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Soil Analysis Methods

Apical Soil Nutrient Analysis contains critical details needed to help growers optimize Regenerative and Organic practices.

Our methods have been optimized for regenerative practices, including various forms of carbon analysis, multiple extraction protocols, key ratio interpretations, and the inclusion of more analytes than most other labs.

Plant roots access nutrients in 3 key ways (interception, diffusion & mass flow)—by incorporating this understanding into our soil analysis methods, we help growers truly understand the difference between the total supply of nutrients in the soil, potential crop limiting elements, and nutrients available to the different parts of a plant root architecture.

Each soil analysis package utilizes a different set of scientific protocols to provide the necessary information the grower needs to make positive changes in favor of soil health.

Soil sampling is easy, and helps growers plan for proper in-season nutrition through precise recommendations that balance soil nutrition.

Review the Soil Analysis Submission Guide, match the description that most fits your needs, and follow the sampling guide instructions to submit samples today.

SOIL SOLUTION ANALYSIS-(Horizons)

This package rapidly analyzes root extractable shallow and deep soil horizons for a wide range of nutrients in one rapid test as modeled by water extractable hydraulic conductivity.  Compares favorably to soil lysimeter monitoring and corresponds significantly with Apical’s Leaf Extract Analysis.  (CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE REPORT)

SOIL NUTRIENT ANALYSIS-WATER EXTRACTABLE & CEC (M3)

This package shows what is immediately impacting your plants’ growth via mass flow and how to balance the CEC (TEC) of your soil to obtain estimates of minerals the plant can access via root interception. Ideal for managing bulk mineral applications. (CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE REPORT)

SOIL NUTRIENT ANALYSIS-WATER EXTRACTABLE & MODIFIED MORGAN

This method of soil analysis represents what is immediately impacting your plants’ growth via mass flow and estimates what is available to the plant for uptake in season from diffusion. Ideal for optimizing NPK applications and planning in-season liquid fertilization. (CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE REPORT)

SOIL NUTRIENT ANALYSIS-WATER EXTRACTABLE & TOTAL DIGESTABLE

This soil analysis package includes what is most readily available to the plant and also the total pool of soil resources. Ideal for those that are already doing CEC balancing that want to take a deeper look at total mineral soil resources and how they may be being depleted or accumulated via soil building.  (CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE REPORT)

PREMIUM SOIL NUTRIENT ANALYSIS-WATER EXTRACTABLE, M3, MODIFIED MORGAN

This package includes the Mehlich 3 analysis and the Modified Morgan analysis. Ideal for the committed grower who wants to optimize NPK applications, and monitor CEC and root uptake in a single report. (CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE REPORT)

SOIL NUTRIENT ANALYSIS-COMPLETE REPORT

This package includes the Mehlich 3, Modified Morgan, and Total Digestible analysis methods. Ideal for those starting new fields, managing high-dollar value crops, or anyone who wants the complete picture of their soil’s health (CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE REPORT)

Method Water Extractable Mehlich 3 Modified Morgan Total Digest Premium Complete Soil Solution Analysis
Frequency/Timing Anytime Every Fall Every spring Every 1-3 years In Season Issues Starting a new field or poor crop performance Growing Season
Method of Root Access Mass flow Interception Diffusion Total Extractable Mass flow, interception, diffusion Mass flow, interception, diffusion, total extractable Leaching/transolcation, availability of all nutrients
Key Benefit In season fertilization Balance CEC Balance NPK Soil building/depletion CEC and NPK balancing CEC, NPK balancing, soil building/depletion What is impacting plants in real time, rapid test corresponds well to sap tests
Soil Types Sands Clays Silts All soil types All Soil Types High Value Crops Horticulture, all soils

Soil Sampling Guides

Importance of Soil Analysis

Understanding My Report

Follow the steps below for successful sample submission.

01.

Select Soil Analysis Method

 

 

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02.

Complete Labels & Submit Samples

 

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03.

Analyze Your Results

 

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04.

Follow Advice

 

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Soil Analysis FAQ's

How do I collect my soil samples?

Check out our Soil Sampling Guides here.

How much soil do you need?

We need 2 to 3 cups of soil per sample.

How do I send you my samples?

Samples should be sent in cardboard boxes to avoid being damaged in transit. Review our Soil Submission Guides for more detail.

How deep should I sample my soil?

On the soil sampling guides, a chart is provided for the proper depth to sample for crops of different heights.

What soil test should I get during the growing season?

Our soil solution analysis is ideal for in season testing because it gives real time results as to what is impacting plants at the time the samples are collected.

What test should I get post harvest in the Fall?

We recommend the Mehlich 3 test in the fall for CEC balancing.

What Test should I get in the spring?

We recommend the Modified Morgan (universal extract) test in the spring for NPK balancing.

What test should I get if my crop’s health is poor?

We recommend a premium or complete report for problem areas.