How do I Analyze Fluoride in Soils?

Contact your local university's agriculture department. Inform the university of your desire to test your soil for fluorine and fluorides. Most soil kits test soil pH levels, potassium, phosphorous and sulfur. In some cases, a land owner must specifically request testing for fluoride.

Request a soil test kit from the university. The university may have a program available that exclusively provides soil testing services. For example, the University of Maine has established a testing laboratory for analyzing soil and allows land owners to request soil test kits, for both Maine and New York, via their website.

Collect soil samples. Collect multiple samples from different sections of your land and keep them in clean, separate containers. Clean your spade before each sample collection. Each sample should include soil from at least 6 to 8 inches deep to include the root depth of the plants that are intended for that section of soil.

Label each container with your name, address, telephone number and the section of land the soil came from. Laboratories request an information form for each container. The form will ask for basic contact information and the intended use for the soil tested. Pack the container and the information form into a box for mailing.

Mail your sample and information form to the laboratory. Most laboratories require a fee for analyzing soil, so be sure to include a check or money order for the requested amount with your soil samples.

Read your test results. The results of your soil test will give you a list of minerals with percentages and p.p.m (parts per million) readings. The results will include suggestions of how to improve your soil for growing or warnings about toxicity.