Soil Testing Services
Author Ellen Vande Visse
SOIL TESTING SERVICES
Esp. for organic, ecological, & regenerative agriculture
Your local Palmer Farm Research Lab, UAF has been closed permanently as of March 2016
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The labs listed below are ones I recommend. They specialize in ecological agriculture and holistic soil health. They provide sustainable growers more comprehensive test results and recommendations than the Cooperative Extension Service test did. Cost range is around $45-75; wait time is 1-2 weeks at the most. Once you start testing your soil, I recommend you stick with one lab through the years.
Crop Services International, Inc.
29246 Lake St, Marcellus MI 49067 Organic soil tests and consulting, comprehensive list of organic soil amendments, including mycorrhizal products, Bio-dynamic Field Broadcasters, homeopathic weed control, and Veges Sound Machines.
Phone: 800-260-7933 E-mail: team@cropservicesintl.com
www.cropservicesintl.com Choose the CEC test for an overall soil mineral status.
Timberleaf Soil Testing
39648 Old Spring Road Murrieta CA 92563
Especially for market gardeners who practice the biointensive approach of John Jeavons, author of How to Grow More Vegetables… Opt for Basic Soil Test &/or optional tests for organic matter, trace minerals, and composts/greenhouse media.
1-909-677-7510 tmbrlfsoiltest@verizon.net http://www.timberleafsoiltesting.com
Brookside Lab Yes, the price is cheapest, but I do not recommend this lab because they do not provide recommendations, only test results. You’ll need to consult with PSWCD, 357-1440 for interpreting results @$70/hr.
Earthfort Lab Test your soil microbiology &/or leaf tissue to assess how well your microbial workers are present and functioning & how to best manage for the optimum.
541-257-2612 https://www.earthfort.com/
And for sales-oriented growers. Technical info; not recommended for beginning gardeners: International Ag Labs, Inc.
PO Box 788, Fairmont, MN 56031 Biological and organic tests and consulting; also all types of feed, water & plant tissue analysis; soil rehabilitation and health products, mycorrhizal products, etc.
1-507-235-6905 www.aglabs.com