SHOULD I GUESS, OR TEST?

The Importance of Testing Water, Soil, and Plant Tissue

Why Test Water For Bacteria?

Safe and reliable water is important for humans and animals.  If the water supply becomes contaminated with Total Coliform or E. coli, serious illness could occur.  They are indicators of drinking water quality.

Total Coliform bacteria is commonly found in environment in soil or vegetation.  If they are detected in the water, then there may also be a way for disease causing organisms (pathogens) to enter the system. It is important to investigate and eliminate the source of contamination to make the water safe to drink.

Agricultural water used to grow fresh produce and water that contacts fresh produce at or after harvest must be tested for Total Coliform and Quantified Generic E.coli.  This is required by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) & the Produce Safety Rule (PSR).

Test Desired

Q	Water Bacteria  [Quantitative = How Many]  or Total Coliform and Generic E.coli. ……………………. $50.00 eachThe FDA has approved our method (9223B) which is an IDEXX Colilert (24 hour) with Quanti-Tray 2000.

T	Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Water [CFU/1ml} …………………………………………………………………..$50.00 each

Plant Tissue Test

Test Desired

3	Cannabis Plant Tissue Includes: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Sulfur, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper and Boron…..$25.00

To see an example of a Plant Tissue Report Click “Example of a Plant Tissue Report”

For information on the proper way to take a plant sample for tissue analysis, give Holmes Laboratory a call at

330-893-2933 or 330-893-1326.

Soil testing can help prevent effects on plants. Ron Becker from the OSU Extension office in Wayne County explained that during this hot and dry growing season, he observed different kinds of crops that had unusual growth characteristics, deficiency symptoms, etc. that appeared to be related to soil pH.I found some interesting information to share that helped me to understand how the level of pH in the soil influences the plant concentration by affecting the availability of elements.

Please see the following chart. Each horizontal graph section represents an important element needed for optimal plant growth. The vertical lines represents different pH levels in the soil. The thin or narrow part of each horizontal section means that the absorption and availability of that element into the plant is reduced.

Let us use phosphorus as an example. We can see that when a soil has a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, the available phosphorus in the soil will be absorbed into the plants. When I studied this chart, I also learned that a soil with a pH above 7.5 is just as bad as a soil that has below 6.5 pH. The horizontal graph section for phosphorus becomes more narrow outside of the 6.5 to 7.5 range.

How many of us do not know what our soil pH is for the garden, truck patch, etc.? If we do not have a current soil test, then we can only guess on the amount of Lime or fertilizer to apply. As a reminder of the importance of the soil test report, please review the pH chart.

We always hear at the produce grower meetings that quality and quantity will help the auction to continue to be successful. Do you agree with Ron Becker that testing pH and other elements is a start to customizing a soil fertility program for your needs?

If you are interested in knowing more about your soil fertility parameters, please follow the instructions on “How To Take A Soil Sample”.

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