Agronomic Services — Soil Testing Section
provides
- Detailed chemical soil analyses, such as
- levels of major plant nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium & sulfur;
- levels of plant micronutrients, including copper, manganese & zinc;
- levels of sodium;
- pH and acidity;
- soil class;
- percent base saturation;
- percent humic matter;
- cation exchange capacity and
- weight-to-volume ratio.
- Site-specific fertilizer and lime recommendations that can
- optimize crop yields,
- improve farm efficiency,
- reduce cost of production,
- conserve natural resources and
- protect the environment by minimizing excessive use of fertilizers, particularly nitrogen.
- Annual soil test summary data by crop, county, region and state.
- Crop-specific notes that provide details for implementing soil test recommendations.
- Leadership in developing soil test methodologies, many of which are now used around the world.
- A forum where Division agronomists and university research and extension faculty can communicate regarding the need for refinements in fertilizer recommendations.
- News releases addressing problems or trends in fertility of soils across North Carolina.
- Heavy metal analyses to meet environmental regulatory requirements for permitting application of agricultural, industrial or municipal waste products.
- DWQ-certified analyses for pH, phosphorus, manganese, copper and zinc in compliance with environmental regulations mandated by Senate Bill 1217.
Last Update
February 24, 2014
