North Carolina Extension & Soil Testing Directory
Find your local North Carolina County Cooperative Extension office, official state university soil analysis lab, and Master Gardener volunteer plant clinics.
🔬 State Soil Testing Laboratory
Official Lab: NCDA&CS Soil Testing Laboratory
Standard Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Turnaround Time: 5 to 10 business days
State residents can obtain soil sample bags and submittal forms at any local county extension branch.
🌱 State Growing Conditions
Soil Types: Piedmont Red Clay & Coastal Plain Sand
Hardiness Zones: Zone 6a / 8b
Popular Crops: Sweet potatoes, blueberries, tobacco, tomatoes, bermudagrass
North Carolina state soil lab offers free routine testing during spring, summer, and autumn.
Featured County Directories in North Carolina (8 Listings)
Wake County
Extension Office: NC State University / NCDA&CS Extension - Wake County
Soil Lab Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Phone: (371) 555-0199
Mecklenburg County
Extension Office: NC State University / NCDA&CS Extension - Mecklenburg County
Soil Lab Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Phone: (371) 555-0199
Guilford County
Extension Office: NC State University / NCDA&CS Extension - Guilford County
Soil Lab Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Phone: (370) 555-0199
Forsyth County
Extension Office: NC State University / NCDA&CS Extension - Forsyth County
Soil Lab Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Phone: (370) 555-0199
Cumberland County
Extension Office: NC State University / NCDA&CS Extension - Cumberland County
Soil Lab Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Phone: (370) 555-0199
Durham County
Extension Office: NC State University / NCDA&CS Extension - Durham County
Soil Lab Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Phone: (370) 555-0199
Buncombe County
Extension Office: NC State University / NCDA&CS Extension - Buncombe County
Soil Lab Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Phone: (370) 555-0199
New Hanover County
Extension Office: NC State University / NCDA&CS Extension - New Hanover County
Soil Lab Fee: $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March)
Phone: (371) 555-0199
📦 Recommended Mail-In Soil Test Kits & Meters
FTC Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commissionIf you need immediate results without waiting for university mail-in lab turnaround times, these top-rated professional home soil test kits provide fast pH, N, P, and K diagnostic analysis:
MySoil Soil Test Kit
Professional mail-in kit analyzed by accredited labs. Returns 13 essential nutrient values (N, P, K, pH, Micronutrients) & customized fertilizer recommendations via app.
Luster Leaf Rapitest 1601
Popular color-comparator kit for 10 instant soil tests (pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash). Includes tailored plant preference chart.
Sonkir 3-in-1 Soil Tester
Instant probe sensor for soil moisture, pH, and sunlight levels. Requires no batteries. Perfect for potted plants, lawns, and raised beds.
📋 Request Local Extension & Lawn Testing Assistance in North Carolina Statewide
Need help interpreting your lab results or finding local agricultural extension agents? Fill out the brief form below:
Frequently Asked Questions: North Carolina Soil & Extension
How do I get my soil tested in North Carolina?
To test your soil in North Carolina, collect 10 to 12 soil cores from a depth of 4 to 6 inches across your garden or field, air-dry the sample indoors, fill out your county extension submission form, and submit it to NCDA&CS Soil Testing Laboratory or your local county extension office.
How much does soil testing cost in North Carolina?
Routine soil fertility analysis in North Carolina typically costs $0 (Free April-Nov) / $4 peak season (Dec-March). Turnaround time for results is usually 5 to 10 business days.
Does every county in North Carolina have a Cooperative Extension Office?
Yes. Every county in North Carolina is served by the state's Land-Grant University Extension system. While our directory highlights primary regional office hubs and university labs, local extension agents serve horticulturists, farmers, and home gardeners across all counties in North Carolina.