Maine Healthy Soils Program Partners with Woods End Laboratories to Offer No-Cost Soil Health Testing
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry’s Maine Healthy Soils Program (MHSP) is excited to announce a new partnership with Woods End Laboratories to bring no-cost soil health testing to Maine farmers.
Since 1974, Woods End Laboratories, has been a pioneer in soil health testing, blending a foundation in soil science with a commitment to sustainability. Over the decades, the lab has become a partner for farmers, land managers, and researchers seeking a thorough understanding of soil ecosystems. Based in Maine, Woods End Laboratories is well positioned to offer regionally relevant soil health testing to producers across the state.
Woods End's primary focus is to develop practical, natural approaches to soil analysis through cutting-edge research and proactive farmer outreach. The lab is dedicated to supporting the local agricultural community and is excited to continue its contributions through this initiative.
This partnership, pending final contract approval, kickstarts a foundational MHSP initiative that provides tailored soil health data to participating farms. These data can be used to inform management decisions, which in turn can improve farm biological and ecological stability. Implementation of soil health best practices is critically important to the long-term viability and resiliency of Maine farms in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.
No-cost soil health testing addresses a key financial and technical barrier that Maine farmers face when considering how to integrate soil health best practices into an existing farm management plan. MHSP staff will work with participating farms to collect soil samples and interpret the test results so participants can feel secure in translating data into action.
Sign up today by following this link and selecting the ‘Soil Health Testing – Soil Sampling’ service.
Note that service implementation is contingent upon final contract approval; any delays or modifications to the approval process may impact the availability of services.
Contact:
Matthew Boucher, Ph.D.
State Soil Scientist
matthew.boucher@maine.gov
(207) 215-5569
Free pH Soil Testing Program with 24/7 Drop Box
A free soil pH testing program is available for all Hancock County Residents through a collaboration of HCSWCD, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the University of Maine Soil Testing Lab.
We make it easy - bring your sample to us for free pH testing. Drop off boxes are available at:
Our office at 474 Bucksport Road in Ellsworth.
UMaine Cooperative Extension at 63 Boggy Brook Road in Ellsworth.
A volunteer from HCSWCD will test the soil’s pH and follow up with the results. Call us at 207-667-8663 for more information.
For complete soil test (fee-based, includes including nutrient levels, etc.), contact UMaine Cooperative Extension at 207-667-8212 or visit their Soil Testing Service Page.
Healthy Soil
Keeping soil healthy and productive is import to the future of Maine farms. Healthy soil provides a long-term return that supports current and future rural businesses.
Farmers who follow soil health principles and systems that include no-till, cover cropping and diverse rotations are increasing their soil’s organic matter and improving microbial communities. As a result, farmers are sequestering more carbon, increasing water infiltration, improving wildlife and pollinator habitat—all while building soil equity for future generations.
For more information about soil quality, refer to the following UMaine publication:
