
Starting a garden or improving your lawn in the Ocean State? A soil test is the first key step. This article will guide you on where to get soil testing in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island has many places to check your soil’s health – from pH levels to nutrients and any possible contaminants. For instance, the URI’s Cooperative Extension offers free pH tests seasonally. Want a more detailed look? Consider the out-of-state university labs or nationwide mail-in services. Or, pick up a DIY kit from local garden centers for home soil testing.
1. University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension
The URI Cooperative Extension provides a valuable local resource to all Rhode Islanders looking to check the health of their soil.
Their soil testing services, mainly pH tests, are offered free of charge from March to October.
And the best part? Their team of dedicated Master Gardener volunteers also will give you general guidance on tackling any soil issue they identify in your soil sample – whether it’s balancing soil acidity levels or dealing with soil compaction problems.
To use this service, you have two main choices:
- Attend URI community events: Look for the “Gardening Information and Soil Testing” booth at local events. You can bring your soil sample here for a free analysis. The schedule for these events is always updated on the URI’s website.
- Mail-in service: If you prefer to avoid visiting in person or have no upcoming events near you, they also have a mail-in service.
All you need to do is send them your soil sample (collected as per their guidelines) along with a completed Soil Test Result Report Form that’s downloadable from their website.
*Send it to: URI Cooperative Extension, 3 East Alumni Ave., Kingston, RI 02881. Make sure you mention “Attn: Soil Test” on the envelope.
2. University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory

The University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory offers more detailed nutrient analysis. It isn’t exactly next door (not based in Rhode Island), but they do accept soil samples by mail from Rhode Island.
Here is what they offer:
Standard nutrient analysis
This test looks at what kind of fertilizer or limestone your soil needs, and based on that, they’ll give you feedback. It’s great for all types of plants – from lawns and veggies to flowers and fruits.
- Price: About $15 per sample
- Suitable for: Homeowners, gardeners, and agricultural professionals
- What it tests:
- Plant-available nutrients: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, aluminum, and boron
- Soil pH and buffer pH: Determines soil acidity and its ability to resist changes in pH
- Estimated total lead: Checks for harmful lead (a toxic metal)
- Estimated cation exchange capacity and % base saturation: Tells how well your soil can feed plants
Additional tests
- Soil pH only test ($5 per sample): Useful for those who only need to know the soil’s acidity or alkalinity
- Soluble salts test ($5 per sample): Measures total soluble salts in soil
- Soil textural analysis ($15 per sample): Determines the percentages of sand, silt, and clay particles in soil
- Pre-sidedress soil nitrate test or PSNT ($10 per sample): The PSNT measures the amount of nitrate-nitrogen in soil, typically when corn is 6 to 12 inches tall, to determine if additional nitrogen fertilizer is needed.
- End-of-season cornstalk test ($10 per sample): Analyzes nitrate-nitrogen in cornstalks at harvest
- Saturated media extract ($20 per sample): The SME test helps greenhouse growers, especially those using soilless mixes (less than 20% regular soil), ensure their plant’s nutrient health
*Note: Soilless mix is a planting blend without regular soil
Important to know:
- Not for compost: Compost is no longer included in their analysis.
- Payment: UConn accepts only checks or money orders payable to UConn.
- Turnaround time: Typically 7 to 10 business days, but may take 2 to 3 weeks during April and May due to high volume.
- Sampling instructions: Detailed sampling instructions and questionnaires are available on the UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory website.
- Out-of-state soils: Extra charges and rules may apply for soils from pest-quarantined areas. Check Federal Domestic Soil Quarantines for details.
- Plant-related questions: If you have specific plant-related questions, you can include them with your sample, and they will be forwarded to horticulturists at the UConn Home and Garden Education Center.
*Send the sample to: UCONN Soil Nutrient; Analysis Lab 6 Sherman Place, U5102, Storrs, CT 06269-5102.
*Note: For the most up-to-date information on soil testing services, sample collection instructions, fees, and turnaround time, always refer to UConn’s Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory.
3. University of Massachusetts Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory

The University of Massachusetts Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory is another university-based lab that provides mail-in soil testing services to residents of Rhode Island.
