Table of Contents
Introduction
The aim of this resource list is to provide a range of soil testing
labs and supplies that support the special analytical needs of farmers
using organic or sustainable production methods. Fundamentally, these
farmers are looking for more than just N-P-K-Lime fertilizer recommendations.
Most land-grant universities offer free or low-cost soil testing services
to farmers, gardeners, and landowners. The benefit of in-state analysis
is that fertilizer recommendations are calibrated to soils in the region.
These calibrations and associated fertilizer recommendations have been
determined through decades of field trials at agricultural experiment
stations.
The standard soil test—readily available through both land-grant
university and commercial labs—provides data on soil nutrient
levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and a few soil chemical characteristics (pH and
CEC). These parameters form the basis of fertilizer and liming recommendations.
However, translating the results of a standard soil test into useful organic fertilizer recommendations is not a simple matter. Most
university soil testing labs don't provide practical fertilizer recommendations
suited to commercial organic farming.
The labs in this list are organized in two broad categories:
- those
that emphasize a biological assessment, and
- those that emphasize
mineral content and fertilizer recommendations
The first category focuses on tests for biological parameters and associated
indicators such as soil organic matter and microbial activity. Farmers
using organic production methods employ a range of biological farming
practices to achieve a healthy, productive soil—e.g., crop rotations,
cover crops and green manures, composts, minimally processed rock minerals,
and in some instances, microbial inoculants. Accordingly, they need
data that indicate soil biological health, not just mineral composition.
They also need to understand how they can adjust agronomic practices
to improve organic matter, soil tilth, microbial diversity, and nutrient
mineralization and how this will affect their farm production.
The second category emphasizes mineral availability and mineral balances
in the soil. The labs listed in this category provide organic fertilizer
recommendations, conduct modified lab tests considered special or unique,
or provide recommendations based on alternative fertility concepts developed
by agricultural advisors like William Albrecht, Carey Reams, Rudy Ozolins,
and Arden Andersen.
Most of these labs provide interpretation of results and make fertilizer
and soil management recommendations.
Do-it-yourself soil testing supplies are included in this resource list
because on-farm soil testing is becoming more popular. Key references
on soil testing and soil quality are included to support further awareness
and education about standard as well as alternative methods of soil
analysis. Literature on Drs. William Albrecht, Carey Reams, Rudy Ozylins,
and Phillip Callahan, and on paramagnetism and rock dusts, is provided
because these people and practices are commonly featured in the alternative
agricultural literature with regard to soil fertility practices. Since
many of the books listed in this latter category have limited distribution,
selected publishers have also been noted.
Note to Certified Organic Farmers:
Several of the labs that focus on mineral analysis consult with
large-scale grain farmers and recommend commercial fertilizers
on a regular basis—the difference being that such fertilizers
are used in the context of an alternative fertility program, which
may include emphasis on base saturation, nutrient balancing, microbial
inoculants, humates, enzymes, and foliar feeding. However, most
of these labs will adjust fertilizer recommendations to fit certified
organic standards on request. |
Several critera were used to identify laboratories offering
alternative soil testing services of interest to farmers implementing
organic and sustainable practices.
Criteria for Labs Specializing in Organic Matter, Humus, Compost,
Microbial Analysis:
- Tests that focus on biological parameters such as soil humus, organic
matter, compost, or microbial analysis. Monitoring for non-nutritive
parameters is a recent development in agriculture. Such tests were
developed in response to increased awareness and attention to total
soil health versus mineral analysis alone.
Criteria for Labs Specializing in Mineral Analysis and Fertilizer Recommendations:
- Labs and crop advisors that are featured in alternative farming
magazines or seminars.
- Modified lab procedures, unique extract solutions, and specialized
lab techniques—as explained in seminars, publications, or communicated
by phone or in person.
- Labs or crop advisors connected to a historical or living figure
recognized as a contributor to alternative soil testing methods or
theories.
- Labs offering organic fertilizer recommendations.
Qualified labs and suppliers not included in the current list can contact ATTRA with complete details for future updates:
Phone: 800-346-9140
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Emphasis on Humus,
Organic Matter, Compost, Microbial Analysis
ABC ORGANICS Crop Research Foundation
P.O. Box 967
Camarillo, CA 93011
805-675-8747
Contact: Johnny Agulia
admin@abcorganics.com
www.abcorganics.com
ABC ORGANICS offers soil, compost, and manure tests, as well as leaf
analysis, with a focus on humus, soil foodweb evaluation, and microbial
diversity.
Agri-Energy Resources
21417 1950E St.
Princeton, IL 61356
815-872-1190
815-872-1928 Fax
aer@starband.net
www.agrienergy.net
Agri-Energy Resources offers a series of biologically oriented tests:
soil microbial analysis, compost analysis, water stable soil aggregate
analysis, and a plant grow-out bioassay test.
BBC Laboratories, Inc.
1217 North Stadem Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-967-5931
480-967-5036 Fax
Contact: Vicki Bess
info@bbclabs.com
www.bbclabs.com
BBC Labs offers microbial analysis of soils, composts, compost teas,
and biological products. Assays performed:
- The Functional Group
Enumeration Test classifies organisms into six categories: aerobic
heterotrophs; facultative anaerobes; yeasts & molds; actinomycetes;
pseudomonads; and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- The Diversity Analysis
Test looks at how many different kinds of organisms exist within each
functional group.
