King Conservation District Soil Testing Program

King Conservation District provides soil test services for all landowners in our service area.* This program covers everything from pastures and commercial farms to yards and vegetable gardens. Each address is eligible for up to 5 free soil samples. Additional tests can be purchased for $20 each. We test the soil for the major nutrients N-P-K, micronutrients, pH, and organic matter. The lab will send back recommendations specific to your plant needs. We do not currently pay for testing of heavy metals or contaminants. Please contact us for questions on where to send those samples.

Soil samples collected as part of this service will be sent to a certified lab to test pH (soil and buffered), nitrate, phosphate, extractable cations (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium), organic matter, and cation exchange capacity. Additional tests are available at a fee. The soil testing results are generally available within two to three weeks.

We encourage residents to gather their own soil samples and bring them to our office for processing. Please visit our Soil Sampling Instructions for details.

The King Conservation District recommends that land managers sample and test their soils regularly. Whether you are growing forage for livestock, gardening, maintaining an orchard or managing a woodlot for wood production, proper soil sampling will allow you to:

Apply the correct amount of fertilizer for the plants you are growing.
Prevent surface and ground water from being contaminated by excess fertilizers.
Ensure that soil nutrients and other conditions (such as soil acidity) affecting plant growth are present in the right amounts.

Results of soil nutrient management can include:

Increased plant growth, yields and quality.
Less purchased livestock feed and fertilizer.
Better utilization of manure on your pastures, lawns and gardens.

* Note: This service is available to all landowners within the District boundaries. Landowners who live within the city limits of Enumclaw, Federal Way, Skykomish, Milton and Pacific are outside the District boundaries and are unable to take advantage of this program. Residents in those cities who are interested in King CD services should contact their local elected official about the benefits of joining the Conservation District.

For more information, contact: Jay Mirro
(425) 282-1905