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Pa

I am new at this so i thought i would ask some other growers. I want to get my soil tested but not sure if this is the correct time? I just finished (within the last few weeks) putting in a ton of leaves, mushroom compost, and loads of horse manure. I also added in a bunch of molassas and put a rye cover crop on.

My question is.....would it bee to soon to have the soil tested so soon after doing this or should i wait until spring? and where do most of you get it tested? Dwaine if you read this, didnt you say you send yours to penn state?

thanks everyone for your imput,

Rob

11/9/2003 5:53:38 PM

Montoursville, PA

A couple of respected guys talked me into sending $26.00 with the sample to: A&L Western Agricultural Lab. 1311 Woodland Ave. #1, Modesto Calif. 95351. Tell them you were refered by the BP.com growers and you would like the same test. It will come to you via internet. It is a much more comprehensive report than the basic Penn State Report. You can really see what you have going much better with this report. If you wait until spring your lime if needed will not have time to adjust for the 2004 growing season. Otherwise I suspect it would make little difference. Sift out about a double hand full and send it in a baggie sealed with this information. You could still top dress lime and get nearly full benefit if you need it. PH is the only factor I would be concerned about with all you have put in there. Send it by Priorty Mail you will have your report in ten days or less.

11/9/2003 10:29:16 PM

Montoursville, PA

PS....You will be amazed at the improvement showing up in your early spring test following the first turn of the soil.
Do them both! You will really appreciate the learning and observations.

11/9/2003 10:32:14 PM

Montoursville, PA

PS....ask for the S3C test.....26.00.

11/9/2003 10:38:04 PM

Western NY

S3C is up to 28 bucks.

http://www.al-labs-west.com/SoilTesting.htm

please remember to email me your results so that i can add them to the database.

Andy

11/9/2003 10:54:14 PM

Montoursville, PA

Wow........I got a $2.00 break. Still worth the money without any reseveration.

11/9/2003 11:00:39 PM

Pa

thanks for the info!!

11/11/2003 8:53:52 PM

Spokane, WA

I sent some soil to A and L Labs and got an e-mail about a week later saying, "thank you," and that "the files are ready to be sent with the message."

What the heck does that mean? I didn't see any results along with the message.

11/14/2003 12:05:35 PM

Pa

took your advise and sent in my sample last week. cant wait to see what happens! thanks again for the information!

11/17/2003 9:27:34 PM

Spokane, WA

I got a letter back saying the complete cost (S3C) is $28

11/18/2003 6:15:57 PM

Puyallup, WA

Last year, it was $27. They sent me a letter repremanding me for "short changing" them. "The fee is $28." They did the test anyway. :>)

11/18/2003 11:29:36 PM

Pa

i had to pay 31 bucks!

11/19/2003 5:26:29 PM

Pa

got my test back, they are fast! thanks to everyone for the information provided!

11/21/2003 6:37:16 PM