Midwest Bio-Systems
28933 35 E. Street
Tampico, IL 61283
815-438-7200
815-438-7028 Fax
Contact: Edwin Bloss
mbscustomerservice@emypeople.net
www.aeromasterequipment.com
Midwest Bio-Systems (MBS) provides soil and compost analysis combined
with practical field recommendations. MBS specializes in compost feedstock
analysis and windrow management emphasizing the controlled microbial
composting method from Austria. Compost reports include percent material
of pile volume, material volume in cubic yards, material densisty
(lbs/cubic yard), weight of materials, structure rating, moisture
content, percent nitrogen, and C:N ratio. Seminars offered several
times a year.
Soil Control Lab, Inc.
42 Hangar Way
Watsonville, CA 95076
831-724-5422
831-724-3188 Fax
Contact: Frank Shields
frank@compostlab.com
Specialists in compost analysis: compost feedstocks, compost recipes,
compost quality tests, agricultural uses, and toxicity and contaminants
analysis.
Soil Foodweb, Inc.
1128 NE 2nd Street, Suite 120
Corvallis, OR 97330
541-752-5066
541-752-5142 Fax
Contact: Elaine Ingham
info@soilfoodweb.com
www.soilfoodweb.com
Soil Foodweb, Inc., founded by Dr. Elaine Ingham, provides microbial
analysis for soils, composts, and compost teas. A leaf assay is available
to verify the efficacy of compost teas. Some of the parameters measured
include: total & active bacterial and fungal biomass; numbers
for each group of protozoa; nematode numbers and community structure;
and VAM mycorrhizal colonization. The Soil Foodweb website contains
a nice collection of articles, photos, and audio recordings on soil
biology. Soil foodweb seminars are offered several times a year.
Soil and Plant Lab
352 Mathew Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050-0153
408-727-0330
408-727-5125 Fax
splab7@earthlink.net
www.soilandplantlaboratory.com
Compost analysis: particle size, available nutrients, organic content,
estimated C/N ratio, bulk density, pH, salinity, sodium, moisture
content, bioassay growth trials with radish and rye grass. Four locations
in California, Washington, and Oregon.
University of Massachusetts Soil Testing Lab
West Experiment Station
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003-8021
413-545-2311
soiltest@umext.umass.edu
www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/
Compost analysis: moisture content, bulk density, pH, soluble salts,
available plant nutrients, extractable heavy metals, total nitrogen,
organic matter, C/N ratio.
Wallace Laboratories
365 Coral Circle
El Segundo, CA 90245
310-615-0116
310-640-6863 Fax
Contact: Garn Wallace
contact@wlabs.net
www.bettersoils.com
Compost analysis: chemical and physical parameters, macro and micro
nutrients, bulk density, C/N, salinity, etc. Noteworthy publications
from Wallace Laboratories include: Soil Conditioner and Amendment
Technologies, Volume I ($45) and Volume II ($65).
Woods End Research Laboratory
P.O. Box 297
Mt. Vernon, ME 04352
207-293-2457
207-293-2488 Fax
Contact: Dr. William Brinton
info@woodsend.org
www.woodsend.org
Woods End provides a series of soil quality and compost tests, including
the Solvita® Compost Maturity and Solvita® Soil Life test kits. The
four components of their soil test are: Standard Soil Nutrient Audit;
Biological and Textural Tests; Skilled Fertilizer Assessment; and
Optional Nutrient Budgeting. Woods End publishes noteworthy manuals
on compost, soil organic matter, and green manures; some items are
available on their website and others are for sale. A Basic Guide
for Interpreting Soil Tests is a 5-page leaflet (see website)
explaining soil anaylsis and interpretation. Awarded as the "Most
Meaningful Soil Test" by IFOAM in 1980.
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Emphasis on Mineral
Analysis and Fertilizer Recommendations
ABC ORGANICS Crop Research Foundation
P.O. Box 967
Camarillo, CA 93011
805-675-8747
Contact: Johnny Agulia
admin@abcorganics.com
www.abcorganics.com
ABC ORGANICS provides several different quantitative soil tests that
determine the nutritional status of soils. Base saturation/CEC soil
test, organic matter, and nutrient analysis; organic fertilizer recommendations.
Ag Resource Consulting, Inc.
P.O. Box 667 / 131 5th Street
Albany, MN 56307
320-845-6321
320-845-6320 Fax
Contact: Glen Borgerding
glenbarc@albanytel.com
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, nutrient analysis,
organic fertilizer recommendations, manure testing, and nutrient management
plans.
Agri-Energy Resources
21417 1950E St.
Princeton, IL 61356
815-872-1190
815-872-1928 Fax
aer@starband.net
www.agrienergy.net
Complete soil test, Base saturation/CEC, LaMotte extract method.
Fertilizer recommendations based on ideas from Albrecht, Reams, and
the late founder of Agri-Energy Resources, Dave Larson. Interpreting
Your Soil Test is a 4-page leaflet explaining the Agri-Energy Resources
soil analysis report.
Albion Laboratories, Inc.
101 N. Main Street
Clearfield, UT 84015
800-453-2406
801-773-4631
801-773-4633 Fax
Contact: Kevin Dickinson
plantnutrition@AblionMinerals.com
www.AlbionMinerals.com
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, nutrient analysis,
organic fertilizer recommendations. Field agronomists work individually
with growers to design soil management programs.
