Soil Testing

Download: Brochure - Sampling Instructions - Heavy Metals Fact Sheet

______________________________________________________________________

The affordable soil testing service is offered as part of Brooklyn College’s commitment to community service. We accept samples from all states within the United States. By requesting this service, the customer agrees that the data may be used for statistical analysis and research purposes. The customer’s identity and address will be kept confidential.

Please download and read our Brochure and Frequently Asked Questions for general information. Email to soil@brooklyn.cuny.edu if you have any additional questions.

Follow the steps below to get your soil tested:

1. Collect soil samples following Sampling Instructions;

2. Download and complete the Submission Form. Please note that you no longer need to supply sample IDs. We will assign an ID to each sample when the sample(s) are received by the lab. However, clearly label each sample in your package so that they match the respective submission forms. For each sample there needs a separate submission form.

3. Print the completed submission form(s), place in a package with the soil sample(s), along with a check or money order.

4. Mail or drop off your package. Our address is: Brooklyn College, Environmental Sciences Analytical Center, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210. We are located in Rooms 5135, 5321, and 5139 Ingersoll Hall. If none of us are around, please drop off your package at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (formerly the Department of Geology) in 3131 Ingersoll Hall.

5. Results will be emailed back to you. Please see below for response time during fall and winter 2011.

_________________________________________________________________________

Lead Test - $10.00
Lead screening using XRF. Results available within 2 days.

Heavy Metal Test - $35.00
Heavy metals test using wet digestion-ICP-MS method.

Basic Soil Quality Test - $45.00
Soil samples are screened for (1) pH, (2) salt content, (3) soil class using jar test, (4) NPK levels using field kits, and (5) lead, chromium and zinc using XRF analyzer. Results available within one week.

Advanced Soil Quality Test - $75.00
Soil samples are analyzed for (1) total organic content, (2) nitrate, phosphate, ammonia contents, (3) potassium and micro-nutrients with modified Morgan extraction method, (4) soil class using hydrometer method, and (5) heavy metals using wet digestion-ICP-MS method. Results available after 2-4 weeks.

Tissue Analysis: Heavy Metals in Vegetables, Fruits and Herbs - $30.00
Five toxic metals (Pb, Cr, As, Cd and Ni) are analyzed for plant tissue samples with acid digestion ICP-MS method. Please note that these samples cannot be sent through mail (i.e., must be dropped off in person). Results available 2-4 weeks.