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Email: MidwestLabsCanada

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Agriculture

Soil Analysis/Interpretation

Samples or extracts of these matrices are processed using methodologies accepted by the regulatory agency of record and analyzed by methods prescribed by the appropriate regulator. The equipment used in analysis is similar to those used for water analysis. Midwest has an extensive history related to determination of trace quantities of metals and non-metals in "troublesome" matrices.

Plant Tissue

For growth, development and production, plants require a continuous, well-adjusted supply of essential mineral nutrients. If any of these nutrients are in limited supply, crop performance decreases and ultimately results in nutritional disorders. Shortages of mineral nutrients manifest themselves in terms of reduced crop yields and/or poor quality of the crop.

Soil testing generally precedes plant testing for routine fertilizer advisory purposes; however, plant analysis in combination with soil testing is an excellent way to develop a strong fertility program for crop production. As soil analysis indicates the relative availability of nutrients in the soil for crop use, plant analysis provides an indication of which nutrients have been or are absorbed by the plants.

Feed & Forages

Midwest Laboratories Canada is certified by the National Forage Testing Association and the National Hay Association for protein, ADF, NDF, moisture, and minerals; complies with the check sample programs of the American Association of Cereal Chemists for proximate, minerals, and dietary fiber; the American Association of Feed Control Officials for proximate, minerals, vitamins and medication; and the American Oil Chemists Society for moisture, protein, oil and fiber, aflatoxin, and fatty acid profile. This accreditation is recognized by the Standards Council of Canada.

Manure

Until recently, agricultural producers have considered animal waste as a liability. Its value as a fertilizer rarely offset the cost of handling, storage, and application to the land. The goal was to dispose of it as conveniently as possible. The high energy and fertilizer costs of today have caused many producers to re-evaluate their waste handling programs. Consequently, manure has changed from a liability to an asset to be stored and applied in a way that can help maximize its nutrient value. A manure analysis is important to establish a reference point of nutrient composition over a period of time. This will determine a proper application rate and reduce potential crop injury.

Understanding Manure Recommendations

Water

Water is consumed in greater quantity than any other nutrient.  Water loss or deprivation causes death faster than lack of any nutrient.  Yet quality of water, even though extremely variable, is often taken for granted.  A comprehensive water analysis can tell many things about the suitability of a water supply for household or livestock.

Midwest Laboratories provides sampling and analytical services on water samples ranging in quality from groundwater, drinking water, waste effluent and lagoons.  Complete EPA, state protocols, and standard methods are routinely used for these analyses.  The laboratory has a repertoire of gas chromatographs with a variety of detectors including FID, ELCD, N/P, EC and ASD.  Midwest Laboratories owns approximately 20 GCs, including two equipped with mass selective detectors.  The laboratory also has three HPLCs, an ion chromatograph (IC), a TOC analyzer, a TOX analyzer, two segmented flow analyzers, three automatic micro Kjeldahl analyzers, seven IPCs, including an ICP-MS, a FTIR, UV-Visible spectrophotometer, and an Automated Mercury Analyzer.  In addition to chemical parameters, the laboratory also conducts both acute and chronic biomonitoring assays.
 

Pesticide/Herbicide Residue

Seed

Microbiology