Soil Sampling is completed by the NC Dept of Agriculture, Agronomic Services.  The purpose is to determine appropriate soil pH and nutrient levels for the specific plants or turf you are trying to grow.  Fertilization and other recommendations are made by the the State agronomists based upon each sample provided.

You can pick up soil sample kits from our office or one of the satellite locations listed below.

N.C. Cooperative Extension - Brunswick County Center

25 Referendum Drive Building N

Bolivia, NC 28422

The soil sample kits are located on a table in front of Building N in the Brunswick County Government Complex. There is one clear box labeled “Farm/Commercial Soil Kits” and another labeled “Homeowner Soil Kits.” Choose whichever type of soil kit fits your needs.  We also have a Resource Box on the table that contains helpful information on a variety of horticultural topics.

Once you pick up your kit, read over the informational brochure, follow the instructions on taking a good sample, collect your sample, and complete the Soil Sample Information form.

Please be sure to follow the directions inside the kit before returning your samples to be shipped off. Failure to do so may result in a delay to receive your results. 

Then, return your completed soil sample to the “Soil Sample Drop Off” box located on the table in front of our building. Be sure to include your form and payment ($4 fee per sample November 25–March 31, no charge if received by the Lab April 1 - November 23rd). Do not tape the boxes shut nor apply any address labels!

• Where Can I Pick Up/Drop Off My Soil Sample Kits?

  • The primary location for soil sample pick up/drop off is the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Brunswick County office.

  • Town	Location	Address	Phone
    Bolivia	N.C. Cooperative Extension of Brunswick County office	25 Referendum Drive, Building N Brunswick County Government Complex	910-253-2610

  • Our Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers in Brunswick County also pick up samples from locations around the county once a week. You may pick up/drop off samples at the following satellite locations:

    Town	Location	Address	Phone
    Calabash	Ace Hardware	9030 Beach Drive

• Why Should I Take a Sample?

  • The soil test report, completed by the Agronomic Services Division of the NCDA &CS, will provide you with the nutrient content and pH of the soil. It provides you recommendations on fertilizer and pH amendments specific to the needs of your turf and/or garden ornamentals. Soil testing is the only accurate method to determine your soil pH.

• How Do I Collect a Sample?

  • Read more at Careful Soil Sampling- The Key to Reliable Soil Test Information for tips on choosing the correct tools and sampling depth.

• When Will I Get My Results?

• Soil Sample report turnaround can take up to 3 weeks from the time of drop-off to one of the locations, longer during the winter months.  If you need your soil sample sooner, feel free to mail them directly to the lab:  NCDA&CS  Agronomic Division Soil Testing Section, 1040 Mail Service Center, Raleigh  NC  27699-1040.  Make sure you include your completed form!. 
• The report will be emailed to you by the lab.  You can also check the status here Find my Soil Test Report

• How Do I Pay?

  • You can include a check made out to N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ("NCDA&CS") when you return your Sample Information Sheet and soil sample box(es). NO CASH.
  • Or, you may choose to pay NCDA&CS directly online with a credit card after you receive the report completion email from NCDA&CS. If you choose to pay online, you must bring your sample to be mailed and wait until the sample data is entered to pay. Otherwise, NCDA&CS has nothing to match your payment to.

• Contact Us

  • Contact our Horticulture Department if you have questions about the process of taking soil samples or understanding your results!
  • For other types of testing (Nematode, Agricultural Solution Sampling, Farm Waste Sampling), please visit our office.
  • Phone: 910-253-2610, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.