Market Farming

[Alex McGregor <waldenfarm AT sprintmail.com>]

Marie,

I use Timberleaf Soil Testing, 26489 Ynez Rd., Suite C-197, Temecula, CA 
92591, Ph/Fax
909-677-7501.

Their Basic Test includes: Org. matter%, Estimated N release, Available & 
Reserve P, k,
Mg, Ca, H, pH & buffer pH, Cation exchange capacity, soluble salts & Na, & % 
base
saturation rate for Cations (P, Mg & Ca).

Trace mineral test includes sulfate S, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Al, Mn, B, Cu, 
Zn &N. Basic
& Trace tests are $55.

They also offer plant tissue analysis and specific tests like heavy metals. 
They can give
you recommendations by the acre for row crops and pasture or by 100 sq. ft. 
for beds.

What's great about them is you get a detailed report that tells you where 
your soil is,
where it needs to be and how much of what to add to get there. The results 
contain many
pages explaining each result and what it means- in plain language. They will 
also give
you a list of how much N material (soybean meal, alfalfa meal, etc.) to add 
for each crop
you are growing. But wait, there's more! They will also give you 1 year of 
free
consulting with each test (at least he's offered this in past years).

They don't recommend anything that is on any US certifying agency's 
prohibited list. I
had the use of borax questioned by my certifying agent, but just because it 
was on the
Restricted List. He didn't know why until I explained that it's toxic to 
plants at low
concentrations and that I was only using a few ounces of 10% boron per 100 
sq. ft.

Bob Russo is the owner and a very nice man. They don't sell any product, so 
there's no
conflict of interest. Tell him I sent you. You can call and talk things over 
with him.
They'll mail you a free info packet that contains instructions on sampling 
and a rate
sheet.

Alex McGregor
Walden Farm
Walden Ridge, TN

P.S. I don't get anything for recommending him- except maybe a Christmas card.

Marie Kamphefner wrote:

> We have always relied on the local seed/fertilizer dealer to send our soil
> tests in.  This year we would like to have a more comprehensive test and
> not receive the typical reccomendations of so many tons of nitrogen etc.
>
> Can someone direct me to a lab which not only can do the complete analysis,
> but has the ability to communicate to me what the results mean and give
> suggestions on how to correct  insufficiencies, if any, within the organic
> protocol?
>
> Marie in Missouri
>
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