The SCD employs one full-time soil scientist who is available to answer any soil-related questions and requests for technical assistance.

SCD has recently developed an in-house soil testing laboratory that will offer low-cost soil tests to the public for both urban landowners (lawn & garden) and small acreages of 20 or less acres. The testing offered will include: phosphorous, nitrogen, potassium, pH, and organic matter.

The lab fee for our basic test is $30.00, payable by cash & check only. You can download the Soil Sample Request Form here to include with your sample and payment; the form provides soil sampling tips & techniques. Contact Eric Choker, soil scientist, to arrange a time to drop your sample off at the District office, and for any soils-related questions. Click here for a helpful list of pH requirements of various plants.

Soil Survey
Although the soils in Spokane County have not changed, there have been significant changes in technology, land use and a need for soil information. In 1998 the SCD partnered with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to update the Spokane County Soil Survey, which, until then, had remained unchanged for 30 years.

The Soil Survey is now available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Using the Web Soil Survey you can access data for your area and determine suitability of the soils for a particular use. You can download or print a customized report for free.

If you have any questions about the results of either your soil test and/or the soil survey, please contact Eric Choker who can provide site-specific soil interpretations and workshops on how to utilize the soil survey for maximum results.