Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory launches new online management system
Starting Aug. 5, Virginians in need of soil tests will use a new online portal that simplifies sample submission, payment, and recordkeeping.
The Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory processes approximately 47,000 to 50,000 soil samples annually, providing critical soil nutrient analysis and amendment recommendations to Virginia’s commercial farmers, turfgrass professionals, and home gardeners.
Through a partnership with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), in collaboration with Virginia Cooperative Extension and University of Tennessee Extension, the process for submitting those samples is getting an upgrade.
“For three years we’ve been working with the University of Tennessee to develop a new online system for submitting and managing soil test samples,” said Courtney McCombs, manager of the Virginia Tech Soil Testing Lab. “Now users will not need to fill out paper soil test forms and we can accept credit card payments. They will still receive an email with their test results, but now those results will also be stored in their online account.”
Using the new system
Educational training videos:
The new system, called the Agriculture and Natural Resources Laboratory Information Management System (ANR LIMS), launches August 5. Clients will submit soil sample information digitally, pay laboratory fees online, then print a packing list to mail with their soil samples. Soil sample boxes will continue to be available through local Virginia Cooperative Extension offices. The lab will continue to accept paper forms as well as check, money order, or cash payment.
“Our laboratory test process is not changing,” McCombs said. “We’re still running the same reliable, evidence-based tests we always have. What is new is the online portal.”
The new portal allows users to view all submitted soil test records in one dashboard. Homeowners who test their gardens regularly will have their information saved in their accounts, making future submissions easier. Commercial producers will only need to enter field information once, saving time and reducing the potential for errors.
Despite the new online system and improved recordkeeping, McCombs emphasized that soil test results remain private. Authorized Extension personnel can access soil test information through the system to assist clients, but soil test results are not shared with other groups or made available to the public.
For more information on the benefits of soil testing or the types of analysis offered, visit the Soil Testing Lab website. For help submitting a soil test or to retrieve the free soil test boxes needed to mail in your sample, visit your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.
The Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory is affiliated with both Virginia Cooperative Extension and the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.