A&L Analytical Laboratories
2790 Whitten Road
Memphis, TN 38133
800-264-4522
901-213-2400
901-243-2440 Fax
www.al-labs.com
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, nutrient analysis.
Microbial analysis offered as an option. Organic fertilizer recommendations
available on request. Six locations in the United States (TN, IN,
VA, TX, CA, OR, FL, IA) . The A&L Agronomy Handbook ($6.00)
is a noteworthy 132-page soil and plant analysis manual.
Bio-Systems
2724 Lamotte Street
Marlette, MI 48453
517-635-2864
517-635-3888
Contact: Joe Scrimger
bio-systems@centurytel.net
Soil tests include base saturation/CEC as well as the LaMotte extract
method. Fertilizer recommendations based on ideas from Albrecht, Reams,
and Joe Scrimger.
Brookside Analytical Laboratories
308 South Main Street
New Knoxville, OH 45871
419-753-2448
419-753-2949 Fax
Contact: Mark Flock
info@blinc.com
www.blinc.com
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, and nutrient analysis.
Brookside conducts soil tests on behalf of its network of crop advisors
and agronomists who work directly with farmers, perform soil tests,
and design soil management programs. Soil test reports follow the
style developed by Dr. William Albrecht. Contact Brookside for a list
of crop advisors in your region.
Cook's Consulting
RD 2, Box 13
Lowville, NY 13367
315-376-3002
Contact: Peg Cook
pegcook@cooksagconsulting.com
www.lcida.org/cooks.html
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, and nutrient analysis
using the LaMotte photometric system. Noteworthy publications include "Common Sense" Crop Production and "Common
Sense" Market Farm Production, $25 each.
Crop Services International Inc.
1718 Madison S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49507-2518
616-246-7933
616-246-6039 Fax
Contact: Dr. Phil Wheeler
drdirt@cropservicesintl.com
www.cropservicesintl.com
Soil tests include LaMotte, CEC, Humus, paramagnetism, and scanner
(radionics). Fertilizer recommendations based on ideas from Albrecht,
Reams, Callahan, and Phil Wheeler.
International Ag Labs, Inc.
P.O. Box 788
Fairmont, MN 56031
507-235-6909
507-235-9155 Fax
Contact: Dr. Dan Skow, Wendell Owens
ilab@rconnect.com
www.aglabs.com
Soil tests include the LaMotte extract for nutrient analysis, humus,
and formazon dehydrogenase (biological activity). Fertilizer recommendations
based on ideas from Reams and Dan Skow. Seminars offered on Reams
Biological Theory of Ionization. Soil Testing for Biological Agriculture is an 18-page booklet on their soil test report and fertilizer recommendation
guidelines.
K-Ag Laboratories International, Inc.
2323 Jackson St.
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920-426-0002
920-426-2664 Fax
Contact: Dr. Akhtar Khwaja
info@kaglab.com
www.kaglab.com
K-Ag Lab conducts a range of soil tests, provides organic farming
recommendations, and works with specialty crops such as blueberries,
cranberries, ginseng, vegetables, herbs, and black walnuts.
Kinsey's Agricultural Services
297 County Highway 357
Charleston, MO 63834
573-683-3880
573-683-6227 Fax
Contact: Neal Kinsey
neal@kinseyag.com
www.kinseyag.com
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, and nutrient analysis.
Fertilizer recommendations based on ideas from Albrecht and Neal Kinsey.
Midwest Laboratories
13611 B. Street
Omaha, NE 68144
402-334-7770
402-334-9121 Fax
www.midwestlabs.com
Soil test provides nutrient analysis, percent organic matter, and
base saturation/CEC numbers, but fertilizer guidelines are standard
pounds of nutrients required per acre. The website provides helpful
information leaflets on soil, water, and environmental topics (see Midwest Memos).
Midwestern Bio-Ag
10851 Hwy ID, Box 160
Blue Mounds, WI 53517
800-327-6012
608-437-4994
608-437-4441 Fax
Contact: Gary Zimmer
bioag@mhtc.net
www.midwesternbioag.com
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, and nutrient analysis.
Fertilizer recommendations based on ideas from Albrecht and Gary Zimmer.
Midwestern Bio-Ag publishes a number of informative booklets, books,
audio tapes, and videos. The Soil Nutrition Handbook is a
130-page training manual with guidelines for understanding soils,
soil reports, and fertilizer guidelines for biological farming.
Organic Food Matters
741 S. Yates Road
Memphis, TN 38120-2820
901-684-1046
901-684-1949 Fax
Contact: Jeptha Gates
Soil tests based on the Lamotte method. Fertilizer recommendations
based on ideas from Reams, Andersen, and Jeptha Gates.
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply
P.O. Box 2209
Grass Valley, CA 95945
888-784-1722
916-272-4769
916-272-4794 Fax
www.groworganic.com
The Basic Soil Test includes: organic matter, estimated biologically
released nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available and reserve phosphorus,
exchangeable potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium, soil pH, hydrogen,
CEC, base saturation, sulfur, zinc, free lime, and soluble salts. Know Your Soil: A Handbook for Understanding Your Soil Test Report ($20) is a 15-page booklet by Amigo Bob Cantisano on soil test interpretation
combined with organic soil management guidelines.
Terra Labs, Inc.
