Overview

The Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratory (CNAL) is an enterprise unit within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. The purpose of this unit is to provide accurate and cost effective chemical and physical analyses for soils, plant, water and other environmental related materials in a timely manner to the department, college, university and others nationally and globally in support of the research, extension and teaching mission of the university, primarily in support of our land grant mission, environmental sciences, and new life sciences. I provide the leadership for establishing an efficient soil, plant, water and agro-environmental testing and interpretation outreach mechanism; generating and disseminating information on the current nutrient status of NY soils; quality control, supporting extension programs; and representing Cornell University at regional and national soil, plant and environmental testing associations (NEC1007, NAPT, and SPAC).

Research Focus

The laboratory provides state-of-the-art analytical facilities for research programs of CALS faculty, staff and students, as well as researchers from other departments at Cornell University and other national and international organizations. Analytical methods are continuously upgraded and critically evaluated with respect to new research results and emergent demands from the research community and the public. Several Cornell research programs make use of CNAL space and facilities for sample processing, etc. The laboratory analyzes approximately 18,000 samples annually under its research and environmental programs.

Outreach and Extension Focus

The laboratory analyzes 15,000 ? 18,000 soil samples from farms and homeowner gardens each year and generates unbiased, research-based fertilizer recommendations based on soil characteristics, cropping system, and field history. Major stakeholders include Cornell Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the New York City Watershed Program. These organizations as well as other stakeholders use Cornell's Morgan soil test as the basis for environmentally and economically sound nutrient management planning in New York. The laboratory services homeowners and conducts soil analyses for fruit and vegetable producers based on recommendations for fruits, trees, vegetables and gardens supplied by the Department of Horticulture. The laboratory also analyzes about 5,000 plant samples annually and provides fertilizer recommendations as service to the NY fruit and vegetable industry. Laboratory personnel answer questions on testing procedures and data interpretation for environmental as well as agricultural management and planning needs.

Instruction Focus

Undergraduate and graduate students get hands-on experience in soil, plant, water and environmental analyses and interpretation of results through academic courses, directed group study, and individual research projects. In addition, the laboratory is visited by primary, secondary and high schools and technical community colleges in New York, national and international groups interested in learning about soil, plant and water testing and other analytical techniques. The laboratory provides technical expertise to individuals or agencies interested in establishing soil testing or analytical labs. The laboratory also offers students an opportunity to train on sophisticated analytical instruments and provides the hands-on experience they need for their post graduate career.

Additional Links

• Cornell Nutrient Analysis Laboratory
• Link to CALS Research portal
• Link to CALS Impact statements

Selected Publications

• Rao, R., B. Aldrich, Q.M. Ketterings, and H. Krol (2007). Cayuga County Soil Test Summary (2002-2006). CSS Extension Bulletin E07-34. 34 pages
• http://nmsp.css.cornell.edu/publications/factsheets/factsheet29.pdf
• Rao, R., B. Tillapaugh, Q.M. Ketterings, and H. Krol (2007). Wyoming County Soil Test Summary (2002-2006). CSS Extension Bulletin E07-22. 35 pages
• http://nmsp.css.cornell.edu/publications/factsheets/factsheet22.pdf
• http://nmsp.css.cornell.edu/publications/factsheets/factsheet31.pdf
• Rao, R., K. Evans, Q.M. Ketterings, and H. Krol (2007). Madison County Soil Test Summary (2002-2006). CSS Extension Bulletin E07-25. 34 pages
• Rao, R., C. Logue, Q.M. Ketterings, and H. Krol (2007). Schenectady County Soil Test Summary (2002-2006). CSS Extension Bulletin E07-24. 19 pages
• Rao, R., A. Gabriel, Q.M. Ketterings, and H. Krol (2007). Washington County Soil Test Summary (2002-2006). CSS Extension Bulletin E07-23. 33 pages
• Rao, R., N. Herendeen, Q.M. Ketterings, and H. Krol (2007). Genesee County Soil Test Summary (2002-2006). CSS Extension Bulletin E07-31. 33 pages
• Rao, R., M. Fargione, Q.M. Ketterings, and H. Krol (2007). Ulster County Soil Test Summary (2002-2006). CSS Extension Bulletin E07-26. 34 pages
• Rao, R., L. Hulle, Q.M. Ketterings, and H. Krol (2007). Orange County Soil Test Summary (2002-2006). CSS Extension Bulletin E07-21. 34 pages

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