News

Lab Tests and Fuel Gauges

We get inquiries for a wide variety of tests, some of them we do not perform. So how do we as a lab determine what tests to offer? There are two main criteria for ALGL.

Is there a business case to offer the test? While that seems rather cold, like our customers we are a business and need to be profitable. We must determine if we can generate enough revenue to cover not only the materials and labor to perform the test, but also the operational costs. We need to develop the procedure, train staff, maybe purchase equipment that requires building space, maybe make building alterations to support the equipment, and the list goes on.  Often there is a lot of publicity about a given test, but the sample numbers generated don’t always reflect that market excitement.

Does the test provide value to our customers? A valuable test provides data that can within in a reasonable level of accuracy and stability track progress over time. Ideally the test will also provide some level of predictable outcomes in the future based on prescribed actions. This means there is enough understanding of the system to interpret the data to make informed prescriptive management actions.

A simple example is the fuel gauge in your vehicle. If the fuel gauge shows half full, what does that mean and what decisions can you make with this information?

The gauge reading of 50% or 0.5 is only data. However, though knowledge of the tested system you know the fuel tank has a 40-gallon capacity, now we know there is 20 gallons of fuel in the tank. If though observation you know that the vehicle gets 20 miles per gallon, you now know that you can travel 400 miles on that tank of fuel before running out. If through related research you know that your destination is 300 miles away, you can travel to your destination without stopping for fuel but will need to refuel within 100 miles after leaving that location. Our understanding of a simple fuel gauge is far greater than many of us consider. The greater understanding, the more informed decisions can be made.

Like the fuel gauge, a test value on a lab report is of little value until additional interpretive knowledge is gained.  New tests are being developed regularly and the key to their long-term success is interpretive data. The staff at ALGL are regularly tracking new and developing tests to see what offerings make business sense for us and our customers.

Soil Probe Selection

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, precision is key. Farmers and agronomists continually seek ways to optimize crop yield and resource efficiency. One often overlooked but critical tool in this journey is the soil probe. Selecting the right soil probe can make a significant difference in gathering accurate data, leading to informed decision-making and improved agricultural practices.

 Soil probes come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific purposes.  The classic push probe is simple and affordable, suitable for routine soil sampling.  However, for more in-depth analysis, hydraulic or electric soil probes offer greater depth penetration and precision.  These advanced probes can access subsoil layers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the soil profile. 

 On the ALGL website, https://algreatlakes.com/collections/probes-replacement-tips, one can find various probes and tips available for purchase. With many items, and practices, in farming there is not a “one size fits all” category for soil probes.  There are different types and configurations that will increase efficiencies, and decrease fatigue, while pulling soil cores.

 Described above is just one example of a soil probe.  Others may include various replaceable parts, such as handles, footsteps and even replaceable tips.  Replaceable tips are a great tool when sampling fields with drastic spatial variability.  Sandy soils are abrasive and may need a dry tip that can be replaced once dull.  A normal soil tip will be the best place to start, for any sampler, and will cover a wide range of soil types.  A wet tip is designed for use in clay, mud or very wet soils.  There is a lip on the inside of this tip which prevents the soil core from sticking to the bottom of the sampled area and keeps it in the soil tube on the probe.  All these options can be selected depending on usage frequency, soil type, sampler physique and budget.

 A self-sharpening probe can be purchased instead of replaceable tips.  The sampler will not have to worry about potentially losing a tip in the field or having it rattle off during transportation.  While self-sharpening probes are generally less expensive, there is only tip design available for all soil conditions. 

                 With all sampling technology, precise and consistent sampling are the priorities.  Each piece of equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages.  Choosing the right soil probe involves a thoughtful consideration of soil types, depth requirements and a budget in mind. If you need help selecting the right soil probe for your needs, please reach out to your ALGL sales agronomist.

Looking Back on 2023…

As 2023 comes to a close, 2023 has brought a wealth of challenges and successes. It seems that each year that passes, unique challenges seem to follow. While 2023 was marked with a cold spring bringing planting delays, a dry summer bringing us crop nutrition challenges and led to higher than desired grain moisture for much of the ALGL region, let’s take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of 2023.

Despite all of the challenges this growing season, yields were good to excellent in most areas, but better than expected everywhere. The dry weather showed us where our weak links might be in our fertility plans to help us make improvements for next year. While we all might not have had the number of staff members we would like to have, the work still got done.

For ALGL, 2023 marks new records. A record number of soil, plant, and manure samples were processed at the laboratory this year, including the highest number samples processed in a month for two of the three sample types. This is the second time records have been set in these all three of these sample types in the past two years!