6073 State Route 219
Celina, OH 45822
419-268-2294
Contact: Keldon Colvin
terralab@bright.net
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, and nutrient analysis
advocated by Dr. Rudy Ozolins. Fertilizer recommendations based on
ideas from Albrecht and Ozolins.
Texas Plant & Soil Lab, Inc.
5115 W. Monte Cristo
Edinburg, TX 78539
956-383-0739
956-383-0730 Fax
Contact: Esper K. Chandler
info@txplant-soillab.com
www.txplant-soillab.com
TPSL uses carbon dioxide as part of its natural soil test method
to extract soil nutrients; it mimics natural conditions in soils to
determine what would be available to plant roots. Fertilizer recommendations
based on ideas from Albrecht and Esper K. Chandler. Commonly used
by Texas organic growers.
Timberleaf Soil Testing
39648 Old Spring Road
Murrieta, CA 92563
951-677-7510
Contact: Bob or Valerie Russo
www.timberleafsoiltesting.com
The Timberleaf soil test was developed especially for market gardeners
who practice the biointensive approach made popular by John Jeavons,
author of How to Grow More Vegetables... The Basic Soil Test
includes base saturation/CEC, estimated nitrogen release, available
nutrients, pH, and soluble salts. Optional tests exist for organic
matter, trace minerals, and composts/greenhouse media. Timberleaf
provides a detailed soil test report that contains soil test report
data as well as explanations and recommendations for organic fertilization.
University of Maine Soil Testing Service
5722 Deering Hall
Orono, ME 04469-5722
207-581-2945
207-581-2934 Fax
http://anlab.umesci.maine.edu
Base saturation/CEC soil test, organic matter, and nutrient analysis.
Compost analysis on request. Organic fertilizer recommendations available
on request. Commonly used by Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA).
Publications on website: Soil
Testing Handbook for Professionals in Agriculture and Commercial
Organic Nutrient Recommendations.
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Soil Testing Supplies—Instruments—Equipment
Gempler's
100 Countryside Drive
P.O. Box 270
Belleville, WI 53508
800-332-6744
608-424-1544
608-424-1661 Fax
Gempler's Master Catalog — www.gemplers.com
Gempler's IPM Almanac — www.ipmalmanac.com
Gempler's carries a full line of soil testing equipment and IPM
supplies, including pH meters, Cardy meters, electrical conductivity
meters, soil test kits, and soil probes. Of special interest is the Professional Soil Quality Test Kit (Item No. RGM250, $495),
which provides indicators of biological, physical, and chemical soil
conditions. This is the test kit promoted by USDA-NRCS, also known
as the USDA Soil Health Test Kit. It was developed in the early 1990s
by Dr. John Doran, a USDA soil scientist, in collaboration with the
Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania. The test kit is accompanied by the USDA Soil Management Manual (Item No. RGM97, $9.95 sold individually)
which describes testing procedures for: pH, nitrates, salinity (EC),
soil compaction, soil moisture, soil biological activity (respiration),
soil texture, water infiltration, bulk density, earthworms, and water
quality.
Hach Co.
P.O. Box 389
Loveland, CO 80539
800-227-4224
970-669-3050
970-669-2932 Fax
orders@hach.com
www.hach.com
Hach Co. manufactures a number of portable soil and water quality
monitoring instruments and meters: pH, electrical conductivity, percent
base saturation, colorimetry.
LaMotte Co.
P.O. Box 329
Chestertown, MD 21620
800-344-3100
410-778-3100
410-778-6394 Fax
tech@lamotte.com
www.lamotte.com
The LaMotte STH Soil Test Kit features the Morgan Universal Soil
Extraction Solution—the solution used in the Reams Test—to measure plant available nutrients. The Kit includes a colori-metric
Humus Screening Test. LaMotte carries a complete line of soil and
water quality monitoring instruments.
Pike Agri-Lab Supplies
154 Claybrook Rd.
P.O. Box 67
Jay, ME 04239
866-745-3247 Toll-Free
207-897-9267
207-897-9268 Fax
Contact: Bob Pike
info@pikeagri.com
www.pikeagri.com
Extensive selection of on-farm testing supplies: refractometers,
paramagnetic soil meter, electrical conductivity, penetrometer, pH,
nitrate, potassium, oxidation reduction potential, soil test kits,
compost test kits. Pike Lab Supplies also carries a number of hard-to-find
books on eco-farming. Website includes the Plant
Tissue Test Intructions leaflet that describes how to use pH,
refractometer, and electrical conductivity meter readings to monitor
crop health from an eco-farming perspective.
Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
23839 W. Andrew Rd.
Plainfield, IL 60544
800-248-8873
815-436-4440
815-436-4460 Fax
info@specmeters
www.specmeters.com
Spectrum Technologies manufactures a number of portable soil and
water quality monitoring instruments: pH, electrical conductivity,
nutrient test strips, Cardy ion meters, soil nitrate quick test, penetrometer.
EM Science
480 South Democrat Road
Gibbstown, NJ 08027
800-222-0342
856-423-6300
856-423-4389 Fax
www.emdchemicals.com/corporate/emd_corporate.asp
EM Science manufactures test strips for pH, nitrates, nitrites,
ammonia, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin C. The Reflectoquant Ion
Test Meter is used in combination with test strips for rapid and accurate
determination of results.
