- Campuses :
- Twin Cities
- Crookston
- Duluth
- Morris
- Rochester
- Other Locations
Soil Management
Good soil management is the foundation of sustainable crop production. Soil management goes far beyond decisions on the type and amount of fertilizer to use. Knowledge of soil structure, soil chemistry, and soil biology can help farmers improve their soil, get the most out of the fertilizers they use, and reduce erosion.
ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas) offers many resources on soil, cover cropping, and compost.
MISA Publication:
Minnesota Soil Management Series
Includes segments on soil management, compaction, manure management, organic matter management, and soil biology.
Soil Testing Laboratories
Generally it is best to use a soil testing laboratory that is close to home. Nearby labs are more likely to be familiar with the soil types in your area and to use the testing procedures and interpretations that are recommended for those soil types. Some Minnesota farmers may be closer to a soil testing lab in a bordering state than to any labs in Minnesota.
This list of certified testing laboratories from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture includes labs in nearby states and provinces.
Soil Testing Laboratories in Minnesota
Ag Resource Consulting Inc.
131 5th St., P.O. Box 667
Albany, MN 56307-0667
email: jparc@albanytel.com
Telephone: 320-845-6321
Fax: 320-845-6320.
Note: This laboratory specializes in testing and recommendations for organic agriculture.
AgVise Laboratories
902 13th Street North
P.O. Box 187, Benson, MN 56215
email: agvise@polarcomm.com
Telephone: 320-843-4109
Fax 320-843-2074
Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories, Inc.
1126 North Front Street
New Ulm, MN 56073
email: crc@mvtl.com
Telephone: 507-354-8517 or 800-782-3557
Fax: 507-359-2890.
University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory
Rm. 135 Crops Research Bldg.
1902 Dudley Ave, St Paul, MN 55108-6089
email: soiltest@umn.edu
Telephone: 612-625-3101
Fax: 612-624-3420.
