By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory is updating its soil testing approach by adopting the Mehlich-3 extraction method, which has become the industry standard for soil nutrient analysis, according to lab director Rasel Parvej.
Prior to the switch, the laboratory conducted thorough testing to ensure Mehlich-3 results align with those from the traditional methods previously used by MU Extension. “This careful evaluation ensures that soil test results remain reliable and consistent for farmers, gardeners and agricultural service providers,” Parvej says.
The adoption of Mehlich-3 improves lab efficiency and enables faster turnaround times, typically within three business days depending on sample volume. It also allows the lab to deliver a comprehensive nutrient analysis in a single test while keeping costs lower.
Mehlich-3 measures multiple nutrients, including phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B), and aluminum (Al), providing a detailed picture of soil fertility across varied soil types.
For phosphorus, Mehlich-3 offers a clear advantage over the older Bray-1 method, which is less reliable in neutral to high-pH soils. “Mehlich-3, by contrast, performs well across a broader range of soil conditions, making it better suited to the diversity of soils found in Missouri,” Parvej says.
MU Extension offers its complete soil test package for $15 per sample, with volume discounts available: 10% off for more than 100 samples, 15% off for over 500, and 20% off for more than 1,000. Larger yearly orders can be arranged by contacting the lab.
The new system will also allow MU Extension to build a statewide nutrient database, supporting improved soil-test interpretation, tracking nutrient trends, and offering research-based guidance for profitable and environmentally responsible nutrient management.
The laboratory continues to provide analyses for soil, plant tissue, forage, water, manure, compost, and greenhouse media.
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Categories: Missouri, Crops, General