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Publications from
ATTRA: Soil Fertility, Compost, Alternative Farming Systems
The following publications from ATTRA are listed as background reading
on sustainable soil management and alternative farming systems.
Sustainable Soil Management
Sources of Organic Fertilizers & Amendments
Alternative Soil Amendments
Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures
Manures for Organic Crop Production
Farm-Scale Composting Resource List
Biodynamic Farming & Compost Preparation
Notes on Compost Teas
Worms for Composting (Vermicomposting)
Nutrient Cycling in Pastures
Assessing the Pasture Soil Resource
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References on Soil
Testing and Soil Quality
Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory Registry for the United States
and Canada, Second Edition (1999) is a directory of soil labs compiled
by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Extension Service,
and Council on Soil Testing and Plant Analysis. The directory lists
university and private labs that perform soil, plant, and water analysis.
The individual listings describe analytical procedures available. Lists
for $52 through:
CRC Press LLC
2000 NW Corporate Blvd
Boca Raton, FL 33431
800-272-7737
561-994-0555
561-989-9732 Fax
orders@crcpress.com
www.crcpress.com
Defining Soil Quality for a Sustainable Environment (1994),
SSSA Special Publication No. 35, is the proceedings of a symposium sponsored
by Soil Science Society of America. It provides a nice summary of definitions
and descriptive aspects of soil quality; it describes how soil quality
is linked to sustainable soil management practices; and it reviews physical,
chemical, microbial, faunal, enzymatic, and organic matter indicators
of soil quality. Available for $35 through:
American Society of Agronomy, SSSA, CSSA
Attn: Book Order Department
677 South Segoe Rd.
Madison, WI 53711
608-273-8080
608-273-2021 Fax
www.agronomy.org
Methods for Assessing Soil Quality (1996), SSSA Special Publication
No. 49, builds on two previous publications, Defining Soil Quality
for a Sustainable Environment (SSSA Special Publication No. 35)
and Soil Health and Sustainability (Advances in Agronomy,
Vol. 56). It reviews linkages between soil quality and plant, animal,
and human health; summarizes minimum indicators of soil quality; provides
examples of farmer-friendly scorecards, information leaflets, and on-farm
assessment methods; and provides detailed methods and procedures for
measuring soil quality parameters. Available for $36 through ASA:
See address above.
Soil Quality Test Kit Guide (1998) is an 82-page manual from
the USDA Soil Quality Institute. This is the NRCS manual that describes
how to conduct the tests outlined in the soil quality test kit developed
by Dr. John Doran. Section I provides a list of supplies and instructions
for conducting a number of on-farm tests to assess soil quality. Section
II provides background and interpretive information for each test. While
the manual is free, the actual instruments and supplies to conduct these
tests must be purchased. Individual components can be purchased from
suppliers, though for convenience Gempler's (see address above) carries
a complete set of supplies in the Professional Soil Quality Test Kit.
Printed copies of the Soil Quality Test Kit Guide are available
from Gempler's, or free as a web download at:
Soil Quality Test Kit
http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/assessment/test_kit.html
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References
on Novel Testing Methods
Chromatography Applied to Quality Testing (1984 edition), by
Dr. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, provides access to a novel testing method used
in biodynamic agriculture. Pfeiffer made extensive use of the chroma
test in his research at the Pfeiffer Foundation in Spring Valley, New
York. This book contains color plates and descriptive entries for chroma
tests performed on different samples of soil, compost, and grain. A
44-page book that lists for $8 through:
Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, Inc.
Building 1002B, Thoreau Center
The Presidio
P.O. Box 29135
San Francisco, CA 94129-0135
415-561-7797
415-561-7796 Fax
biodynamic@aol.com
www.biodynamics.com
Sensitive Crystallization: A Demonstration of Formative Forces
in the Blood (1975 edition), by Dr. Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, describes
a second novel method used in biodynamic agriculture. Pfeiffer developed
the sensitive crystallization technique in the early 1930s. In 1939
he was awarded an honorary M.D. from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia
in recognition of his research on the early diagnosis of cancer using
this method. The technique can also be used in the analysis of food
and fodder. A 59-page book that lists for $16 from Biodynamic Farming
& Gardening Association:
See address above.
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References on Sustainable
Soil Fertility
Building Soils for Better Crops, 2nd Edition (2000) by Fred
Magdoff and Harold van Es, soil scientists at University of Vermont
and Cornell University, is a highly practical 230-page guide to ecological
soil management. This is the best all-round manual from the land-grant
agricultural colleges on building and maintaining a healthy, productive
soil. Topics addressed: organic matter, soil biology, physical properties
of soil, animal manures, cover crops, crop rotations, making and using
composts, reducing compaction, appropriate tillage systems, nutrient
management, and soil tests and fertilizers. It also feature profiles
of farmers implementing ecological soil management practices, and is
accompanied by plenty of helpful illustrations and tables. Handbook
No. 4 in the Sustainable Agriculture Network series. Highly recommended.
The cost is $19.95, with a $3.95 shipping/handling charge, available
through:
Sustainable Agriculture Publications
Hills Building, Room 210
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405-0082
802-656-0484
802-656-4656 Fax
sanpubs@uvm.edu
www.sare.org/publications/soils.htm
An Agricultural Testament. 1943. By Sir Albert Howard. Oxford
University Press, New York and London. 253 p.
