Source: NCDA&CS, 11/20/20
During this peak-season time period, the cost of soil testing is
$4 per sample. The fee originated in 2013 to encourage earlier sampling in the
fall, one of the busiest times of the year for the lab. By submitting samples
before Dec. 1, users can avoid peak-season fees and get results back quickly.
Outside of the peak-season, soil testing is free to growers. Samples with
completed soil sample information forms must be delivered and received by the
Agronomic Services Division prior to Dec. 1 to avoid the fee. Samples will
not be accepted without completed paperwork. “Despite the pandemic, the agricultural industry has marched forward and continues to be our number one economic driver in the state. Soil fertility is critical to crop success, and soil testing can help ensure optimimal plant growth,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I encourage growers to try to get samples submitted early to avoid the fee; however, the fee does help our Agronomic Division continue to provide one of the best soil testing services in the United States.” Growers are reminded that all money collected during the fee
period is dedicated to improvements in the soil testing lab as well as hiring
additional staff for the peak-season. Due to the pandemic, the Eaddy Building is closed to the public,
but growers still have access to the loading dock seven days a week, 24 hours a
day until Monday, Nov. 30, at 5 p.m. at which time the gate to
Agronomic Division property will close. During the fee period, sample
drop-off times will be between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except
during state holidays. There will be no after-hours drop-off times for samples
during peak season.
Growers who visit the loading dock will find new signage and directions of
where to unload and pick-up sample supplies. If interaction with clients is
necessary, a new protective kiosk can be used. “The division has taken a lot of precaution in delivering safe, customer-friendly service during the pandemic,” Troxler said. If growers need supplies, they are advised to call a day or at least several hours ahead of arrival so supplies will be ready for pickup. As to submitting samples, growers are encouraged to submit sample
information forms online, so their information can be accurately and quickly
uploaded into the database system. Peak-season fees can be paid with a credit
card using a secure online payment service called PayPoint. Online submission
can be accessed through the PALS homepage at www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/PALS/ after
a user account is established under the Utility link. Up-to-date turnaround times can always be found at
www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/PALS/.
If faster turnaround time is needed, the lab offers an expedited soil testing
service on a limited basis. Growers can purchase expedited shippers, which can hold up to 36
soil samples, for $200 each while supplies last. The service guarantees a
seven-business-day turnaround time if the lab is contacted and notified 24
hours in advance of the quantity being delivered. Otherwise, the guaranteed
turnaround time of two weeks upon delivery at the lab is offered. These
guarantees exclude the Christmas season. Unused expedited shippers can be used
in following years. Currently, only a small supply of expedited shippers is
available. Contact the Agronomic Services Division at 919-733-2655 for
questions regarding the peak-season soil testing fee, online sample submission
or the purchase of expedited shippers.
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