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Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory

The viability of farming is dependent on the management decisions made by farmers, and one of the the most important factors is how the farmer grows and feeds his crops and livestock.

The Laboratory has established modern soil and feed analytical methods and recommendations that are coordinated with the provincial laboratories in all the Atlantic Provinces.

Sample Types

Soil

  • Organic soil
  • Mineral soil
  • Compost
  • Manure

Tissue

  • Forage
  • Silage
  • Compost
  • Hay
  • Vegetable
  • Small fruit

Feed

  • Mill feeds
  • Animal feed
  • Grain
 

Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory Costs1

Commercial Farmers

Routine Soil Analysis $7.00 + HST
Routine Feed Analysis $7.00 + HST
Greenhouse Soil Analysis $7.00 + HST

Home Gardeners

Routine Soil Analysis2 $20.00 + HST
pH & Lime Requirements $7.00 + HST

Notes

1No discount for multiple samples
2pH, lime requirements, P2O5 ,K2O, Ca, Mg and fertilizer recommendations

Types of Analysis

Soil

Soil pH, phosphate, potash, calcium and magnesium levels are measured in soil samples, assessed, and translated into a limestone and fertilizer recommendation for the crop specified.

Feed

The following analysis are performed on most feed samples: dry matter, pH (silages), crude protein, acid detergent fibre (ADF), total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible energy, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous. Other analysis, such as sodium, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and crude fat content, can also be carried out depending on the feed type.

The appropriate parameters are summarized and reported to the farmer and Agricultural Representative, and in conjunction with the Regional Livestock Specialist, assist the client in formulating their feeding program.

Tissue

Percent nitrogen, phosphate, potash, calcium, magnesium and parts per million (ppm), iron, copper, manganese and zinc are measured in tissue samples. Tissue Analysis is performed in conjunction with Soil Analysis to detect any potential deficiency which may be present in the plant.

Laboratory Address

Agricultural Chemists can be contacted at (709) 729-6738.

Laboratory Address:

Soil and Plant Lab

Department Natural Resources
Provincial Agriculture Building
308 Brookfield Rd.
PO Box 8700
St. John's, NL A1B 4J6
 
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