Agronomic Services — Solution Analysis

Kristin A. Hicks, Ph.D., Section Chief
Kristin.hicks@ncagr.gov
(919) 664-1603

Don Edralin, Ph.D. Agronomist
don.edralin@ncagr.gov
919-664-1604

Solution analysis is useful for monitoring surface-water and groundwater quality for such varied agricultural purposes as irrigation, fertilization (nutrient solutions), livestock and poultry production, pesticide preparation, pond management and aquaculture.

Standard analysis includes: nitrate-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, boron, sodium, chloride, aluminum, pH, alkalinity, hardness, electrical conductivity/soluble salts, sodium adsorption ratio.

Standard fee per sample:

NC* growers $5
NC* researchers $12
Non-NC growers or researchers $25

Extra tests available at $2 each:

Molybdenum (Mo)

*Samples qualify for the in-state rate if they originated in North Carolina. Research samples require an annual research agreement prior to submission. All research samples receive a 10% analysis recheck for quality control at no added cost.

How to collect & submit a solution sample	Solution Sample Submission Form (Grower). Solution Sample Submission Form (Researcher) NCDA Sample ID Spreadsheet Water Sampling for Nursery/Greenhouse Managers Handout Water Sampling for Turf Managers Handout How to Sample Solutions Pour-Through Extraction Procedure (NCSU)
How to find & interpret my report	Report Search (PALS) Sample Turnaround Times Understanding the Solution Report Solution Analysis (descriptive brochure)
Solution Sample Analysis Methodology	NCDA&CS Solution Analysis Methods
Sample Containers	Sample containers are not provided by NCDA&CS. Submit 12–16 oz of a representative sample in a plastic (not glass) bottle. Used beverage containers with the labels removed work great! Be sure to rinse the container prior to sample collection; do not use soap.
Other Useful References	List of Salt Tolerant Plants (from New Hanover County Extension) Production Tools for Tobacco Growers Solution Analysis for Tobacco Transplant Float Beds Fertilizer and Alkalinity Calculator NCSU Pond Management Guide

Many of the publications accessible from this page are published in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. Click here to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat reader.

Last Update November 3, 2017