UAF lab will send a copy of your test results to the CES office of your choice. You will also receive a copy of the test results either by mail or e-mail.

Upon receipt of the test results, an agent will interpret and make recommendations for soil amendments based on the information provided on the form submitted with the sample.

Please note, if you choose to use another laboratory, you may bring (or email) your results to the office and we can help you make the appropriate recommendations.  Outside laboratories will not automatically send soil test results to our office.

If you are interested in learning more about soils, please download and read this UAF-CES publication: Managing Alaska Soils: Essential Soil Science Topics for the Commercial and Backyard Crop Producer, FGV-00043.