©2008
Soil Minerals and Soil Testing for Organic Gardeners
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Laboratory soil mineral testing for Organic and sustainable gardening, farming, and landscapes. Instructions for taking a soil sample, and prices for analysis and recommendations. ! Updated Feb. 18, 2008. Note changes in Payment Method below ! Soil Testing Services and Prices We offer 2 services: 1) If you already have a soil test and only need a prescription rcommendation for your soil, the price is $40.00 US. For full instructions on sending us your soil test info,CLICK HERE 2) If you need a soil test and a prescription recommendation for your soil, the price is $65.00 US. Please read the following instructions: To keep things simple, we offer only one soil test. This is what is commonly known as a "complete soil test", and the results of this test give an excellent overall picture of the soil's mineral balance. It tests for: 11 essential nutrients: Sulfur, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Boron, Iron, Manganese, Copper, and Zinc, and also for: Interpretation and Recommendations When we get the results of your soil test back from the laboratory we compare them with the information that you have supplied and make recommendations based on what you are growing. Unless you inform us differently, all of these recommendations will be for amendments and cultural methods that are approved under the USDA National Organic Program. Our charge for this soil test including the interpretation and recommendations is $65.00 US.Here are samples of the results and recommendations for this test.
Instructions for taking a soil sample:
You only need to send 1 cup of soil, approximately 8 ounces (225 grams). The goal is to get a representative sample of your soil 6" deep. This is the aerobic zone where most root growth and nutrient exchange happens. You want to take several samples of the area and mix them together. As a rule, you would take six to ten samples of any area that you are going to treat the same, while avoiding strange or unusual areas or sampling them separately for a separate test.
Clear the sampling area of loose duff and organic matter before you take your sample.
If you have access to a soil probe, which takes a 1" circular sample (a tube of soil) use that. Otherwise just dig a hole six to eight inches deep with an ordinary shovel, then take a 1" slice straight down along one side of the hole. Lift the slice out with the shovel, lay the shovel down with the slice still on it, and cut a section out of it top to bottom so you end up with a square-shaped column 6" long. Use a stainless steel knife or garden trowel to do the cutting, and a clean shovel to do the digging. You don't want to contaminate your soil sample with rust or dirt from another area.
Avoid sampling areas that have had fertilizer applied in bands.
Take as many samples as you think necessary and mix them together thoroughly in a plastic or stainless steel container, removing any roots or large chunks of organic matter, then take about one cup of this mixed sample and place it in a clean plastic or heavy paper bag to send to us. New, clean paper coffee bags work well, but any clean bag that won't leak will work.
If the soil is extremely wet when you take the sample, spread it out in a warm place and let it dry until it can be handled without leaving mud on your hands; it does not need to be totally dried out, just not wet. Don't cook it, just dry it.
Along with the soil sample we need to know what your area is growing, so please print and fill out the form below and send it to us along with your soil sample.
Please print and fill out this form: Soil Test Information Form
You only need to send 1 cup of soil, aaproximately 8 ounces (225 grams) Send the soil sample and the completed form to us at:
attn:Soil Tests USPS Priority Mail is recommended.
Payment:
When we recieve your soil sample, we will e-mail you an invoice for $65.00 U.S., payable by PayPal (preferred) or by major credit card. As soon as we receive payment, we will forward your sample to the Soil Testing Laboratory. The lab will then e-mail the results to us, and we will make recommendations for your soil's specific nutrient needs.
Your results and recommendations will be sent by e-mail as a .pdf file.
Expect your results in 3 to 4 weeks.
1) If you already have a soil test and only need a prescription recommendation for your soil, the price is $40.00 US. If your soil test results are in an Adobe .pdf or e-mail format, send them to us at : soiltests@soilminerals.com along with an e-mail containing the general information requested on the Soil Test Information Form .
Payment:
When we recieve your soil test data, we will e-mail you an invoice for $40.00 U.S., payable by PayPal (preferred) or by major credit card. After we receive payment, we will make recommendations for your soil's specific nutrient needs.
Your results and recommendations will be sent by e-mail as a .pdf file.
Expect your recommendations in 7 to 10 working days.
Questions? e-mail us at soiltests@soilminerals.com |
©2008