About
The Analytical Sciences Laboratory (ASL) at the University of Idaho is committed to providing the highest quality analytical laboratory service and research support for:
- Enhancement of agricultural production and animal health management
- Environmental monitoring
- Food quality assurance support for consumers, producers, governmental agencies, agricultural groups and processors
- Recognition and dissemination of new knowledge
Values
We are progressive and responsive teaching, service and research organization with a staff that shares the following values:
- Commitment to client service: quality, efficiency, empathy and confidentiality of client information
- Current knowledge of agricultural industries, food quality and environmental concerns
- Partnership with agricultural industry, animal health workers and governmental agencies
- Academic standards: commitment to the advancement of analytical procedures, commitment to state-of-the-art competency
- Team work: unity, courtesy, open communications, commitment to the mission of the laboratory
- Personal leadership: positive attitude, enthusiasm, flexibility, motivation, initiative, personal growth, acceptance of responsibility at every level
- Trust, honesty, integrity and accountability
Soil Analysis for USDA 590 Nutrient Management Plans
In 2004, the North American Proficiency Testing (NAPT) Program initiated the Performance Assessment Program (PAP) for soil testing in the Western United States. The purpose of this program is to assess the analytical performance of laboratories conducting soil analysis for USDA 590 Nutrient Management Plans (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov).
In February 2004, 21 laboratories enrolled in the NAPT-PAP Program. Nineteen laboratories have been evaluated, of which 15 have met the PAP program minimum requirements.
The University of Idaho Analytical Sciences Laboratory has successfully completed all requirements for NAPT-PAP compliance and is accredited for laboratory analysis in support of NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Plans.
We now offer the following soil test package for growers participating in the NRCS program:
Soil Nutrient Management Package (SNMP)
- pH (saturated paste)
- Electrical Conductivity (saturated paste)
- Nitrate (KCl extractable)
- Ammonium (KCl extractable)
- Available Phosphorous (Bray or Olsen)
- Available Potassium (acetate or bicarbonate extractable)
- Organic Matter (Walkley Black)