They offer a range of standard and specialized tests, making it suitable for both homeowners wanting to improve their gardens or lawns, as well as professionals and researchers needing a more detailed soil analysis.
Here’s what they have on offer:
Routine soil analysis cost
Price: $20 per sample
Test includes:
- pH level: Analysis of lime requirement
- Measuring extractable nutrients: Measures key soil nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, along with trace elements like iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and boron.
- Extractable heavy metals: Unlike UConn, UMass’ routine soil test also determines the presence of lead without any other fee.
You can also add options to this analysis for a little extra:
- Soil organic matter testing for $6
- Soluble salts testing for $6
- Soil nitrate testing for $8
Specialized tests
They also offer more specialized testing options:
- Total sorbed metals test (around $55 per sample): It is recommended for soils that are potentially contaminated with lead, nickel, cadmium, chromium, zinc, and copper. Arsenic and molybdenum come at an additional fee of $5.
- Particle size analysis ($50 per sample): Tests the amount of sand, silt, and clay in your soil. A more detailed analysis costs $85.
*Note: If you’re a professional researcher or agriculturist, UMAss’ laboratory offers bulk pricing based on large orders and research-specific testing options.
Important to know:
- Not for pesticides or compost: UMass doesn’t check for compost, herbicides, pesticides, or other contaminants.
- Where to mail: Send your sample along with a form from the UMass website and payment to their official address: UMass Soil & Plant Nutrient Testing Lab, 203 Paige Laboratory, 161 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA, 01003.
- . Mail it to the address on the form. Different tests may have specific sending locations, so be sure to double-check.
- Cost: Add $2 extra for results delivered by mail.
- Timing: How soon you’ll get results can change. Check their website to know when you might hear back, or contact them by email at [email protected] or by phone at (413)545-5304.
- Follow UMass guidelines: Follow their site’s guidelines to collect and prepare soil samples. For instance, you should air-dry the soil and send about a cup in a plastic bag. Also, label each sample clearly.
*Note: Turn-around times vary, especially during peak season (April and May). Always check the lab’s website. Updates on prices or return times are often posted there.
4. Rx Soil nutrient analysis service

If you’re looking for a soil check-up with more details than what universities offer and want it delivered right to your doorstep, consider the Rx Soil Company. Based out of Virginia but available nationwide, they provide professional-grade soil analysis anyone can use.
Here’s what they offer:
Nutrient analysis package
- Price: $49.95 per complete soil test kit, including a 12-month nutrient management plan
- Suitable for: Anyone from homeowners and gardeners to landscapers and agriculture pros
- What it tests: This test looks at 13 different aspects of your soil, similar to what UMass and UConn universities offer. They assess your:
- Soil’s pH
- Its organic matter content
- Macro and micronutrients
Although these services are somewhat alike, Rx Soil offers something unique: they create a custom-made plan just for you. This year-long guide helps manage the good stuff in your soil based on what it needs most.
Specialized tests
- Lead-Only Test Kit ($50 per soil test kit): Specifically tests for lead in the soil.
- Full RCRA 8 Test Kit ($200 per soil test kit): This test includes a check for eight heavy metals that could be harmful, which is more comprehensive than what UMass or UConn provides. They check for arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, and silver.
- Compost Test Kit ($90 per soil kit): Assesses the nutrient richness of your compost, allowing for targeted improvements.
- Pesticide Test Kit ($245 to $495 per complete soil test kit): Detects harmful substances (herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides) from previous gardening efforts not offered by UMass or UConn labs.
- Texture Analysis ($50 per complete soil test kit): Determines soil’s drainage capability and water-holding capacity.
Important to know:
- Payment: Rx Soil accepts online payments through their website RxSoil.com.
- Turnaround time: Results are typically available within a week of receiving the sample.
- Sampling instructions: Each kit includes a soil sample collection bag, instructions, and a prepaid return mailer box. You can contact them by email at [email protected].
- Comprehensive reports: Detailed analysis with color-coded charts for easy interpretation.
- Customized recommendations: 12-month nutrient management plan based on your soil’s specific needs.
