Page 6 - Impact Spring 2023

Grab your shovels and send us some soil! Summer is here, and the U of M Soil Testing Lab is busy with samples from fields, lawns, and gardens across the Midwest.
The Soil Testing Lab does routine soil
fertility testing for farmers, gardeners,
landscapers, and municipalities, as well
as various soil analyses for University
researchers. Its counterpart, the Research Analytical Laboratory, provides a wide range of analyses of soil, plant, water, and other materials in support of University, government, and private company research.
SOIL LAB MANAGER AND CFANS ALUMNA CASSIE LIST, BS ‘18 ESPM, CONDUCTS A ‘REGULAR SERIES’ TEST.
Together, the Soil Testing and Research Analytical Laboratory make STRAL, a unit housed in the Crops Research Building on the Twin Cities campus in St. Paul. STRAL Research Manager Keith Piotrowski emphasizes that while the two labs serve two distinct purposes, they operate in an integrated manner.
“Most of our work for the public runs side-by-side with the work we do for research,” said Piotrowski. “We apply the same techniques and attention to detail to soil samples from the public as we do for samples that are part of publishable research.”
The Soil Testing Lab focuses on measurements of nutrient status in the soil in order to provide science- based fertilizer recommendations for plant growth and environmental safety. The lab’s ‘regular series’ test — an analysis of phosphorus and potassium, pH levels, and soil texture — gives homeowners, gardeners, landscapers, and farmers a comprehensive look at their soil and makes recommendations on how to amend identified issues.
“Anybody can get their soil tested here — you don’t have to be an expert,” said Piotrowski. “Our reports are easy to read and include links to additional resources to help readers interpret the results and eliminate potential issues with soil fertility or pH.”
 Soil testing is available to the public year round. For more information visit soiltest.cfans.umn.edu.
GET THE DIRT
on your soil