Samples can be submitted in one of two ways:

• Submit samples online (Preferred). Once you have completed the information online, print the entire submission form and include it with your samples.
• Submit samples manually as predictive, diagnostic or regulatory:
  • Predictive, routine samples. Complete the Commercial Soil Sample Submission Form , print it,  and include it with your samples.  If you have more samples than will fit on the submission form (>8), use the Commercial Soil Sample Continuation page.
  • Diagnostic samples. Complete the Soil Sample Submission Form-Diagnostic, print it,  and include it with your samples.  Please note that Diagnostic testing is for problem samples only. Samples submitted without diagnostic information provided will be analyzed as predictive. 
  • Regulatory: If you require heavy metal testing for regulatory compliance, complete the Soil Sample Submission Form for Heavy Metals, print it,  and include it with your samples. 

Samples will not be processed without the printed, submission form being included with them. Form must also be properly and completely filled out.

Boxing Up

Soil must be in the NCDA&CS soil sample box. Do not submit soil samples in plastic bags.

NCDA&CS provides 4-box and 36-box soil shippers free of charge.

Make sure the sample boxes are packaged tightly in the box they are being shipped in. It is helpful if you place the sample boxes in the shipper in the same order that the samples are listed on the submission form.  If need be, add a packaging filler (ex. bubble wrap, crumbled up paper, Styrofoam, etc.) to ensure that samples will not shift during transit.

Do not use shipping envelopes or mailers since sample boxes will get crushed.

Do not send any other types of samples with soil samples.

Shipping

By Mail:

• UPS or FedEx: 4300 Reedy Creek Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
• US Postal Service:  1040 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699.  Allow additional time for delivery.

By Courier:  Many NCSU County Extension offices offer a courier service to deliver laboratory samples to the Agronomic Division.  Contact your County Extension office to inquire if this service is available in your area.

In person:  Soil samples may be dropped off at the Agronomic Division loading dock Monday-Friday between the hours of 7: 00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., except N.C. State holidays.