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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you still have questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly.

General FAQs

How do I get started?

Check out our getting started page here.

Can I drop off samples in person?

We generally accept samples from 9am-3pm on weekdays. You may also call to make an appointment.

We can make arrangements to leave out our leaf drop cooler at the front door if you need to make a delivery after hours.

How long does it take to receive my results?

After your samples arrive at our offices, water and leaf reports take 2-3 business days to be uploaded to your Apical account. Soil reports may take up to 5-7 business days depending on soil moisture content. Please remember to take weekends into account for your sampling timeline, as the laboratory and many parcel carriers do not operate on weekends.

If you purchased additional agronomy services, Detailed Recommendations will be added to your report within 1-3 business days after the report is uploaded.

There is no need to call to check report status. You can view the status of your sample in your Apical portal.

Do you accept samples from out of the country?

Yes, on a limited basis, as it requires additional paperwork and licensing.

If you wish to send samples from outside the United States, please email in**@ap*******.com to begin the permitting process with APHIS-USDA.

You must print and sign the International Leaf Sample Agreement. Include this document in your shipment. The leaf agreement lists the crops we can currently accept.

Soil and water have different regulations for import. Please contact us to determine if we can accept your water or soil samples before sending them.

Report FAQs

What types of reports are available?

How much does a report cost?

View our Lab Catalog for more information.

How do I pay for my reports?

If you order online through your grower portal, you will be prompted for payment upon submission of the order. The link will take you to Shopify to finalize payment.

You can also pay via check or money order and include this in your package with your samples.

Does Apical sell agricultural products like fertilizers and amendments?

Yes, we offer a variety of organic fertilizers, amendments, minerals, and crop protection products. Visit our shop to see our current selection.

How do I view all my reports?

Login to your online account and navigate to the reports menu or view them on your grower home page.

How do I get the most out of my reports?

Follow the detailed recommendations provided with your reports. The data we have collected over the years allows us to make precise recommendations to improve crop nutrition.

What elements are included in each report?

Review our Lab Catalog to see what each test provides.

Our reports list concentrations of elements and molecules, Mobile Nutrients (Phloem), Immobile Nutrients (Xylem) – along with helpful interactive charts and graphs – and are grouped into the following categories:

  • Primary Indicators
  • Major Cations
  • Secondary Cations
  • Minor Cations
  • Major Anions
  • Secondary Anions
  • Minor Anions
  • New Leaf vs. Old Leaf Ratios
  • Calcium Ratios
  • Limiting Indicators (Mobile, Immobile)

In addition to pH and Electrical Conductivity, we report concentrations of the following elements and molecules:

  • Ammonium (NH4)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Manganese (Mn)
  • Zinc (Zn)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Cobalt (Co)
  • Nitrate (NO3)
  • Phosphorous (P)
  • Sulfur (S)
  • Chloride (Cl)
  • Silicon (Si)
  • Iodine (I)
  • Boron (B)
  • Molybdenum (Mo)
  • Aluminum (Al)
  • Selenium (Se)

Additional analytes for each type of report are as follows:

Leaf: total sugars and total nitrogen.

Soil solution analysis: ORP.

Soil nutrient analysis: ORP, organic matter, active carbon and bicarbonates.

Crop nutrient analysis: total sugars, protein, phenols, organic acids, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Nickel, Lead, Tin, Titanium, and Vanadium.

Deluxe analytes which can be purchased for an additional $25 include ORP, Ethanol, FAN, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Nickel, Lead, Tin, Titanium, Vanadium, Total Phenols and Total Protein.