MSU soil lab closing.

MSU soil lab closing.

HART — MSU has provided soil chemical analyses and interpretation since the 1920s. This has been a valuable service for the Michigan agricultural community, homeowners, and MSU researchers.

Unfortunately, due to declining soil test samples over time and the availability of similar services from commercial labs, it has been decided to close the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Lab (SPNL) at the end of 2022, states press release from the Oceana MSU Extension Office. To assure that all submitted samples can be processed, the SPNL will continue to accept soil samples for analysis until Nov. 18, 2022. It is recommended that samples shipped through the mail be sent by Oct. 1 to allow sufficient time for delivery.

MSU personnel are working on alternative options for Michigan residents to use for soil testing and can also assist in directing people to alternative soil testing laboratories to complete their soil testing needs.

“MSU is committed to providing convenient and accurate interpretation of soil test data and research-based fertilizer recommendations for all Michigan crops, as a service to our stakeholders. MSU is committed to assisting Michigan residents in interpreting the results from soil tests and helping individuals determine what fertilizer and soil amendments are needed for their soils. We will keep you informed as we update and expand our offering of tools for determining MSU fertilizer and soil amendment recommendations based on soil analysis data.

“Our district MSU Extension offices (Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana counties) currently have a supply of the commercial soil test boxes that sell for $13.53. The lawn and garden soil test kit is not as readily available, and we encourage you to contact your local extension office first for availability. This product is no longer available to order through the Shop.msu.edu website.”

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