ISU Soil Testing Lab To Close At Year's End

AMES, IA — The Soil and Plant Analysis Lab operated by Iowa State University's Department of Agronomy will close at the end of the year, ending its service to farmers, gardeners and others. The lab is likely to be retooled to operate mainly for ISU researchers.

The Ames Tribune reported that a decline in samples, combined with the cost of updating equipment and staff attrition, led to the decision to close. Kendall Lamkey, department chairman, told the Tribune business has declined in recent years and much of the work is going to private laboratories around the state.

Lamkey told the Tribune the lab has processed about 13,000 samples this year and most have been for faculty or from small operators. He said the ISU lab’s prices don't pay to maintain the necessary equipment.

Photo by Herney Gomez via Pixabay