Did you know that a single undetected pathogen can devastate an entire greenhouse crop? In Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA), climate control and efficiency are key advantages, but these conditions can also create the perfect breeding ground for harmful fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Without proactive pathogen management, growers risk severe outbreaks, reduced yields, and compromised product quality.
The root of the problem
Pathogens can infiltrate a CEA system through multiple entry points and spread rapidly if not detected early. The key challenges include contaminated water and growing material, cross-contamination thanks to shared equipment and human handling, high humidity and limited air flow, and chemical overuse and resistance.
Announcing new soil testing and accreditation for the Quebec marketplace
SGS Canada Guelph location is pleased to announce accreditation by Centre d'expertise en Analyse Environnementale du Québec to conduct agricultural soil analysis for the Quebec market. They are ready to collaborate with Quebec farmers.
Positioning for fertilizer farms
As you finalize fertilizer plans for the upcoming growing season this winter, it is an ideal time to review soil test results and update them as necessary. Should additional tests be required for samples submitted in the fall of 2024, please feel free to contact us. The lab retains residual samples for a minimum of three months, ensuring ample time for any follow-up analysis.
Adding micronutrients may be beneficial for corn (through zinc) and soybean (through manganese).
Understanding livestock nutritional management through fecal analysis
When balancing livestock nutrition through feed and forage testing, it is also beneficial to test manure. To assess efficiency, a fecal starch test can be incorporated into the routine manure analysis. Spring is an ideal time to collect manure samples and conduct testing, allowing you to include manure mineral data in the nutrient management plan for the 2025 growing season.
Source: Crop Science SGS
For more information:
SGS Crop Science Canada
www.sgs.com