Agronomic lab now offering rush soil testing service in busy season

Growers seeking quicker turnaround on soil testing results during the busy fall/winter testing season will have a new option.

As a result of legislation that went into effect June 12, the department can now offer priority sample processing for a minimal fee of $100 for 36 samples. This is a voluntary option for clients, who can expect a turnaround time of about two weeks.

This option is expected to benefit agricultural consultants and large farming operations that submit hundreds of samples and have narrow windows of opportunity for applications of lime and fertilizer.

The Agronomic Services Division will work out the logistics of the new service during the 2012 fiscal year (July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012).

For a limited time, the division is selling specially marked shipping boxes for soil samples requiring priority attention. Only 500 shippers will be sold; each one can hold 36 samples.

The division will attempt to ration the shippers in an equitable manner so that as many interested growers as possible have access.

Because quantities are limited, expedited shippers may not be available for purchase after September. Call the Agronomic Division office at (919) 733-2655 for details on how to place your order. Payment by credit card will be accepted for purchases made at the Eaddy Building in Raleigh. Payment via escrow account is also an option.