Frequently Asked Questions
What could a laboratory in Texas possibly know about my soil ??
Texas Plant & Soil Lab uses the CO2 Extraction Method to extract Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg) from your soil. This method duplicates the way plants naturally extract these nutrients from ANY soil.
TPSL has been testing soils from around the world and providing solutions for growers for more than 70 years.
Why haven't I heard of the CO2 Extraction Method before ??
The CO2 Extraction Method is offered only by a handful of labs around the world, as it is extremely labor-intensive and does not lend itself to an automated processing line as does Mehlich III or other commonly-offered soil nutrition tests.
What's so great about the CO2 Extraction Method??
Other testing methods only tell you the TOTAL CONTENT of K, Na, Ca, and Mg present.
The CO2 Method separately tells you what is immediately available to the plant (water soluble) and what is "in reserve" as a locked-up compound (generally unavailable).
This explains why a more standard test may show certain nutrients as adequate or high, yet the plants show deficiencies in those nutrients - and why you may see the same test results, year after year.
Because this method duplicates the way the plant naturally extracts nutrients, it is the most accurate method of measuring K, Na, Ca, and Mg. It does not have to be adjusted according to soil type. The proof is always in crop / plant performance!!
Did TPSL invent the CO2 Method ??
No. This was the first soil nutrient extraction method, developed in England by Daubeny in 1845. As analytical technology improved, much work was done on the method by the universities of Arizona and Florida, and others in the 20th Century. Building upon those works, TPSL has further developed and refined the testing standards.
What will this test tell me ??
In our exclusive color-coded format, you will get: Texture, % Organic Matter (humus fraction), CO3 (carbonates), pH, Electrical Conductivity, NO3 (nitrates), P2O5 (phosphates).
Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg) are presented in both H2O (soluble) and CO2 (reserve) extractions. Also included are Na/Ca & Na/Mg ratio, Total Nutrient Crop Removal Rates and Fertilizer Guidelines. Micronutrients include Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Copper (Cu) - with application guidelines.
So you tell me what's wrong with my soil, but how am I supposed to know what to do ??
The real value in a TPSL test is in the recommendation. You get specific fertilization recommendations for your crop in your soil based on your cultivation practice, whether CONVENTIONAL, SUSTAINABLE, or ORGANIC.
Aside from this test, is there anything else TPSL can analyze in my soil ??
Yes. TPSL offers Cation Exchange Capacity (C.E.C.), Boron (B), Sulfate (SO4). Worried about Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr)? We run these and other HEAVY METALS on soils.
What if I want additional tests run on my sample later on ??
Just call us. We retain your sample for at least 90 days just in case you may want additional testing.
What other testing services does TPSL offer??
We offer a full spectrum of agricultural analytical and consulting services, including:
Plant - ASK THE PLANT™
TPSL's exclusive crop nutrition monitoring program dynamically informs you of your crop's changing nutritional needs throughout the growing season so that you can achieve best yields based upon inputs.
Water
TPSL offers complete water analytical services for potable, effluent, ad irrigation water.
Heavy Metals
TPSL can run Heavy Metals on plants, soils, and water. Please contact us about which heavy metals you are concerned about.
Mehlich III
We perform this basic test as well.
Organic Analysis
Compost / Compost Tea Nutrients - Manure - Humic Acid - Fertilizers (both Organic and Chemical)
Others
Onion Pungency - Nematodes and Disease Diagnostics - Bouyoucous (Texture) - Sieve - L.O.I. (Loss on Ignition - Total Organic Matter) - % Moisture - And Others - Call for Details.
Do you have a question not mentioned here, give us a call at 956-383-0739 or drop us an e-mail. We will be happy to answer any questions you have !!
Texas Plant & Soil Lab We do not sell or endorse any products. We offer educational services by determining soil fertility, plant nutrition needs, and amount & timing of fertilizer for Maximum Economic Yields using Best Management Practices.
