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KENTUCKY

Looking for recomendations on what company to use for soil tests. Would like to know if there is a company that specializes in our obsession (giant pumpkins), and can give advise on what to treat our ground with after the results of the tests? The reason I ask, is because I have no idea on how to read results: IE; whats high, whats low, what things need to be close to each other in analysis, etc. All I've done every year to my garden and patch is add tones of manure and leaves and have never had a test done, yet.

Thanks,
Mike

9/30/2003 8:17:29 PM

The same is true for me. I have never had a test done so far but I will definitely have one done this fall. I am sure that if you post your results here on BP.com you will get a lot of valuable advice.
But yes, WHAT IS THE BEST COMPANY TO HAVE THE TEST DONE?
Thanks and best wishes,
Martin

10/1/2003 2:56:09 PM

Western NY

I (and many other growers) use A+L labs, specifically the one from Modesto, CA. The cost is now $28 (ask for the "S3C" test package) . just mail them about 2 cups of soil and a check to:

A+L labs
1311 Woodland Ave.
Suite #1
Modesto, CA 95351

I will be sending my sample in on monday. results usually take about 2 weeks to get back, from what i remember. the 28 bucks does NOT include reccomendations. (you can get them for 2 bucks extra) most companies do not have any idea what to reccomend for our needs, which is why i began collecting soil test results from other growers. when you get your results back, email them to me and you can compare with other growers.

Andy Wolf
[email protected]

10/1/2003 3:33:34 PM

Indiana

I know several indiana growers have been working Neal Kinsey http://www.kinseyag.com/ He has been very helpfull and has experience with people growing ag's he is more expensive and I personally havent used his services yet but will be shortly.
Steve

10/1/2003 3:39:05 PM

Hey all,
Some more input, please! Where do you all have your soil tests done?
Is A+L labs from Modesto, CA the best address?
Thanks,
Martin

10/2/2003 5:25:39 AM

[email protected]

We use CLC Lab in Westerville Ohio. I couldn't remember the zip code so I did a Google & came up with this list from the Perdue University Dept of Agronomy.

Please not this appears to be a regional listing of certified midwest American labs only. There are many more labs than this in the US. Good results can be had using the free services of a local agricultural experiment station. The key is to find a lab you're happy with & use them exclusively. This because different labs often come up with different results due to thye variety of test equipment & use protocol. The goal is to use those results as a management tool & not an indisputable "verbatim" road map to success. Try to find a lab whose soil scientist will help you interpret the results & craft a management program around the results.

For those not friendly with a local soil scientist or agronomist, a larger lab might not be the best idea.

Steve
______________Clipped__________________________

The following ACP certified commercial laboratories offer plant and soil testing analysis services for growers in Indiana. (ACP = Agricultural Conservation Program - Steve)

A&L Great Lakes Lab, Inc.
3505 Conestoga Drive 209
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
260/483-4759

Agri Labs., Inc.
405 Buck Rd.
Coldwater, MI 49036
517/238-4116

(continued)

10/2/2003 6:54:35 AM

[email protected]

Ag Soil Management
209 S. Dunlap, P.O. Box 266
Savoy, IL 61874

Belmond Labs
R.R. 2, Box 203
Belmond, IA 50421
515/444-3384

Brookside Farms Lab
308 S. Main St.
New Knoxville, OH 45877
419/753-2448

Cal Mar Soil Testing Lab
130 S. State St.
Westerville, OH 43081
614/523-1005

Chemical Service Lab.,Inc.
3303 Industrial Parkway
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
812/280-1090

CLC Labs
325 Venture Drive
Westerville, OH 43081
614/888-1663

Ingrams Soil Testing Center
P.O. Box 553, 924 W. Monroe
Sullivan, IL 61951
217/728-7413

Land O Lakes Inc.
Sure Tech Lab -Bld. 9
Indianapolis, IN 46221
800/206-4477
NOTE: Analyses for member organizations only.

Midwest Laboratories
13611 B. St.
Omaha, NE 68144
402/334-7770

Mowers Soil Testing Plus, Inc.
Box 158, 117 E. Main St.
Toulon, IL 61483
309/286-2761

Southern Illinois Soil Lab
P.O. Box 448
Hamel, IL 62046
LIMING ONLY

Spectrum Analytic Inc.
P.O. Box 639, 1087 Jamison
Washington C.H., OH 43160
614/335-1562

United Soils, Inc.
111 S. Crystal Lane
Fairbury, IL 61739
815/692-2626

Waters Agricultural Labs
257 Newton Hwy, P.O. Box 382
Camilla, GA 31730

10/2/2003 6:54:44 AM

Oz

try your local farm agent(state dept. of ag.)
in tennesse i called the university and they send samples to nashville.
this is a state service.
i dont know the cost...

10/2/2003 8:16:27 AM