Alternative Soil Testing Laboratories

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 testóreadily available through both land-grant university and commercial labsóprovides 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 soilóe.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 basisóthe 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 techniquesóas 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 Steve Diver at ATTRA with complete details for future updates:

Contact Information

Phone: 800-346-9140
E-mail: steved@ncat.org

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