AG DEPT: Submit soil samples by Nov. 30 to avoid peak-season fees

RALEIGH — Fall is a time for planting and preparing for the upcoming growing season. It is also a good time to submit soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for agronomic recommendations specific to what you are growing.

Now is also the time to submit soil samples for faster turnaround times and to avoid peak-season testing fees. Soil testing is free for North Carolina residents from April 1, 2026, through Nov. 30, 2026. During peak season, the fee is $5 per sample. For 2026-27, peak soil testing season begins Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026, and runs through March 31, 2027.

Samples must physically arrive at the Agronomic Services Division at 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, 2026, to avoid the peak-season fee. The date of shipping, delivery to a local Cooperative Extension office, or postmark does not determine whether the fee applies. The samples must physically arrive at the Agronomic Services facility before the fee goes into effect.

“The peak-season fee has helped us spread the sample processing time out, which benefits our farmers and residents,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Before it was initiated in 2013, turnaround time to receive test results was often greater than 12 weeks, and the lab was incredibly busy until mid-April. The fee encouraged early sampling, which enabled the lab to do a lot of analysis in the fall rather than in the winter.

“Another important aspect of the fee is that all revenue is invested back into the lab. This plays a critical role in helping the lab operate at high capacity,” Troxler said. “The lab hires temporary employees with these funds and uses additional revenue to maintain equipment and, in some cases, replace equipment.”

For the best service, it is critical that the lab receives all essential information along with a good-quality sample.

The following steps can help prevent delays that may occur when samples are submitted without the required information:

1. Use only official NCDA&CS soil sample boxes. Soil sample boxes and submission forms are available at local county Cooperative Extension offices and at the Agronomic Services Division, 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Fill the soil box to the red line on the outside of the box. Required information on the box includes the client's name, address and sample ID.
2. Complete the soil submission form. Required information includes the client's full name and address, a crop code, a valid email address and a phone number. The crop code is important because it allows the lab to provide crop-specific recommendations. Reports are delivered by email.
3. Make sure the information on the soil submission form matches the information written on the soil sample boxes.
4. Keep a copy of your submission form. Save a copy or photo of the completed form for your records.
5. Package samples securely. Tightly package soil sample boxes in a sturdy shipping container to prevent damage. Do not use padded mailing envelopes, as the boxes may be crushed.
6. For faster delivery, private carriers such as UPS or FedEx deliver directly to the Agronomic Services facility. USPS deliveries go through an off-site mail center which adds time to delivery. Some county Cooperative Extension offices also collect samples for delivery to the division. Clients should confirm that the delivery schedule meets their needs and allows samples to arrive before the peak-season deadline.
7. Consider using the public portal, PALS, for online submission. This feature allows clients to enter submission information online and helps ensure that accurate information is provided for the sample. If using PALS, make sure the submission is completed and enclose a printed copy of the submission form with the soil samples.

Remember: the dates of online submission, shipping, postmark, or drop off at a local Cooperative Extension office do not determine the fee. Whether the cost is $0 or $5 is based on the date the samples physically arrive at the Agronomic Services facility.

Following these guidelines will help the Agronomic Services Soil Testing Lab provide efficient and timely service to its customers.

For more information, contact the NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division at 919-664-1600 or visit the Agronomic Services Soil Testing webpage.