Test ID |
Parameters Tested |
Additional Test Information |
Fee |
S1 |
Basic Soil Test
• pH
• lime requirement
• potassium (K)
• phosphorus (P)
• nitrate nitrogen (N)
• calcium (Ca)
• magnesium (Mg)
• soluble salts
• fertilizer recommendation
|
The basic test measures the five major macronutrients necessary for plant growth (K, P, N, Ca, Mg), as well as, pH and lime requirements.
Soil pH is one of the most important factors affecting plant growth. If the soil pH is too low (acidic), the test report will show that amount of lime needed to raise the pH to the optimal range. |
$18.00 |
S2 |
Basic Test plus Organic Matter
• All basic tests (S1)
• Organic Matter
|
Soil organic matter serves as a reservoir for nutrients and water. Organic matter contributes to the cation exchange capacity of the soil, thus reducing leaching of potassium and other nutrients. When organic matter decomposes, it slowly releases nitrogen and other nutrients. It also improves water infiltration into the soil.
If you have been adding organic matter, or are considering doing so, this test will tell you the current organic matter level. |
$24.00 |
S3 |
Basic Test plus Micro-nutrients
• All basic tests (S1)
• Iron (Fe)
• Manganese (Mn)
• Zinc (Zn)
• Copper (Cu)
|
Althogh metallic micronutrient are required by plants in miniscule amounts, they are essential for plant health. Deficiencies are less common than other nutrient deficiencies, and are generally limited to particular geographical regions. Testing is usually only advised for soil in such areas.
Fertilizing with micronutrient is usually inexpensive, so sometimes micronutrients are added just for "insurance" sake. However, this can be risky, since some micronutrients, such as manganese, can be toxic in excess.
|
$24.00 |
S4 |
Basic Test plus Sulfur and Boron
• All basic tests (S1)
• Sulfur (S)
• Boron (B)
|
Plant-available sulfur is in the form of sulfate. Sulfate is not readily held by soil particles, so in most soils it can be readily leached below the root zone. Acidic soil in areas with high rainfall can become deficient in sulfate. Organic matter contains sulfur, which is released as sulfate as the organic matter decays. Deficiencies are more likely to occur in the spring when the rainfall is high, and soil temperature is low, thus reducing release of sulfate from organic matter.
Most of the available boron in soils is found in the organic matter. Sandy soils that are
well drained are most likely to be B deficient in high rainfall situations because of their greater
leaching potential. Boron can be toxic in excess, and levels should not exceed a few parts per million.
|
$26.00 |
S5 |
Full Testing
• All basic tests (S1)
• Organic Matter
• Metals Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu
• Sulfur and Boron
|
See above information for tests S1 through S4. If this is the first time you are testing your soil, this test will establish a baseline and an overview regarding potential problem areas. |
$36.00 |
T1 |
Soil Texture
• % clay, silt, sand and gravel
• Classification of the soil type.
|
Soil texture influences nutrient retention - a finer textured soil has a greater ability to store nutrients. Soil texture also influences the water holding capacity of the soil, and the water infiltration and drainage characteristics of the soil. Excessively sandy or clayey soils can pose problems depending on the crop. Soil texture can be modified through the addition of amendments such as organic matter, vermiculite, sand or clay. But depending on the size of the area under cultivation, the cost of modifying soil texture may be prohibitive. |
$18.00 |
M1 |
Heavy Metal Screening
• Level of extractable lead.
• Level of extractable cadmium.
• Level of extractable arsenic.
• Interpretation of results.
|
Mining, metal smelting, manufacturing, and the use of synthetic products (e.g. pesticides, lead paints and pressure-treated wood) can result in heavy metal contamination of urban and agricultural soils. Although such products and industrial processes have been phased out over time, the toxic residues can remain in the soil for decades. This test measures the levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic in the soil, and determines whether the levels are in excess of what would be expected in native soil. If heavy metals are found in the soil at possibly unsafe levels, we will recommend that you have your soil tested by an accredited environmental laboratory. |
$28.00 |
