What is it and what do we hope to learn?

The purpose here is to investigate what type of testing is done to measure soil carbon and discover where someone can get samples tested. You will find an introduction to measuring soil carbon and a resource of labs to send samples. Be sure to review the requirements on soil sampling for the specific lab you choose to use. The goal of soil testing is to inform effective land management.
​“Soil organic matter (OM) is a surrogate for soil carbon and is measured as a reflection of overall soil health. When monitored for several years, it gives an indication whether soil quality is improving or degrading. Soil OM is important to a wide variety of soil chemical, physical, and biological properties. As soil OM increases, so does CEC, soil total N content, and other soil properties such as water-holding capacity and microbiological activity. ” Guide to Soil Test Interpretation, Oregon SU

​Types of Tests to Consider

Organic Matter - Loss On Ignition (OM-LOI) is a common soil test for organic matter done in the lab. Organic Matter is measured through weight loss on ignition by burning it. It’s reported as a percentage of OM in the soil.
 
Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is a soil test that measures total organic carbon in all forms of the soil. It is multistep and uses higher temperature combustion. It’s best used with low inorganic carbon soils, so not to dissolve the minerals.

Comprehensive Assessment of Soil Health - The Cornel Framework

Soil Health Measurements to Accelerate Agricultural Transformation - Soil Health Institute

Measuring Soil Carbon Change - Soil Carbon Coalition 
   

University Laboratories
   
  

Private Laboratories