We know soil, inside out. Our Premium Soil Package:

• Complete soil test. 
• Base saturation.
• Nitrate and ammonium.
• Saturated paste test.

With this analysis, we will test the following key indicators of nutrients in your growth soil.

1. Complete soil test for: pH, organic matter, total CEC, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and aluminum. Includes media density. 
2. Base saturation test of: calcium, magnesium, potassium, and nitrogen.
3. Nitrate and ammonium test.
4. Saturated paste test for: pH, soluble salts, chloride, bicarbonate, sulfur, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and aluminum and sodium adsorption ratio.

We recommend one test per bed, acre of flat land, or batch of soil. We offer price breaks for three or more tests. Following the tests, SPS will provide you with in-depth recommendations based on the values found in the tests.

The soil test is our most important test. This testing can be in response to a specific issue for which you call us in–or it can be part of a long-range, strategic process. Either way, we help you with management strategies for your growth media, the most complex and sensitive part of your cannabis farming. 

Sampling Soil: How to Do It

If a soil test is going to be a reliable guide for the addition of fertilizers or lime, the sample tested must represent the soil condition of the area sampled. Keep in mind the purpose of the test and that you want to make it complete. It is the sample taker’s responsibility to take a truly representative and unbiased sample of the field area in question.

1. Soils that differ in soil type, appearance, crop growth, or past treatment should be sampled separately, provided the area can be treated separately. A soil map or crop response map can help to distinguish areas and record sample locations.
2. You can use any of several different tools—an auger, a soil sampling tube, or a spade—to take the samples.
3. Scrape away surface litter. If an auger or soil sampling tube is used, obtain a small portion of soil by making a boring about 6 inches deep, or if plowing or tilling deeper, sample to tillage depth. If a tool such as a spade is used, dig a V-shaped hole to sample depth; then cut a thin slice of soil from one side of the hole.
4. Avoid areas or conditions that are different, such as areas where fertilizer or liming materials have been spilled, gate areas where livestock have congregated, poorly drained areas, dead furrows, tillage or fertilizer corners, or fertilizer band areas of last year’s crop. It is also advisable to stay at least 50 feet from barns, roads, lanes, or fence rows.
5. Because of soil variations, it is necessary that each sample consist of small portions of soil obtained from approximately 15 locations in the soil area. After obtaining these portions of soil, mix them together for a representative sample. Dry samples and place 16oz (2 cups) of soil in a soil sample bag or Ziploc bag. Where soil is very varied and especially where land leveling has been done, or erosion and deposition are severe, the field should be checked on a grid or incremental unit basis.
6. After the sample has been taken, the soil sample bag should be clearly marked with your name and the sample identification. Keep a record for yourself of the area represented by each sample.