- Result tracking: Digital platform allows users to track soil test results over time.
- Suitable for various needs: From individual home gardens to large-scale agricultural operations.
*Note: Always visit the official Rx Soil website for more tests and contact updated information.
5. Logan Labs

Logan Labs is a commercial soil testing laboratory based in Ohio that is open to people from all over the U.S., including Rhode Islanders.
They offer soil analysis services for both professionals and homeowners, accepting samples from backyard gardens as well as larger agricultural projects.
They have many different types of tests available like:
- Standard soil analysis ($25): This checks basic things your soil needs, like pH levels and nutrient content. It’s more or less the same kind of stuff as the UConn, UMass, and Rx Soil check.
- Standard with extras ($32): It includes everything that’s tested in the standard analysis, along with extras like cobalt, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, conductivity, and ENR (the estimated nitrogen release).
- Saturated paste test ($33): The saturated paste test is used to determine the amount of water-soluble nutrients and salts in the soil.
- Complete soil package tests ($60 to $65): These packages offer detailed inside looks into your soil. If you grow food for sale or hemp, or if your plants are showing signs of illness, they will be very helpful.
- Additional tests ($10 to $44): They provide extra useful soil details like the size of sand, silt, or clay particles in your soil and silicon levels.
Important to know:
- The Process: You first need to fill out a form that you can download from their website. Then, gather your soil sample using their video guide. Once everything is ready, pack it up and mail it to them at their address.
- Quickest Results: The good news is that they are pretty fast in processing your samples, generally within 3 to 4 days of getting them.
- Informative Results: They’ll then email you with all the details about what they found in your soil, from nutrient levels to pH balance.
- Follow-up guidance: After getting your results, Logan Labs experts offer a paid follow-up tailored guidance service to help you understand what it all means.
But if this extra fee is not within your budget, Logan Labs also provides online general guidance to assist you in interpreting your results.
*Send your sample to: Logan Labs, 620 N Main St, Lakeview, OH 43331.
6. DIY soil testing kits
For a quick check on your soil health before starting off with your gardening or lawn projects, you can use Do-It-Yourself (DIY) soil testing kits. These are easily available at many garden centers and home improvement stores.
These kits typically include:
- A simple-to-use test for checking the pH level of the soil.
- Separate tests for essential nutrients, including Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
Advantages of DIY Kits
- Immediate results (within 10 minutes or less)
- Can be less expensive for multiple tests (about $20, depending on the test)
- Allows for frequent monitoring of soil conditions
Limitations of DIY Kits
- May not be as accurate as professional lab tests
- Usually only test for basic nutrients and pH
- May not provide detailed recommendations for soil amendments
Check out our complete guides on:
- “How to Soil Test Your Lawn”
- “How to Read a Soil Test Report”
- “How to Test Soil Moisture”
- “Complete Guide to Different Soil Types”
- “What Are the Different Types of Soil Amendments for Your Lawn?”
Choosing the right soil testing option
When deciding where to get your soil tested in Rhode Island, consider the following factors:
- Depth of analysis needed: If you only need basic pH information, the DIY kits or free URI testing may be sufficient. For a more comprehensive nutrient analysis, consider the UConn, UMass, Rx Soil, or Logan labs.
- Budget: Options range from free (URI pH testing) to more expensive comprehensive tests.
- Turnaround time: Need quick results? Other than DIY, Logan Labs is faster, usually in three to four days. URI, UConn, and UMass tend to take a bit longer, especially during peak seasons.
- Follow-up support: Logan Labs provides a paid agronomist recommendation, while Rx Soil offers a year-long custom plan included in their testing package. URI, UConn, and UMass also come with tailored recommendations for their soil test results, but these are typically one-time lime and fertilizer recommendations without ongoing support.
Call in a garden pro
Not sure which soil test to choose? Are you confused by the results?
Whether you live in Providence, Warwick, Cranston, or anywhere else in Rhode Island, Lawn Love can connect you with the best local garden professionals. They’ll advise you on what soil test your garden might need, interpret the results for you, and help plan the next steps.
Main Image Credit: wellphoto | Adobe Stock Free | License