MLP Donates to UMass Soil Testing Lab
The UMass Extension Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Lab recently initiated a campaign with the goal of raising $ 200,000 from industry groups , foundations , and individuals . MLP answered the call with a donation of $ 1000 to help strengthen and modernize the Lab ’ s operations .
The Lab provides unbiased and independent testing of agricultural and horticultural soil and tissue samples . Each year , it runs more than 30,000 tests for nearly 5,000 clients across the Commonwealth . These analyses provide green industry professionals with critical information and recommendations that help them achieve economic and environmental goals , as well as maintain regulatory compliance .
“ UMass Extension thanks MLP for its support of our programs , including this generous gift to help ensure that our Soil testing lab is equipped for the future . As the science increasingly demonstrates that healthy soils and sound nutrient management are a key component of environmental stewardship across many different types of landscape management , we appreciate that practitioners are willing to invest in making quality testing services available to all ,” said Clem Clay , UMass Extension Agriculture Program Director .
The Lab is currently funded solely by client fees and is ineligible for federal funding . Funds raised through this campaign will be used for :
◆ CN analyzer to replace a 17-year-old instrument , saving on operating costs and offering new diagnostics , including 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 .
As part of a $ 200,000 campaign goal , UMass Extension committed $ 45,000 from its modest budget toward improvements and established financial policies that set aside a portion of lab fees for future equipment replacement .
For more information , or to learn how you can help , please contact Clem Clay at 413-545-5021 or cclay @ umext . umass . edu ❖
POLICY UPDATE
On February 11 , 2021 , MDAR issued a notice to licensed applicators outlining the new requirements regarding Continuing Education Units (“ CEUs ”). The notice stated that an applicator could obtain all CEUs online / virtually but no more than half of the CEUs could be obtained through an “ On-Demand ” type of training . An “ On Demand ” training is an online training that the applicator can take at any time but does not have any live interaction . This new policy was to go into effect immediately .
The Department has heard from several stakeholders that this may be difficult for some applicators to obtain given the timing of the policy change . Therefore , the Department will delay the policy during the 2021 audit cycle . If an individuals ’ three-year cycle ends in 2021 , the Department will accept CEUs submissions that have more than half of the CEUs obtained through an “ On-Demand ” Training . Beginning in 2022 the new policy will be in full effect .
To view the updated policy visit https :// www . mass . gov / doc / online-ceu-policy / download
MLP Newsline | Summer 2021 7