While sharing these facts may seem boastful, the intent with sharing these facts is not. These achievements could not be possible without a hardworking laboratory staff partnering with each other to get the work done, nor without the samples sent to the lab by our partners in the industry. To each partner of A&L Great Lakes, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your trust in our expertise, your commitment to improved soil and crop management, and your passion for cultivating growth is the driving force behind our success.

As we celebrate a New Year, we are energized and inspired to continue expanding our capabilities and knowledge. The road ahead is filled with exciting opportunities, and we are eager to embark on new challenges, and enhancing both existing and new partnerships.

To our amazing team, loyal customers, and everyone who has been a part of our journey to this point – thank you. Your dedication, hard work, and passion have made ALGL what it is today and into the future.

We raise a virtual toast to a phenomenal year, let’s look forward to many more years of shared growth, collaboration, and success.

Here’s to another year of cultivating excellence together!

Registration for 2024 Soil Fertility Workshops Is Open!

Dates and locations are set for the 2024 Soil Fertility Workshops. The goal of our workshops is simple: we provide a general overview of fundamental agronomic principles and current university research so our attendees are better able to make nutrient management decisions for their customers or for their own operations. Today’s producers are inundated with information regarding crop inputs and practices. By applying the fundamental principles of agronomy to these inputs and practices, a consultant, agricultural retailer, or producer can evaluate and decide which of those are most applicable for achieving both the short-term and long-term goals of a specific operation.

The workshops are developed and presented by A&L Great Lakes Laboratories’ Agronomy Staff comprised of Certified Crop Advisers, Certified Professional Agronomists, and Certified Professional Soil Scientists whom have a wide range of experience in the agricultural industry.

We will be presenting six workshops in January and February in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Registration can be completed online, or by mail/email. Click here for more information and registration.

February 6, 2024 - Fort Wayne, IN

February 8, 2024 - Frankenmuth, MI

February 13, 2024 - Grand Rapids, MI

February 14, 2024 - Rockford, IL

February 20, 2024 - Perrysburg, OH

February 22, 2024 - Fort Wayne, IN

Impact of Soil Sample Location and Depth

When soil sample location or depth change, so can the soil test data. Often when calls come into the lab about inconsistent soil test values overtime, the responding agronomist will look at the impact of sample location and depth first. If the soil sample is collected in a consistent manner including same depth, same time of year, same location/pattern, following the same crop, the values soil test values should be relatively stable over time. There also will be a gradual trend upwards or downwards depending on the nutrient management focus. If the value of the soil organic matter (SOM), phosphorus, or CEC change dramatically, i.e. 30-50% in 2-4 years, further investigation is in order.

Calcium and magnesium are relatively consistent with soil depth. If calcium and magnesium change by more than 20-25% then it is likely that the sample location has changed, or an aggressive application of lime or gypsum has been applied. Since the primary values used in calculating CEC are calcium and magnesium, the CEC should be relatively stable if the sample is collected in the same location.

If the CEC is stable, but the SOM changes by 0.5% or more in soils with SOM levels below 4-5% then most likely the sample depth has changed. Most of the organic matter is near the soil surface and shallow samples concentrate SOM in the sample leading to a higher relative higher SOM. The same is true for phosphorus to a lesser degree. Soil test phosphorus can be more variable naturally in the soil by small changes in locations that may not be indicated by the calcium and magnesium values.

If the samples are sampled using GIS location, be sure to compare individual sample points and not the field averages. Field average can skew what is taking place with individual sample points if all the sampling points are not impacted the same.

Are You Putting Enough Soil in Your Sample Bags?

Editors Note: During the 2023 fall sampling season we have noted a large number of small soil samples. Some samples represent less than one sample core of soil. While smaller samples might seem desirable to reduce shipping costs, the greater risk is the negative impact on data quality. Special handling of small samples may result in an additional prep fee. 

Originally posted 1/29/21

Most commercial or university soil testing laboratories provide soil sample bags to you at little to no cost. Every lab designs its sample bags with its own logo and contact information in the hope that a sample will be collected, placed in that bag, and sent back to the lab for analysis. While each lab’s sample bags may look unique, most sample bags have one common feature, a line or some other indication of how much sample should be put in the bag. So why is sample volume so important?

The most obvious reason that a lab indicates this volume of soil, is that we need enough material to process and analyze. We also like to have some extra in case a component needs to be reanalyzed for quality control purposes or should the customer request additional testing.

