Alpaca Water & Soil Analysis

Alpaca

Water and Soil Testing

Recommended by Dr. Norm Evans

                Sorry, we no longer test Forage and Feedstuffs

Test Desired

S

 Water Suitability Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……$55.00 each Includes: pH, Hardness, in ppm and grains per gallon, Nitrate-Nitrogen, Nitrate, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Iron, Chloride, and Electrical Conductivity (EC)

Use any clean 16 oz. plastic bottle. Fill and tape cap with electric tape to prevent leakage when shipped.

For a Water Suitability submission form CLICK HERE

 E

                     Water Bacteria Testing

EPA (Certified) Includes:  Total Coliform and E.Coli Bacteria ………………………………………………..$55.00 each

             Call us for an approved sterile bottle for sampling.

(330) 893-2933 or (330) 893-1326

                                   

Soil Testing

For the Soil Information Sheet:   Click Here

 For Instructions on How to Take A Soil Sample:  Click Here   

Test Desired

A

 Standard Soil Test Includes: Organic Matter, pH, Buffer pH (Lime Test Index), Available Phosphorus and Exchangeable Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and Percent Base Saturations of Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Sodium. Plus, recommendations for Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potash, Magnesium and Lime. (For recommendations, please include field history). This package is recommended for pastures, field crops, vegetable gardens, new lawns, ornamental shrubs, trees, or any highly managed lawns and ornamental plants ………$35.00 each.

 

D

 Diagnostic Soil Nutrient Test ..( Includes: Standard test A plus Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Sulfate Sulfur, Soluble Salts (EC), Boron, Nitrate-Nitrogen ………………………………………………………………………………….………………. $91.00 each.

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.

pH

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”.