NYC Agricultural Soil Survey

Sam Anderson, Urban Agriculture Specialist
Harvest New York

Last Modified: February 10, 2020
NYC Agricultural Soil Survey

In order to better understand the unique soils used in New York City's urban farms, Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) urban agriculture program launched the NYC Survey of Agricultural Soils in 2018. After obtaining soil and plant tissue analysis from ten urban farms in NYC, we are expanding the survey in 2019 with the goal of informing best management practices for unique productive urban soils. See the links below for preliminary findings and more information.

For questions about the soil survey, please contact Sam Anderson.



Soil Nutrient Testing for NYC Urban Farmers (pdf; 268KB)

NYC Agricultural Soil Survey - Notes from 2018 (pdf; 135KB)


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Upcoming Events

Urban Tree Health: New Pest and Disease Challenges

July 24, 2026
8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Trees in urban environments can face unexpected challenges, including new insects and diseases. Join Cornell Integrated Pest Management, in collaboration with Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Cornell Cooperative Extension, to learn how to recognize and manage some of the most pressing IPM challenges in urban forests. 

Medicinal Farm Plants Workshop

August 2, 2026
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Staten Island, NY

Join Snug Harbor for a hands-on workshop with Urban Garden Specialist, Karen Guzman, as we explore medicinal plants growing on the farm! You'll get to see, smell, taste and learn how to grow and use them safely at home. 

Rochester Soil Health Day

September 1, 2026
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Rochester, NY

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, New York State Soil Health, and Foodlink for interactive activities focused on soil health and an opportunity to get your garden soil screened for lead (reservation required).

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