The less obvious, but possibly more important reason to fill the sample bag to the indicated line is to obtain a valid representation of the area sampled. Soil nutrient levels can vary greatly even in a very small area. By collecting enough cores to fill the bag, your results are more apt to represent the true average of the area sampled. Research has shown that a minimum of 8 individual soil cores need to be collected to make a single sample. Collecting fewer than 8 cores increases the potential that a single unusually high or low testing core will skew the results. Taking a subsample of the collected soil in the field can bias soil test data, whenever possible send all of the collected soil providing it does not exceed the soil fill line on the bag. A lab dried and ground sample mixes and homogenizes much better than field moist samples. 8 soil cores from a 6" to 8" sampling depth fit in the soil bag. 

Beyond the Standard: Micronutrient Packages and Applications

It is, without a doubt, that certain soil nutrient levels are analyzed and prioritized above others. This is with good reason, but what are the other soil test packages for, and when should they be utilized?

At A&L Great Lakes Laboratories, we offer an extensive variety of soil test packages.  Our most common being the S1 package, which includes Soil Organic Matter, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, pH, Buffer pH, CEC and Base Saturation of Cations.  This soil test data is the foundation for most applications or amendments.  These key nutritional values must be met before exploring the micronutrient packages offered.  A prime example would be soil pH.  Ensuring the soil pH is correct is the most economically sound decision as it impacts the availability of all nutrients in the soil. 

Available Micronutrient Packages

Once the basic soil test levels included in the S1 package are sufficient, the micronutrient list can be perfected.  Unfortunately, most micronutrient deficiencies are determined in-season.  At this point, it can be too late, or yield loss has already begun.  Such as, when corn is in the younger stages.  It will show interveinal chlorosis, or yellow striped leaves when experiencing sulfur deficiency.  Assuming soil moisture and temperature are not the culprits of poor nutrient uptake, a preseason soil sample and application could have prevented this.

The best practice is to stay ahead of low, or deficient, levels of any micronutrient.  This requires a micronutrient package to be added to the submittal form.  S3 and S6 are the most utilized packages in addition to the S1.  When selecting an additional package, it is not always necessary to add to every sample.  Sometimes it is more economical to put the micronutrient package on a composite, or every other sample.  This is practiced with large data pools over small collection areas.  For more information on soil test packages, please visit: https://algreatlakes.com/pages/soil-analysis.  For help determining the right micronutrient strategy for you, please reach out to your regional ALGL agronomist.

2024 Soil Fertility Workshop Dates

Dates and locations are set for the 2024 Soil Fertility Workshops. The goal of our workshops is simple: we provide a general overview of fundamental agronomic principles and current university research so our attendees are better able to make nutrient management decisions for their customers or for their own operations. Today’s producers are inundated with information regarding crop inputs and practices. By applying the fundamental principles of agronomy to these inputs and practices, a consultant, agricultural retailer, or producer can evaluate and decide which of those are most applicable for achieving both the short-term and long-term goals of a specific operation.

The workshops are developed and presented by A&L Great Lakes Laboratories’ Agronomy Staff comprised of Certified Crop Advisers, Certified Professional Agronomists, and Certified Professional Soil Scientists whom have a wide range of experience in the agricultural industry.

We will be presenting six workshops in January and February in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Registration will open later this year, but mark your calendars today!

February 6, 2024 - Fort Wayne, IN

February 8, 2024 - Frankenmuth, MI

February 13, 2024 - Grand Rapids, MI

February 14, 2024 - Rockford, IL

February 20, 2024 - Perrysburg, OH

February 22, 2024 - Fort Wayne, IN

Where Does the Dirt Go?

Editor's note: Some agronomists and soil scientists may find the language contained in this article, specifically the repeated use of the word "dirt", to be quite disturbing. While the author attempts to justify his use of such crude language, it may still be shocking to some. To be clear, the curator of this blog IN NO WAY condones the use of such language, and instead prefers the much more appropriate phrase "soil material".

The age old debate continues today, is it soil or dirt? Like a weed is a plant out of place, dirt is soil out of place. When the soil passes through the lab it becomes dirt. After the soil is dried and ground, the structure of the soil is functionally destroyed, so it becomes dirt. The dirt it becomes a slurry when it gets wet and rock hard when it dries out. While some have tried to find practical used for the excess dirt, the loss of soil structure severely limits the functional uses of the dirt.

