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Rockdale County
海角官方首页 Extension Office

Lab Services - Soil and Water Testing

Soil Testing

Determining the fertility level of soil is the first step in planning a sound lime and fertilizer program for home lawns, gardens, pasture grass, and food plots. Most Georgia soils are low in pH and/or one of the essential plant nutrients, which can limit healthy plant growth. Applying the right amount of lime and fertilizer helps meet your plants' basic nutrient needs. Soil Tests are the best way to determine exactly what your soil requires.?

For a soil sample, we need approximately two cups of soil in a clean plastic bag or container to take to our office, or stop by for the 海角官方首页 soil sample bag. For guidance on how to collect a soil sample, please see the guides below.?

Lawn, Garden & Wildlife Food Plots??

Soil Testing is the foundation for healthy lawns, productive gardens, and successful wildlife food plots. By understanding your soil's nutrient levels and pH, you can make informed decisions about fertilization and amendments. To get started, check out our?How to Take a Soil Sample Guide. Feel free to reach out to our Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent for help interpreting your results. You can also explore our??How to Read a Soil Test Report?and use our???to determine application rates for your soil's specific needs. We are here to support you every step of the way!?

Pastures and Farms

Soil sampling for pasture and farms requires a different approach than sampling for lawns and gardens due to the larger acreage, variability in soil types, and specific crop or forage needs. Accurate sampling ensures the nutrient recommendations are tailored to the unique conditions of each field or grazing area. To help landowners and producers get the most reliable results, we offer a detailed guide titled?Soil Sampling Procedures for Pastures and Farms. This resource outlines step-by-step instructions for collecting samples across large areas. For additional support, our Agricultural and Natural Resources ANR Agent is available to assist with planning your sampling strategy and interpreting your results.?

Types of Soil Tests

海角官方首页 Extension offers a variety of soil testing services to help you better understand your soil's health and nutrient needs. While there are specialized tests available, our most common services for Rockdale County residents is the Routine Soil Test. This test is ideal for homeowners, gardeners, and lawn enthusiasts.? Specialty tests are available, but they may come at a different cost than the routine Test. Our Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent is available to help you choose the right test and interpret your results.??

Routine Soil Test

Cost: $10.00 per sample (includes postage)

The test includes pH, Lime Requirement, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Manganese

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Well Water Testing

Regular well water testing is essential to ensure the safety and quality of your drinking water. Unlike municipal water systems, private wells are not monitored for contaminants, making it the responsibility of the well owner to test for potential issues such as bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals. Even if your water looks, smells, and tastes fine, harmful substances can still be present. 海角官方首页 Extension offers reliable water testing services to help you identify any concerns and provides research-based information to assist you in taking corrective action if needed.? Our Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent is available to guide you through the testing process and help interpret your results.?

Types of Well Water Tests

海角官方首页 Extension offers a variety of water testing services to help you better understand your water source. While there are specialized tests available, our most common services for Rockdale County residents are the Basic, Expanded, Bacteria and Home Loan tests.? Specialty tests are available, but they may come at a different cost than the tests listed.? Our Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent is available to help you choose the right test and interpret your results.??

Basic Water Test (W1)

Cost:?$22.00?per sample (includes postage)?

Instructions: Water must not have been used for a minimum of six hours. In a clean plastic or glass container, collect six ounces of water from the kitchen or bathroom faucet. Bring the sample to our office, and payment is due at the time of submission.?

The test includes pH, Hardness, Aluminum, Boron, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Phosphorus, Potassium, Silica, Sodium, and Zinc.?

Expanded Water Test (W2)

Cost:?$64.00?per sample (includes postage)?

Instructions: Water must not have been used for a minimum of six hours. In a clean plastic or glass container, collect six ounces of water from the kitchen or bathroom faucet. Bring the sample to our office, and payment is due at the time of submission.?

The test includes all the components from the Basic Water Test, as well as Anions, Soluble Salts, and Alkalinity Tests.?

Standard Bacteria Test (W35)

The most common microbiological test for well water checks for the presence of E. Coli and total coliform bacteria, which are indicators of potential contamination. This test requires a special sampling kit, which includes detailed instructions and is available for free at the Extension office. While the kit is free, you will need to cover the cost of overnight shipping using the carrier of your choice, and the testing fee is paid directly to the 海角官方首页 Soil and Water Lab.? It is recommended that this test be completed once a year.?

Test and Shipping costs: $36.00 plus overnight shipping fees.

Instructions: The kit has one bottle, instructions, and a submission form. The bottle contains a white powder inside; the powder must stay in the bottle. The test is time sensitive and requires overnight shipping on Monday - Wednesday only. Please read the instructions on the submission form carefully.?

The test includes checking for E. coli and total Coliform Bacteria?

Home Loan Closing Test (W33B)?

The Home Loan Closing Test was created to meet the needs of our clients who are purchasing a home with a well.?These tests require a special sampling kit, which includes detailed instructions and is available for free at the Extension office. While the kit is free, you will need to cover the cost of overnight shipping using the carrier of your choice, and the testing fee is paid directly to the 海角官方首页 Soil and Water Lab.? Please note that VA and FHA loans require a third party to collect the sample.?

Test and Shipping costs: $85.00 plus overnight shipping fees.?

Instructions: The kit has two bottles, instructions, and a submission form. One of the bottles contains a white powder inside; the powder must stay in the bottle. The test is time sensitive and requires overnight shipping on Monday - Wednesday only. Please read the instructions on the submission form carefully.?

The test includes Total Coliform, E. coli, Lead, Nitrates, and Nitrites.?


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