When are you open?

Thornton Laboratories is open on Mondays through Fridays every week, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm daily.

What size of sample is required for fertilizer testing?

For chemical analyses on solid fertilizer – minimum of 250g

For physical + chemical analyses – minimum of 500g

For liquid samples - minimum of 125 ml

Note: we can work with smaller amounts.

What are the methods used to analyze fertilizer materials?

We use AOAC or other AAPFCO recognized methods, e.g. ISO, ASTM, EPA.

What are the methods used for Humic and Fulvic testing?

We use the CDFA -HA4/JC method for humic products registration in California, and ISO 19822 (humic & fulvic) for registration in other states.

What types of products can we test?

We analyze Fertilizers (solid & liquid), Phosphate mining samples, Limestone, Biostimulant products, other agricultural products, Cement, Caustic, Bleach, Sulfuric acid, and a range of miscellaneous products. Please call the office for further information.

How are results reported?

By email and/or paper copy. Please provide this information when submitting samples.

What test can we provide for food microbiology?

We provide TPC/APC, Coliforms (total & E.coli), Salmonella, Listeria, Yeast & Mold, Enterobacter.

What is a normal TAT?

Depending on workload in the lab 3-5 days & with Humic/Fulvic 7-10 days. Heavy metals – 5-7 days.

Note: RUSH is available @ x 1.5 normal pricing (i.e. results in 2-3 days), except Fulvic.

What are the elements included in the Non-nutritive (heavy metals) group for product registration?

Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Molybdenum, Selenium, Zinc.

Note: not all states require this full list, but it is advisable if you intend to register the product in other states at a later date.