What Is Soil Testing and Do You Need It?

Whether you’re carrying out a construction project like a home addition or new home build or are planning on putting in vegetable gardens, you might be wondering if you need a soil test. First, it’s helpful to understand what soil testing is and what information it can give you. In this article, we’ll explain what soil testing is, when you should order a test, and how much you can expect to spend.

What Is Soil Testing?

Soil testing refers to any kind of diagnostic you carry out on your soil. There are many types of soil tests that give you different information about your soil, from the makeup and stability to nutrient and contaminant levels. Regardless of the test, the process often involves taking a sample of soil from your yard and analyzing it in a lab setting. There are also DIY soil test kits you can buy that let you forgo the lab and instead test your soil for nutrients or contaminants right at home.

Do I Need Soil Testing Before Building?

In most cases, yes, you need to hire a local soil tester to test your soil before building. Testing before construction will tell you the makeup of your soil, which can affect how the ground will react to the weight of your structure and can inform how your contractor lays the foundation. Pre-construction soil tests can also give you insights into drainage on your land that influences construction.

The bottom line: if you’re planning new construction, it might be time to get a soil test.

When Should I Order a Soil Test?

You may need or want to order soil testing if you’re carrying out any of the following projects.

• Building new construction: A composition test can tell you what kind of soil you have and how it will handle building loads.

• Installing garden beds: Nutrient testing can help ensure you have healthy soil for your plants.

• Preparing for lawn fertilization or aeration: Nutrient testing and oxygen tests can help you decide what amendments your lawn needs for healthy growth.

• If you believe your underground oil tank is leaking: A contaminant test will determine if you need to carry out an oil cleanup and replace or remove your underground tank.

• If you’re concerned about a septic tank leak: A contaminant test will determine if you need to repair your septic tank and perform a cleanup.

• If you’re dealing with flooding on your property: A soil gravity test can help determine if you need a drainage system on your property.

• Septic system installation or upgrade: A perc test is a legal requirement before installing or making changes to an existing septic system.

How Much Does a Soil Test Cost?

A soil test costs around $1,400 on average, but you could pay as little as $15 for a DIY kit that just tests nutrient levels or soil pH or as much as $4,000 for geotechnical soil testing to determine what load your ground can safely handle. A perc test costs around $1,300, on average.

The cost will depend partially on the type of professional who tests the soil, with geotechnical engineers costing the most.

There are many types of soil tests available, and the price will vary based mostly on which test you need.