The Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station (MAFES) Analytical Laboratory and Maine Soil Testing Service analyzes soil, plant tissue, compost, manure, irrigation water, wood ash, fertilizers, organic residuals and other materials for nutrient content, organic matter, lead and other trace elements. We provide analytical services at reasonable prices to the public and to researchers.
Summer 2026
Much of our lab space is still undergoing extensive renovations and will be for the next several months. We have so far been able to maintain normal operations in temporary quarters. Disruptions for some of our services are possible, though we will certainly do our best to keep them to a minimum. We thank you in advance for your patience.
Warm soil and increased soil biological activity is feeding rapid plant growth. This is when surprise deficiencies can occur. Nitrogen deficiency is the most common problem we see during the summer. Heavy rainfall events make nitrogen management especially challenging. Over reliance on compost is another common cause, since it often does not supply sufficient nitrogen. A Comprehensive Soil Test, which includes a direct check on nitrogen, is the best testing option this time of year. It’s not too late to amend your soil by applying any recommended fertilizer alongside your growing plants as a “side dress”, followed by light mixing with the soil and watering.
A healthy soil is a productive soil. A quick check on soil health is provided by our Soil Biology add-on test, which measures microbial respiration over 24 hours. Guidelines for managing soil organic matter quality are included with this test.
Our lab also provides services for Heavy Metals Screening, Irrigation water quality, Compost and Manure testing, and Plant foliar nutrient analysis.
We have a convenient online Credit Card Payment option for invoices only. Please note: This is NOT a pre-payment option prior to submitting samples. Please wait for an invoice for any unpaid balance before paying online.
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The laboratory is located in Deering Hall on the University of Maine campus. (driving directions). Samples may be mailed to us or dropped off at room 25. We are available Monday through Friday between 8 and 5.
Your data is confidential as described in the Laboratory’s Privacy and Delineation of Responsibility Policy. We use standardized methodology and, as part of our data Quality Assurance program, we participate in the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) program.