A next generation soil test quantifies soil microbial populations which contribute to soil health and improved crop productivity

LONDON, ONTARIO (AgPR) July 7, 2020 -- A&L Canada Laboratories Inc. announced today the launch of VitTellus BioSM, a new soil health test for the agriculture industry that quantifies soil microbial populations which support improved soil health and greater crop productivity.

VitTellus BioSM is a new analysis which complements the VitTellus® Soil Health test, a diagnostic used to make more informed decisions on application of nutrients, managing and improving soil health. Traditional soil tests measure the chemical properties of soil, and that is helpful. But soil is a living, dynamic and continually changing ecosystem requiring a more holistic approach to determining optimal and sustainable management practices. By digging deeper into the physical and biological interactions we can make improved agronomic recommendations for higher yields and great profit. The VitTellus® Soil Health Test & VitTellus BioSM are available to assist clients in this deeper assessment of soil parameters.

Two Tests Together in One New Package: VitTellus BioSM Soil Health Package

The VitTellus BioSM Soil Health Package is an analytical package providing the VitTellus® Soil Health Test PLUS the new VitTellus BioSM microbial test which quantifies the levels of functional soil microbes associated with improved soil health and crop yield. VitTellus BioSM utilizes selective carbon sources to measure the concentration of specific functional microbial groups within a soil sample which research has shown have known beneficial functionality, ie. Nitrogen fixation. Optimal ranges of these functional microbes are provided and, along with the soil chemistry metrics, will allow you to implement farm management strategies to increase favorable soil microbe populations.

Information on the VitTellus® Soil Health Test & VitTellus BioSM can be accessed through the VitTellus website.

"VitTellus BioSM Soil Health is the next logical step in understanding soil health and the biological drivers of productivity. This analysis allows clients to understand their current soil microbial populations and take concrete actions to cultivate microbes which support healthier soils, stronger plants and greater returns for the farmer, and society. This is a worthwhile, long view endeavor, we strongly encourage farmers to truly get to know their soils for their longstanding success," said Greg Patterson, CCA, Founder and CEO of A&L. "We are proud of all the research and development work coming out of A&L Canada Laboratories and are committed and passionate about sharing our knowledge for the advancement of the industry."

"A deeper understanding of the factors impacting on the biotic components of ecosystem stability is key for the sustainability and productivity of agriculture," stated Nevin McDougall, President and CCO of A&L Canada Laboratories. "The research A&L has been conducting over the last 35 years, and with the launch of the biologicals research division 10 years ago, is bringing products to market that benefit the sustainability of the agriculture industry, and we are deeply committed to continue the investment in bringing next-generation products to the marketplace."

The VitTellus BioSM Soil Health Package Components:

• A complete VitTellus® Soil Health Test and Report
• A complete VitTellus BioSM Soil Health Report with analysis results and optimal ranges
• Technical support
• Online portal for access to reports
• Live expert customer support

Click here to learn more about the VitTellus BioSM Soil Health Test. Additional soil health tests are also available. For more information please visit our website www.vittellus.com or call us toll free 1-855-837-8347. You can follow us on Twitter at @VitTellus.

About A&L
We are an innovative, research driven technology company focused on sustainable development. Through leading expertise, modern laboratory facilities and strong customer focus, A&L serves a wide range of industries including Agriculture, Environmental, Food & Pharma -- globally.

In Agriculture, A&L provides comprehensive analytical services for soil, plant tissue, feed, fertilizer, and water. A&L's services also include production recommendations, remote sensing and precision agriculture capabilities. A&L Biologicals Inc. is a subsidiary of A&L Canada Laboratories Inc. focused on research and development of biological compounds for use in agricultural production systems. The Environmental division provides organic and inorganic chemistry and general chemistry using state of the art technology and methodology. For Food & Pharma, A&L provides analytical services for plant tissue, water, media and finished product. A&L's services also include disease diagnostics, genetic analysis, production recommendations, and Plant Monitoring Program. The company operates two analytical laboratories serving clients throughout Canada, the US and Internationally.

Please visit our website at www.alcanada.com.