Ensuring Healthy Harvests: Water Testing Services for Agriculture & Farms
Water is the lifeblood of any successful farm. Its quality directly impacts crop yield, animal health, and overall productivity. At Alexin Labs in Tigard, Oregon, we understand the unique water testing needs of the agricultural community. We provide comprehensive and reliable water analysis services tailored to help farmers and agricultural businesses ensure the health of their operations and the safety of their products.
Why Water Testing is Essential for Agriculture & Farms
The quality of irrigation water, livestock drinking water, and water used in processing can significantly affect various aspects of your agricultural operation. Regular testing is crucial for:
Optimizing Crop Yields
Contaminated irrigation water can introduce pathogens, excess salts, or harmful chemicals that stunt plant growth, reduce yields, and even damage crops.Meeting Regulatory Requirements
Various regulations, including those related to food safety (e.g., FSMA) and environmental discharge, may require water quality testing.Ensuring Food Safety
Irrigation water contaminated with pathogens can directly contaminate fruits, vegetables, and other crops intended for human consumption, posing a significant food safety risk.Preventing Irrigation System Damage
High levels of minerals or sediment in irrigation water can clog emitters, pipes, and other components, leading to costly repairs and inefficiencies.Protecting Animal Health
Poor quality drinking water can lead to illness, reduced productivity (milk, eggs, meat), and even mortality in livestock.Diagnosing Plant or Animal Health Issues
Water testing can help identify if water quality is contributing to unexplained health problems in crops or livestock.Monitoring the Effectiveness of Water Treatment Systems
If you have implemented water treatment for irrigation or livestock, regular testing verifies its effectiveness.Evaluating New Water Sources
Before utilizing a new well, pond, or other water source for agricultural purposes, testing is essential to assess its suitability.
Common Water Tests Used in Agriculture & Farms
The specific tests required for your farm will depend on your type of operation (crops, livestock, processing), the source of your water, and any specific concerns you may have. However, some of the most common water tests used in the agricultural industry include:
Microbiological Testing
Crucial for assessing the risk of waterborne pathogens affecting crops and livestock.
Generic E. coli and Fecal Coliform: Indicators of fecal contamination, particularly important for irrigation water used on crops intended for raw consumption and for livestock drinking water.
Total Coliform: A broader indicator of potential contamination.
Bacterial Counts: Excessive bacterial growth in ponds or irrigation water can cause problems.
Chemical Testing (Irrigation Water)
Essential for evaluating the suitability of water for crop production.
pH: Affects nutrient availability in the soil and can impact plant growth.
Electrical Conductivity (EC) or Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Measures the salinity of the water, which can stress or damage crops.
Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR): Assesses the potential for sodium to accumulate in soil and reduce soil permeability.
Specific Ions: Testing for levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, boron, and other ions that can be toxic to plants at high concentrations.
Nutrients (Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium): Can be important for understanding nutrient inputs from irrigation water.
Heavy Metals (Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, etc.): May be relevant in areas with industrial activity or specific geological conditions.
Pesticide and Herbicide Residues: If there is a concern about runoff from nearby agricultural or other areas.
Chemical Testing (Livestock Drinking Water)
Focuses on parameters that can impact animal health.
pH: Affects palatability and can influence the toxicity of other substances.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Salinity: High levels can lead to dehydration and other health issues.
Nitrate: Can be toxic to livestock, especially young animals.
Sulfate: High levels can cause digestive problems.
Heavy Metals (Arsenic, Lead, Selenium, Molybdenum, etc.): Can be toxic to livestock even at low concentrations.
Iron and Manganese: High levels can affect palatability and potentially cause health issues.
Physical Parameters
Turbidity: Measures the cloudiness of the water, indicating suspended particles that can clog irrigation systems or affect water palatability for livestock.
Temperature: Can impact water quality and animal consumption.
Sediment: Can clog irrigation systems and carry contaminants.
Frequently Asked Questions
At this gov site: Drinking Water Data Online.
An annual potability test is recommended. Please refer to OHA’s Domestic Well Program for more information.
By contacting Alexin Labs, and discussing your water testing needs, we can determine the type of sampling containers which will be needed. It is important to use only the sampling containers provided by us as a certified lab to ensure the integrity of your results. All sampling containers provided by Alexin Labs have been quality checked for sterility and cleanliness as needed.
We’d recommend that you keep track of this yourself; however, we do keep all analytical results for at least five years. If you need copies of past reports, please contact our front office, additional re-processing fees will apply.
Alexin Labs: Your Partner in Agricultural Water Testing in Tigard, Oregon
At Alexin Labs, we are committed to supporting the agricultural community in Tigard and surrounding areas with reliable and accurate water testing services. Our experienced team understands the specific needs of farmers.
Timely and accurate results.
Water quality issue troubleshooting.
Easy-to-understand sampling instructions and collection kits.
Expert interpretation of your water quality data.
Determine the most appropriate testing panel for your operation.
About Us
Ensure the health of your crops, the well-being of your livestock, and the safety of your agricultural products.
Contact Alexin Labs today to discuss your farm’s water testing needs. We are here to help you cultivate success.