For more than a decade we have conducted soil testing analyses and given prescriptions for natural and organic materials indicated by the testing laboratory measurements. Currently, we use Logan Labs of Lakeview, Ohio to provide us the figures to analyze and develop recommendations for what to apply, with the aim of approximating complete nutrient balance in the soil.
Our soil analysis is very complete and understandable. The following section discusses why you should get a professional soil test and under what circumstances; what our test and analyses cover; instructions for properly taking soil samples; and a questionnaire form that provides us information about your site, the history of its treatment and use, etc.
Professional Soil Testing Services
We at BLOSSOM Consulting Services are increasingly convinced that soil testing is essential to gardening success, especially for food gardeners desiring to have high production of nutritionally complete crops. Every serious gardener should have a professional soil test conducted to determine what soil nutrients are not needed (and could even be detrimental, if added), and which nutrients, in what quantities, are needed for optimum fertility. It is most likely that savings in fertilizer purchases, as well as errors avoided, will more than offset costs of the testing. The fee is $75.00 per test. A free 15 minute consultation to explain the analysis will be given at the office or by phone.
BLOSSOM Consulting’s services are based on results of professional laboratory analysis performed by Logan Labs LLC of Lakeview, Ohio, which uses testing procedures designed for ecological farming and gardening based on the research of Dr. William A. Albrecht, former Chairman of the Soils Department of the University of Missouri. We provide interpretations and recommendations geared to Minerally-Augmented Organic methods that we developed over the years.
We offer a complete professional soil test with qualitative organic evaluations of laboratory report results and quantitative recommendations for organic/natural material applications. Laboratory test parameters include the following:
Organic matter (%); pH of soil sample; exchange capacity (M.E.); sulfur (S in ppm); phosphorus (as P2O5 in lbs./acre); calcium (Ca in lbs./acre); magnesium (Mg in lbs./acre); potassium (K in lbs./acre); sodium (Na in lbs./acre); other base elements (trace elements, variable in percent); exchangeable hydrogen (H in percent of base saturation); boron (B in ppm); iron (Fe in ppm); manganese (Mn in ppm); copper (Cu in ppm); zinc (Zn in ppm); aluminum (Al in ppm, non-nutrient). Also given are optimum and actual percentages of key cation nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, and Na).
Procedures:
BLOSSOM Consulting provides precise, written instructions on taking samples. It is extremely important that samples be taken as instructed. You may bring samples to us in plastic sandwich bags or zip-lock bags. You may also mail the sample(s) to us directly. Instructions and a questionnaire are available at the above link or at BLOSSOM Consulting (4711 Black Lake Blvd Olympia, WA 98512).
Results of the lab test will be emailed to BLOSSOM Consulting within about one week and you will be notified by phone or email. A copy of the lab report will be furnished to you when you arrive at BLOSSOM Consulting to pick up your complete report, including the write-up evaluation and recommendations we provide. If you are not able to come to the office we can send the report to you and arrange a phone conference.
In addition to the written report, we will provide a brief verbal explanation of the results and recommendations which will identify the recommended fertilizer materials and amounts prescribed to bring your garden into balanced optimal fertility. Generally, it is recommended that testing be repeated in four years or more often in commercial operations.
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Phone: +13609435670 | Email: gary@blossomera.com | Office and Store Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM