The viability of farming is dependent on the management decisions made by farmers, and one of the the most important factors is how the farmer grows and feeds his crops and livestock.
The Laboratory has established modern soil and feed analytical methods and has participated in the North American Proficiency Testing Program and the National Forage Testing Association for quality control and quality assurance. Lab recommendations are coordinated with the provincial laboratories in the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec and Ontario.
Sample Types
| SOIL | SOIL AMENDMENTS | PLANT TISSUE | FEED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Soil | Manure | Crop | Forage/Silage/Hay |
| organic Soil | Compost | Vegetable | Mill Feeds/ Animal Feed |
| Greenhouse Soil | Limestone | Fruit | Grain |
Types of Analysis
Soil
Soil pH, phosphate, potash, calcium and magnesium levels are measured in soil samples, assessed, and translated into a limestone and fertilizer recommendation for the crop specified.
Soil Amendments
For both manures and composts, the following analysis is performed: percent nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, pH and dry matter/moisture content. In addition, percent carbon and soluble salts are analyzed for compost samples.
Plant Tissue
Percent nitrogen, phosphate, potash, calcium, magnesium and parts per million (ppm), iron, copper, manganese, zinc and boron are measured in tissue samples. Tissue Analysis is usually performed in conjunction with Soil Analysis to detect any potential deficiency which may be present in the plant.
Feed
The following analysis are performed on most feed samples: dry matter, pH (silages), crude protein, acid detergent fibre (ADF), total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible and net energies, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous. Other analysis, such as sodium, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and crude fat content can also be carried out depending on the feed type.
The appropriate parameters are summarized and reported to the farmer, Agricultural Development Officer and the Regional Livestock Specialist, to assist the client in formulating their feeding program.
Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory Costs1
Commercial Farmers
| Routine Soil Analysis | $9.00 + HST/sample |
|---|---|
| Routine Feed Analysis | $7.00 + HST/sample |
| Greenhouse Growth Media Analysis | $7.00 + HST/sample |
| Manure/Compost Analysis | $7.00 + HST/sample |
Home Gardeners
| Routine Soil Analysis | $20.00 + HST/sample |
|---|
Notes:
1No discount for multiple samples
Laboratory Contact
Related Information
- Soil Sampling Guide
- Soil and Growth Media Sample Submission Form
- Interpreting Soil Test Report for Farmers
- Interpreting Soil Test Report for Gardeners
- Feed Sample Submission Form
- Compost/Manure Sample Submission Form
- Plant Tissue Sample Submission Form
- Greenhouse Growth Media Sample Submission Form
The Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory participates in two quarterly Proficiency Testing Programs. Blind samples are sent to the Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory from North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) and from the National Forage Testing Association (NFTA). NAPT is a program of the Soil Science Society of America, and blind samples received include soil and plant material. NFTA blind samples include forages.
The Laboratory completes analysis and submits results to the Certification Bodies. Once the Laboratory meets the pass/fail requirements of the programs, the Laboratory becomes Certified. The Laboratory demonstrates proficiency for required analyses.
