Before you test your soil, you should make sure that you are well prepared and that you collect the sample correctly. That lowers the risk of mistakes and boosts your chances of getting the accurate info you need. To prepare yourself, take a look at these questions:

1. What are your concerns?

Soil tests focus on a number of different issues. If you are planning to plant a garden in the area, for example, you may want to test the soil's pH levels, but if you are erecting an apartment block, you may want to test for toxins such as lead. Identify what you want tested, and make sure the lab you select screens for that particular issue.

2. When do you need to use the soil?

Keep in mind that testing takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how far you have to send the sample and how quickly the lab tests it. Then, addressing any elements in the soil takes a while as well. Ideally, you should test the soil months before you plan to use it.

For example, if you are preparing for gardening, plan to test in the fall or spring to be ready for planting in the summer.

3. Has the soil recently been adulterated?

If you have recently put fertiliser on the soil or just removed waste from its surface, those things can impact the quality of the soil, and as a result, you may not get an accurate reading from your test. If your soil has recently been adulterated with fertiliser or anything else, call the lab before submitting a sample and see what they advise you to do.

4. Are your tools clean?

Once you know what you are looking for, have chosen the right time and are confident your soil hasn't recently been treated, it is time to collect your soil sample. You need clean tools to ensure that you don't have contaminants or particles from other places or other patches of soil.

5. Is the soil dry?

Ideally, before you start digging, make sure the soil is relatively dry. Wet soil doesn't test well. If your soil is slightly wet, dig beneath the surface (about the depth of a spade) in several spots. Then, pour those spots together on a piece of newsprint and let them dry. Let them dry in the air. Don't put them in the oven to dry out.

For more tips, contact a local soil testing company. 

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