Soil Health

Under the leadership of Amelia Magistrali, the UConn Extension Soil Health Program is dedicated to promoting the importance of healthy soils in sustaining agricultural productivity and protecting our environment. Healthy soils are the foundation of successful farming and gardening, contributing to enhanced crop yields, improved water quality, and increased biodiversity.

Our program focuses on providing education, research, and resources that empower farmers, gardeners, and landowners to implement soil health practices tailored to their unique environments. With a commitment to sustainable agriculture, we offer guidance on soil testing, amendments, crop rotation, cover cropping, and other practices that enhance soil vitality and resilience.

Amelia’s expertise in soil science and her passion for community engagement drive our initiatives to raise awareness about the critical role of soil health in agricultural systems. Through workshops, field days, and collaborative research projects, we strive to foster a culture of soil stewardship among our participants.

Join us as we cultivate a deeper understanding of soil health and its vital role in achieving sustainable agriculture. Explore our resources, participate in our events, and connect with fellow advocates for healthy soils as we work together to improve our ecosystems and food systems.

Together, we can nurture our soil and ensure a productive and sustainable future for generations to come!

Amelia Magistrali taking a soil sample

UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory

The University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory (SNAL) has been serving the farmers, greenhouse growers and residents of Connecticut for over 80 years. Currently, it is managed by Dawn Pettinelli; Patrick McIntosh is our full-time laboratory technician.

The Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory has three major objectives. First is to provide an inexpensive means for agricultural producers, homeowners and gardeners to test their soil fertility and receive environmentally sound limestone and fertilizer recommendations. The second major focus of the Laboratory is education. Through our analyses as well as outreach efforts, clients and the public are being informed about wise soil management and fertility practices. The Laboratory also analyses research samples for University faculty and graduate students and serves as a teaching laboratory for several Department of Plant Science classes.

In addition to routine soil fertility testing, the SNAL also offers commercial agronomic and commercial vegetable growers the Pre-sidedress Soil Nitrate Test (PSNT). From June 1st through August 15th, soil samples are analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen on a 24 hour turnover. As a companion to the PSNT, our laboratory performs the End-of-Season Cornstalk Nitrate Test after harvest.

Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory 6 Sherman Place, U-5102
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-5102
phone: 860-486-4274
fax: 860-486-4562
email: soiltest@uconn.edu

website: soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu