Increasing focus by retailers on soil analysis

17 June 2024

Numerous aspects in the soil help determine how a crop develops. A lot of attention is paid to the amounts of nitrogen and potassium present in the soil. Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for the plant, ensuring the growth and green color of the crop. To determine if sufficient nitrogen is present, you need to perform N-mineral analyses. There is also increasing attention to these analyses from retailers. Retailers want to check whether there is a risk of nitrate leaching and would like to reduce this risk. Thus, there are chain concepts that require affiliated growers to have N-mineral samples taken by an accredited laboratory. Normec Robalab, part of Normec Foodcare, is one of the Dutch accredited laboratories that performs these samplings and analyses.

From sampling to analysis and reporting

Normec Robalab offers a comprehensive service for soil analysis, from sampling to analysis and reporting. For each crop you grow, Normec Robalab provides sampling for each plot, taking samples at different depths depending on the type of study. This sampling can take place prior to cultivation, during cultivation or immediately after harvest. By performing an accurate baseline measurement, you and the retailer can develop a plan to reduce nitrate leaching. We arrange scheduling of sampling, analysis and reporting to the customer. In addition to N-mineral analyses, Normec Robalab offers a wide range of soil analyses, with which we provide support for liming and fertilization advice based on sound analysis results.

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