MAA NEWS March 2020_w | Page 11

UMass Campaign to Improve Soil Testing Lab PHOTO: UMass Extension The UMass Extension Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory provides unbiased and independent testing of agri- cultural and horticultural soil and tissue samples. Its recommendations help farm- ers and green industry professionals to achieve economic and environmental goals and maintain regulatory compli- ance. Each year, the Lab runs more than 30,000 tests on over 17,000 samples for nearly 5,000 customers. The Lab is funded solely by customer fees and gifts and is ineligible for federal fund- ing. It is in need of financial support to strengthen and modernize its operations. Needs include: ● CN analyzer to replace a 17-year-old instrument, saving on operating costs and offering new diagnostics, includ- ing soil health measures. ● ICP spectrometer to replace an aging workhorse that provides nutrient and metals analyses but has very high maintenance and repair costs. ● System upgrades to improve customer experience and increase efficiency. M E M B E R As part of a $200,000 campaign goal, UMass Extension will commit $45,000 to these improvements, establishing finan- cial policies that set aside a portion of lab fees for future equipment replacement. They are seeking support from industry groups, foundations, individuals and businesses to raise the remainder. To help, please contact: Clem Clay Ext. Agriculture Program Director 413-545-5021 [email protected] S P O T L I G H T With more than 700 members across the state, MAA represents the lion’s share of our industry’s leading commercial and municipal arborists. One of the greatest benefits of membership is learning from each other – and while it’s not always easy to make it to a meeting, we can help you connect via our regular Member Spotlight newsletter column. So, don’t be shy, tell us about you and the story behind your company. It’s easy. Be in the Spotlight! Just visit MassArbor.org/Newsletter, answer the prompts, and send us a couple of photos. We’ll take care of the rest and your fellow MAA members will get to know you a little bit better! MAA NEWS / March 2020 11