Every spring and fall sampling season a common question arises, “What do you do with the soil/dirt when you’re done with it?” During the busy fall sampling season, we fill a large roll-off dumpster every other day of dirt. The dirt is taken to the landfill and used as part of the collective material used to line or cover the actual refuse in the landfill. The dirt in the dumpster is excess sample that is not used for analysis, and clean fill. The soil used for analysis leaves the lab in another much smaller dumpster as refuse.

Nutrient Recommendation FAQ

We often get questions about nutrient recommendations on soil test reports, below you will find some of the commonly asked questions when requesting nutrient recommendations.

Nutrient Recommendations on ALGL soil submittal form

When do I complete this section of the submittal form out?

Only complete this section you are requesting nutrient recommendations for a given soil test. A minimum of a S1 is required. There is a cost associated with adding nutrient recommendations to a sample. If you do not want nutrient recommendations, simply leave this section blank.

What does the “R” column initiate?

Placing a “x” in this column will indicate that you want the nutrient recommendations in a crop rotation sequence.

What does it mean for nutrient recommendations to be in “rotation”?

Rotation means that the nutrient recommendations will be calculated in crop rotation sequence. This only has an impact on nitrogen recommendations when the previous crop provides nitrogen credit to the following crop. The crop rotations will flow from previous crop to first crop in year one, then from first crop to second crop in year two, and finally from second crop to third crop for year three.

When would you not request nutrient recommendations in “rotation”?

When the nutrient recommendations are not in rotation, the first, second and third year crop are treated as options. For example, the grower may not be certain as to what crop is going to be raised, or maybe there might be more than one crop planted in the field.

How does the “Yield Goal” impact the nutrient recommendations?

When a portion of a plant is removed from a field the nutrient content of the removed material needs to be replaced as part of the nutrient recommendations. In some cases, quantifying the removal is not practical/possible therefore a yield goal is not required, and an estimation is added to the nutrient recommendation. In other cases, like animal pastures, the nutrients do not leave the field and a large portion of the nutrients are redeposited in the field through the manure of the animals. If the yield goal is left blank and one is required, the lab staff will insert an average yield for the crop.

Do I need to identify the “Previous Crop”?

A previous crop is not required and will only impact nitrogen rates in which the previous crop provides nitrogen credit to the following crop.

Do I need to identify 3 crops?

No, but you can identify up to 3 for each soil sample.

When requesting nutrient recommendations for a cover crop, should it be listed as a crop?

We often get requests for nutrient recommendations for cover crops. Keep in mind that one of the goals of a cover crop planting is to scavenge excess available nutrients, purposely fertilizing cover crops defeats their intended purpose.

What nutrient recommendations am I getting?

The default recommendations are those developed by ALGL unless university nutrient recommendations are requested. That is often done by adding a note in the “Additional Information” box in the lower right corner of the submittal form. We offer Illinois and Tri-State nutrient recommendations on applicable crops.

Why does the resulting soil test report crop not match what was written on the submittal form?

If a plant or crop is included that we do not have defined recommendations for we will either edit the crop to a agronomically/horticulturally similar plant if possible or remove the crop.

Where do I put the request for nutrient recommendations on a Preside dress Test (PSNT) or Corn Stalk Nitrate Test (CSNT)?

These analyses can be used to further refine nitrogen application rates and overall management. Due to the complexity of those recommendations, we cannot collect enough information to make a sound nutrient recommendations on a soil test report. However, your regional ALGL agronomist can help make sense of the data.

Can recommendation be added to GIS collected soil samples?

Yes, you do not need to use the standard soil test submittal form to request nutrient recommendations, but the submittal information from the GIS software will need to contain the same information.

What information will I receive on the report?

Above is an example of what the resulting nutrient recommendations might look like. This field requested corn at 210 bpa and soybeans at 65 bpa in rotation. Note the “(TS-IN)” next to the crops. That indicates Indiana Tri-State Recommendations. If they are the ALGL internal recommendations this would be blank. When lime is required to meet the target soil pH for a crop, a lime rec in tons/ac will be listed, the is intended to be a onetime per sampling cycle application. The remaining nutrient recommendations are based on annual applications for that given crop. The annual recommended nutrient application rate is in pounds of the given nutrient, not fertilizer product/nutrient source. The rates of fertilizer to meet these recommendations will need to be calculated based on the nutrient sources you are using. The nitrogen rate is not listed for Tri-State recommendations as there is no defined way to calculate the rate, it varies based on university data and market price. The ALGL recommendations may be too high for your situation, improved nitrogen use efficiency practices on your operation will lead to nitrogen recommendation reduction. Additional information or notes maybe listed below this chart, such as where to find a calculator to determine a nitrogen rate for Tri-State Recommendations.