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UW soil testing lab receives certification
Wyoming
The University of Wyoming Soil Testing Laboratory in May received certification through the North American Proficiency Testing--Performance Assessment Program, according to Kelli Belden, research associate II, in the College of Agriculture's Department of Renewable Resources.
Participation in the Performance Assessment Program was requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource and Conservation Service for laboratories testing soil for nutrient management plans in the western United States, says Belden, in charge of the operation of the UW soil testing laboratory.
The certification is a welcome distinction. "We're pleased the lab passed, and it adds credibility to the soil testing work we do," she says. "It always feels good to pass."
The certification is for a two-year period.
The NRCS requested performance assessments after noting differences in results of tests on the same sample from various laboratories. Those wanting tests apparently knew they could expect certain results from certain laboratories.
"The NRCS was concerned about the differing results from laboratories," she says.
The program assesses laboratories by sending in double-blind soil samples. The double-blind sample is a "check" sample that has been previously analyzed by laboratories in the NAPT program, and submitted to the lab by one of its clients.
The university's soil laboratory runs tests on samples sent from Wyoming farmers and ranchers, homeowners, and researchers. Belden says the laboratory tests about 2,000 samples a year. The samples also include those from the University of Wyoming, branches within the USDA, and the Bureau of Land Management.
Soil testing information sheets can be obtained at any county Extension office. There is a $20 fee for the standard test which includes pH, salts, organic matter, phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen, lime and texture. There is a $4 fee for additional tests.
Laboratories meeting the requirements and standards of the program are listed in individual NRCS State 590 Nutrient Management Standards as an acceptable lab for NRCS programs and receive a certificate.
Date: 5/26/05
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