Edaphos: Dynamics of a Natural Soil System, 2nd Edition. 1999.
By Paul D. Sachs. The Edaphic Press, Newbury, VT. 201 p.
Fertile Soil: A Grower's Guide to Organic & Inorganic Fertilizers. 1990. By Robert Parnes. agAccess, Davis, CA. 190 p.
Humic, Fulvic, and Microbial Balance: Organic Soil Conditioning.
1993. By William R. Jackson. William R. Jackson Research Center, Evergreen,
CO. 958 p.
The Living Soil. 1949. By Lady Eve Balfour. Faber and Faber,
LTD., London, England. 270 p.
Michigan Field Crop Ecology: Managing Biological Processes for
Productivity and Environmental Quality. 1998. By M.A. Cavigelli,
S.R. Deming, L.K. Probyn, and R.R. Harwood (eds.) Michigan State University.
Extension Bullentin E-2646. 92 p.
Organic Soil Amendments and Fertilizers. 1992. By David E.
Chaney and Laurie E. Drinkwater. DNAR Publication No. 21505. UC Sustainable
Agriculture Research and Education Program, University of California,
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 36 p.
Russell's Soil Conditions and Plant Growth, 11th Edition. 1988. By Alan Wild (ed.) John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY. 991 p.
Secrets of the Soil. 1989. By Peter Tompkins and Christopher
Bird. Harper & Row Publishers, New York. 444 p.
Soil Fertility: Renewal & Preservation. 1983. By Ehrenfried
Pfeiffer. The Lanthorn Press, Peredur, East Grinstead, Sussex, England.
199 p.
Soils and Men, Yearbook of Agriculture 1938. 1938. United
States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 1232 p.
The Soul of Soil: A Guide to Ecological Soil Management, 3rd
Edition. 1995. By Grace Gershuny and Joseph Smillie. agAccess, Davis,
CA. 174 p.
Special Issue on Soil Quality. 1992. American Journal of Alternative
Agriculture. Vol. 7, No. 1-2.
Special Issue on Soil Quality. 1995. Journal of Soil and Water
Conservation. Vol. 50, No. 3 (May-June).
Resources on the
Albrecht Method
The Albrecht Papers (Vols. I-IV). 1975. By William A. Albrecht,
and Charles Walters (ed.) Acres U.S.A., Kansas, MO.
The Albrecht Papers is a collection of popular-press articles,
experiment station bulletins, and scientific journal articles published
by the esteemed soil scientist from the University of Missouri. Many
of the selections are hard-to-find newsletter and magazine articles
representative of his post-retirement years (1959 onwards) when he
worked as a consultant for Brookside Labs. A complete bibliography
of Albrecht's publications from 1918 to 1974 are listed in Volume
I.
Volume I. Foundation Concepts, 515 p.
Volume II. Soil Fertility and Animal Health, 192 p.
Volume III. Hidden Lessons in Unopened Books, 401 p.
Volume IV. Enter Without Knocking, 315 p.
Hands-On Agronomy. 1993. By Neal Kinsey and Charles Walters.
Acres U.S.A., Kansas, MO. 352 p.
Resources on Eco-Farming:
General
Eco-Farm: An Acres U.S.A. Primer. 1991. By Charles Walters
and C.J. Fenzau. Acres U.S.A., Kansas, MO. 450 p.
Acres U.S.A. Desk Reference
The Desk Reference contains reprints of the Acres U.S.A.
magazine between the years 1975 and '95, bound in a series of hardcover
volumes.
The Biological Farmer. 2000. By Gary Zimmer. Acres U.S.A.,
Austin, TX. 352 p.
Crop Pests and Fertilizers—Is There a Connection? Circa 1990s.
By Gary F. Zimmer. Midwestern Bio-Ag, Blue Mound, WI. 30 p.
Crop Roots—The Hidden Half. Circa 1990s. By Harold Willis.
Midwestern Bio-Ag, Blue Mound, WI. 106 p.
Agriculture in Transition. 2000. By Donald L. Schriefer. Acres
U.S.A., Austin, TX. 238 p.
From the Soil Up. 2000. By Donald L. Schriefer. Acres U.S.A., Austin,
TX. 274 p.
More Food From Soil Science: The Natural Chemistry of Lime in Agriculture. 1965. By V.A. Tiedjens. Growers Chemical Corp., Milan, OH. 300 p.
Available for $15 through Growers Fertilization Solutions in Milan,
Ohio (See Publishers Below).
Resources on the
Reams Method
The Anatomy of Life & Energy in Agriculture. 1989. By Arden
Andersen. Acres U.S.A., Kansas, MO. 115 p.
Science in Agriculture: The Professional's Edge. 1992. By
Arden Andersen. Acres U.S.A., Kansas, MO. 370 p.
Choose! Life or Death: The Reams Theory of Biological Ionization. 1982. By Carey Reams. Holistic Laboratories, Tampa, FL. 171 p. ISBN:
0-9619345-0-6
Mainline Farming for Century 21. 1991. By Dan Skow and Charles
Walters, Jr. Acres U.S.A., Kansas, MO. 205 p.
The Farmer Wants to Know. 1979. By Dan Skow. International
Ag Labs, Fairmont, MN. 25 p.
The Farmer Wants to Know: Soil pH & Energy. 1991. By Dan Skow.
International Ag Labs, Fairmont, MN. 27 p.
