Established in 1944, the LSU AgCenter Soil Testing Laboratory (STPAL) has been the primary laboratory that provides services to the commercial producers of Louisiana.
In 2001, the laboratory was combined with the Plant Analysis Laboratory to become the Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory (STPAL). The laboratory offers a variety of soil, plant tissue and water tests to the general public and research community. With an integrated effort from both research and extension agronomists, the LSU AgCenter Soil Testing and Plant Laboratory is the only laboratory that incorporates latest Louisiana-specific soil fertility research in its recommendation system to help farmers to meet today's challenges in agricultural production.
The laboratory employs a modern quality assurance program in its analytical process and is the only Louisiana laboratory that participates in the well-recognized North American Proficiency Test (NAPT) program and maintains an acceptable level of proficiency (View our NAPT results).
NEW!! Soil Testing for Storm Impact
Assessing Salinity Effects of Hurricanes on Agricultural Soils
The tidal surge that occurred with hurricanes Katrina and Rita may have negatively impacted soil conditions for growing the next crop. Protocols used for assessing soil salinity have been released by the LSU AgCenter. Please refer to the documents provided for field and laboratory testing of soil samples.
For questions about fertilizer recommendations, contact:
J. Stevens, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
Soil Fertility/Nutrient Management
LSU AgCenter
Dean Lee Research and Extension Center
8208 Tom Bowman Drive
Alexandria, LA 71302
Office: 318-427-4408
Fax: 318-473-6503
E-mail: jstevens@agcenter.lsu.edu