Soil Sample Reminders for Agents

One free soil sample is allowed for each Intern registered in the EMG Intern training course.

When submitting these soil samples to the Soil Testing Lab, they must be submitted using the methods outlined below. Samples submitted individually will be charged the routine/nonroutine soil analysis price of $10 per sample.

EMG Interns may submit a soilless media (from containers or raised beds) sample as their free test. Inform them that these tests take longer to process, so the wait time for the results is longer. Remember to label the sample bag and the corresponding form as a nonroutine sample.

Paid Samples

Anyone can ship additional samples with payment. They must be shipped SEPARATELY from the Intern training course free samples. When submitting additional samples, remember the following:

• Include the routine/nonroutine soil sample form with information for each paid sample, which can be found on the Extension website.
• Ensure that the sample bag and sample form information match.
• Include payment or circle the invoice option with each corresponding sample form.

EMG Intern Soil Sample Policy

1. Single shipment. All samples from the same Intern training course (county class) must be submitted as one shipment. If multiple boxes are needed for shipping, label them as “1 of 2 boxes from (agent’s name),” “2 of 2 boxes from (agent’s name),” or similar.

2. Agent’s name. The Home Horticulture agent’s name managing the EMG program must be clearly shown on the box.

3. Class roster. Include a typed roster of all EMG Intern names in the box. Handwritten sample forms are sometimes difficult to read. A typed roster with contact information ensures accurate matching to each sample.

4. Unique form. EMG Intern free samples must be on the correct EMG sample submission form, which can be found in the Canvas files for this course.

5. Deadline. EMG Intern samples must be submitted before the course’s midterm break.

6. Paid samples. EMG Interns who want to submit additional (paid) samples must submit them separately and with the correct form and payment.

Jessica Davis, Director, Soil, Forage & Water Testing Lab; Kerry Smith, Master Gardener Program Coordinator; and Emily Burchfield, Administrator, Instructional Outreach Programs; all with Auburn University.

New December 2024, Extension Master Gardener Intern Soil Sample Handling, ANR-3120