Non-Toxic Farming Handbook. 1998. By Philip Wheeler and Ronald Ward. Acres U.S.A., Metairie, LA. 238 p.
Nourishment Home Grown. 1992. By A.F. Beddoe. Agro-Bio Systems,
Grass Valley, CA. 299 p.
Resources on Paramagnetism
in Agriculture
Ancient Mysteries, Modern Visions: The Magnetic Life Of Agriculture. 1984. By Philip S. Callahan. Acres U.S.A., Kansas, MO. 142 p.
Exploring The Spectrum: Wavelengths Of Agriculture And Life. 1994. By Philip S. Callahan. Acres U.S.A., Kansas, MO. 178 p.
Paramagnetism: Rediscovering Nature's Secret Force Of Growth. 1995. By Philip S. Callahan. Acres U.S.A., Metairie, LA . 142 p.
The Enlivened Rock Powders. 1994. By Harvey Lisle. Acres U.S.A.,
Kansas, MO.
194 p.
Remineralize the Earth
152 South Street
Northampton, MA 01060-4021
413-586-4429
Contact: Joanne Campe
ReminEarth@aol.com
www.remineralize.org/
Remineralize the Earth in a non-profit organization that promotes
the regeneration of soils and forests with finely ground gravel dust
as an alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In the 1980s
and '90s, Remineralize the Earth published a quarterly journal, and
back issues are an excellent way to read up on farmer practices and
scientific research. Though it discontinued its print journal, RE,
Inc maintains a website with articles from past journal issues, research
reports, and an electronic forum on soil remineralization. RE, Inc.
plans to develop an online magazine, a monthly digital newsletter,
and a research database.
Joanne Campe, the editor, has compiled research packets on the use
of rock dusts in agriculture and forestry that provide documentation
from the practitioner and scientific literature. Packets include:
- Soil Remineralization: Agriculture, 146 pages. $17.00
- Soil Remineralization: Forestry and Sewage Treatment, 82 pages.
$12.00
- Complete Set of both Agriculture & Forestry/Sewage Sludge. $25.00
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Publishers
Books by Andersen, Skow, Walters, Albrecht, Lisle, Parnes, Gershuny,
Thompkins, Sachs, Jackson, and Callahan are available through the Acres,
U.S.A. Bookstore in Austin, TX. For a catalog, contact:
Acres USA Bookstore
P.O. Box 91299
Austin, TX 78709
800-355-5313
512-892-4400
512-892-4448 Fax
info@acresusa.com
www.acresusa.com
Books by Skow and Reams are available through International Ag Labs,
Inc., in Fairmont, MN. Contact:
International Ag Labs, Inc.
P.O. Box 788
Fairmont, MN 56031
507-235-6909
507-235-9155 Fax
Contact: Dr. Dan Skow, Wendell Owens
ilab@rconnect.com
www.aglabs.com
Books by Beddoe are available from Pike Agri-Lab Supplies in Maine.
Contact:
Pike Agri-Lab Supplies
154 Claybrook Rd.
P.O. Box 67
Jay, ME 04239
866-745-3247 Toll-Free
207-897-9267
207-897-9268 Fax
Contact: Bob Pike
info@pikeagri.com
www.pikeagri.com
Tiedjens' book More Food From Soil Science is distributed
by Growers Nutritional Solutions.
Growers Nutritional Solutions
P.O. Box 1750
Milan, OH 44846
800-437-4769
419-499-2178 Fax
growers@web-seller.com
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Web Sites on Soil
Health
Soil Quality Institute - NRCS
http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/
Soil Quality Information Sheets - NRCS Soil
Quality Institute
http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/publications/sqis.html
Agronomy Technical Notes - NRCS Soil Quality Institute
http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/publications/atn.html
Soil Quality Test Kit - NRCS Soil Quality
Institute
http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/assessment/test_kit.html
Soil Quality Resources - University of Illinois
www.aces.uiuc.edu/asap/resources/isqi/isqi-resources.html
The Soil Foodweb: Its Importance in Ecosystem Health
By Elaine Ingham
www.rain.org/~sals/ingham.html
Soil Biological Communities
Bureau of Land Management
www.blm.gov/nstc/soil/index.html
Soil And Health Library
www.soilandhealth.org/index.html
The Health of Our Soils: Toward Sustainable Agriculture in
Canada http://res.agr.ca/cansis/publications/health/intro.html
Soil Quality—Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
http://res2.agr.gc.ca/london/faq/soil-sols_e.htm
Soil quality and financial performance of biodynamic and conventional
farms in New Zealand. 1993. J.P. Reganold, A.S. Palmer, J.C.
