Soil Testing Program

Soil testing help determine the amount of nutrients in your soil and make accurate fertilizer recommendations to maximize soil fertility.  Soil Testing will tell you the pH, macro and micro nutrients, and organic matter content of your soil.  Fairbanks SWCD services are presently free, but there is a $30 charge for each soil sample to cover the laboratory fee and shipping.

Steps to receive soil analysis and fertilizer recommendations:

1. Sign-up as a FSWCD Cooperator (if you haven't already).  

2. Collect soil samples.  If you have not collected a soil sample before or   you’re not sure how, call  or email the Fairbanks SWCD for instructions.

3. Fill out a soil sample information sheet with all of the relevant information.

4. Drop them off at Fairbanks SWCD office and pay the $30 charge.

5. Samples will be prepared (dried and seived) and sent to a soil analytical laboratory for analysis and a few days later we'll get the results.

6. Fairbanks SWCD Technician will interpret the soil analysis and prepare fertilizer recommendations that will be mailed or emailed to you

7. You apply fertilizer/amendments at recommended levels.

If you have any questions about the Soil Testing Program, please call or email  the FSWCD office.

Soils of the Fairbanks Area 

Hardcopies are availible at the FSWCD Office by request.  To download the large format .pdf just click on the picture above.

Soils of Local Importance

The FSWCD includes portions of the Greater Fairbanks, Tochaket, North Star, Fort Wainwright, and Greater Nenana Soil Survey Areas.  Soils of Local Importance consist of those soil units that have the best properties for farmland within the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District boundary. It does not represent all farmland soils, only the best. Urban or built-up areas of the soil units listed are not considered important farmland.