Helpful Tips for Submitting Fertilizer Samples

Quality analysis begins with a quality sample. When submitting fertilizer materials to the lab for analysis, please remember these helpful suggestions:

1. Paperwork

• Send in a completed ‘Fertilizer & Lime Sample Submittal Form’ with your sample.  This can be found on our website at www.algreatlakes.com.   Please be sure to include:

• Account number. If you do not have an account with us, be sure to add your name, address, and phone number.

• Email address if you would like your report emailed to you.

• Analysis that you desire.

• Approximate Analysis of your fertilizer, if known. This not necessary, but cuts down on the turnaround time by eliminating the need to do preliminary testing to determine which method is most appropriate.

2. Submitting Liquid Fertilizers

• When sending in a liquid sample, it is very important not to ship in a glass container. Instead choose a plastic bottle for liquid fertilizers. 

• We need around 4-8 ounces of liquid fertilizer for most tests.

• Please leave a little head space in your container so that the sample can expand if necessary, and so we can mix the sample properly.

• Wrap electrical tape around the top of your sealed container. This helps ensure that the cap will not come loose during shipment.

3. Submitting Dry Fertilizers

• Place dry fertilizers in a “Ziploc” type baggie. We suggest that you double bag it to help contain sample if it leaks.

• We need around 1 cup of dry fertilizer for analysis.

4. Submitting Lime Samples

• We need approximately 2 cups of limestone sample if sieve work is needed and 1 cup if it is not. If your sample is a wet sludgy type, we will need closer to 3-4 cups. Use the sampling container most appropriate for the material to be tested.

If you have any questions about submitting lime or fertilizer samples, please call Diane, fertilizer department manager, or one of our agronomists at 260-483-4759 and we will be happy to help.