Lockhart and A.N. Macgregor. Science 260: 344-349.
www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/NEWSLTR/v6n2/sa-13.htm
World Wide Web Sites with Information on Soil Quality
UC-SAREP Program, University of California
www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/soil/
/websites.htm
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Web Sites on Soil
Testing and Nutrient Management
A Basic Guide for Interpreting Soil Test Values
Woods End Agricultural Laboratory
www.woodsend.org/brinton2.pdf
How to Use a Soil Test
Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Association of Biological Farmers
www.vabf.org/soilre3.php
New Tests of Soil Quality: Evaluating the Health of Your Soil's
Microbial Community
Don Lotter, Farmer to Farmer Magazine—January-February 1997
http://donlotter.net/f2farm.html
Interpreting Soil Test Results for Commercial Crops
University of Maine Soil Testing Service & Analytical Lab
http://anlab.umesci.maine.edu/combk/comm0.HTM
Commercial Organic Nutrient Recommendations
University of Maine Soil Testing Service & Analytical Lab
http://anlab.umesci.maine.edu/handout/organ01.HTM
Understanding the Numbers on Your Soil Test Report
University of Arkansas
www.uaex.edu:80/Other_Areas/publications/HTML/FSA-2118.asp
www.uaex.edu:80/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-2118.pdf
Soil Testing Handbook for Professionals in Agriculture, Horticulture,
Nutrient and Residuals Management, 3rd Edition
University of Maine Soil Testing Service & Analytical Lab
http://anlab.umesci.maine.edu/handbk/part0.htm
Understand Your Soil Test: Calcium, Magnesium, Boron, Copper,
Chlorine, Molybdenum
University of Nebraska
www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/Soil/g165.htm
Selecting an Analytical Laboratory
Colorado State University
www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/crops/00520.html
www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/crops/00520.pdf
Soil Test Explanation
Colorado State University
www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/crops/00502.html
www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/crops/00502.pdf
Soil Test Interpretations
New Mexico State University
www.cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_a/
/a-122.html
Interpreting Missouri Soil Test Reports
University of Missouri-Columbia
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/soils/g09112.htm
Soil Fertility Test Interpretation: Phosphorus, Potassium,
Calcium, Magnesium
Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
www.rcre.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS719
Bob Lippert's Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Soil Testing,
Plant Analysis, and Fertilizers
Department of Crop & Soil Environmental Science, Clemson University
http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~blpprt/bobweb/bobweb.html
Ohio Agronomy Guide: Soil Fertility | Bulletin 472
Ohio State University
http://ohioline.osu.edu/b472/fertile.html
Nutrient Management for Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Crops
in Minnesota
University of Minnesota
www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC5886.html
Something to Grow On: Nutrient Management the Key to Successful
Nursery Crop Production
Cornell University
www.hort.cornell.edu/department/faculty/good/growon/index.html
Plant Anaylsis Reference Procedures for the Southern Region of the United
States
Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 368
www.msstate.edu/org/saaesd/scsb/list/1990.htm
Procedures Used by State Soil Testing Laboratories in the Southern Region
of
the U.S.
Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 190-B
www.msstate.edu/org/saaesd/scsb/list/1990.htm
Field Quick Tests for Nitrogen Analysis
CyberConference: Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers
www.greenbeam.com/features/cyb011501a2.stm
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Web Sites on Cation
Exchange Capacity and Percent Base Saturation
Cation exchange capacity (CEC) and percent base saturation,
also known as base cation saturation ratio (BCSR), provide helpful
insight on the condition of soils and they are commonly expressed
on soil tests. In addition, they are especially important in
the mineral balancing approach promoted by the late Dr. William
Albrecht. A few websites are provided below for background reading
and understanding of these terms.
It should be noted that whereas CEC is universally acknowledged
as a valid indicator, the BCSR approach (also known as mineral
balancing), is not. Some people swear by it, some people give
it little merit, and other people say Albrecht's ideas are valid
only on Midwestern soils because they contain montmorillinite
clays. In this regard, the web links to Mark Schonbeck's research
on BCSR fertilization practices on kaolinite clay soils in the
Southeastern U.S. are especially noteworthy; these field trials
were conducted on organic vegetable farms, and funded by the
Organic Farming Research Foundation. |
Cation Exchange Capacity and Percent Base Saturation
Bob Lippert, Clemson University
www.clemson.edu/psapublishing/Pages/AGRO/IL64.pdf
What is the Use for the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and the
Percent Base Saturation on the Soil Test Report?
Bob Lippert's Soil Testing Resources, Clemson University
http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~blpprt/bobweb/BOBWEB23.HTM
How are the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and Percent Base
Saturation Calculated for the Soil Test Report?
Bob Lippert's Soil Testing Resources, Clemson University
http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~blpprt/bobweb/BOBWEB13.HTM
Soil Cation Ratios for Crop Production
George Rehm, University of Minnesota, North
Central Regional Extension Publication 533
www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/cropsystems/DC6437.html
Soil Cation Nutrient Balancing in Sustainable Agriculture
Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Assocation of Biological Farmers
www.vabf.org/infosht.php
Does my Soil Need Cation Nutrient Balancing?
Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Assocation of Biological Farmers
http://www.vabf.org/soilre2.php
Soil Nutrient Balancing in Sustainable Vegetable Production:
Project Summary
Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Assocation of Biological Farmers
www.vabf.org/soilresum.php
Soil Nutrient Balancing in Sustainable Vegetable Production:
Results of 2000 Season Field Trials, and Evaluation of the First Three
Years
Mark Schonbeck, OFRF Research Report
www.ofrf.org/publications/Grant%20reports/00.10.04.Schonbeck.Spr00.IB10.pdf
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Web Sites on Compost
Quality
The quality and use of composts and compost
teas is a hot topic in sustainable agriculture. Items
from ATTRA provide extensive links to key web-based resources. |
Notes on Compost Teas
Steve Diver, ATTRA
www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/compost-tea-notes.html
By Steve Diver
NCAT Agriculture Specialist
Copyright © 2002 National Center for Appropriate Technology
IP234
Slot 174
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