Are splitting soil samples between two or more laboratories a good judge in comparing lab quality?
– No. Usually growers or crop consultants collect soil samples, mix in bucket, and then send to laboratories for comparison. Incomplete mixing is first problem. Studies conclude that mixing moist or too dry soil increases the inaccuracy. – Rock River Laboratories, Inc. participates in the Farmers Service Association Proficiency Testing Program involving approximately 6 other laboratories. We also participate in the North Central Region Proficiency Soil Testing Program involving over 20 peer laboratories. Soil professionals run these programs from government and university. – Sending split samples to laboratories, without knowing what procedures of analysis and extracting processes of each, is a waste of time and money. Professionally run Proficiency Programs compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. – Sticking with one laboratory like Rock River Laboratories, Inc. and developing a long-term relationship is recommended. How do I sample in no-till situations? – Soil pH tends to be
