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Prior to commercialization new pesticides, seed varieties and fertilizers all have to be tested in supervised field trials. One of the obligations in the process of development is to have field trials carried out on different crops and in different regions.
SGS Agricultural Services has created a Network of Field Trials Stations located in Europe, North and South America to provide standardized services to the World’s major Biotech, Agrochemical, and Fertilizer producing companies. These centers provide a comprehensive field trails service in accordance with the GLP and GEP accreditations. Our experienced staff can conduct field trials to support the screening, development and registration of agricultural and horticultural chemicals, bio-pesticides, fertilizers and also new plant varieties and seeds(including GMO). The purpose of these trials is to test the efficiency of the product, the crop tolerance and the pesticide residues situation.
The procedure consists of application of products at different levels of dilution on specially controlled crop areas. Agronomical observations are then performed along with taking the samples. All kinds of crops and different cropping systems can be considered. Harmonized procedures, special protocols and documentation systems specific to our clients are used to compile the required study data. Samples drawn by our experts for residue analysis are immediately deep frozen and dispatched to our laboratories in Germany or the USA or our Customer’s laboratories where the specialized residue analysis is performed:
GEP Services
- Efficacy testing – protocols drawn up to EPPO guidelines
- Demonstration sites – management of large or small scale sites to demonstrate the capabilities of new agrochemical compounds
- Horticultural Trials
- Glasshouse / polytunnel work
- Compatibility testing
- Cultivation studies
- Biopesticides
- Specialised trials conducted on crop varieties, weed screens, forestry trials, amenity trials, grassland and amenity turf
- Evaluation of rain fastness of products
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GLP Services
- Project Management / Study Directorship
- Crop Residue studies
- Crop rotation studies
- Soil dissipation studies
- Accumulation studies
- Operator exposure studies
By entrusting SGS with their trials, the whole Input and Crop Production Industry can benefit from the expertise of our Group internationally. Our standardized operating procedures, field trial document system, experienced staff, quality approach and state of the art equipment, prevent bias in the studies performed. Our customers can also benefit from one single contact offering a fully international service.
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Other Contract Research Services
- Ecotoxicology and degradability
- Animal feeding studies
- Food processing studies
- Lab environmental fate studies
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Soil Services
For precision crop production it is essential to balance the crop nutrient requirements. It is possible through the application of precise sampling and high technology testing to map accurately the soil. SGS provides a high technology approach to soil sampling and testing. Parent material, geological events and environmental conditions over long periods have created an earth surface which has significant nutrient variability both large and small. Test for soil macro and micronutrients, soil acidity or alkalinity or other soil parameters. Utilizing the levels that are obtained though testing can determine how much fertilizer is needed to meet the crop productivity potential.
Because of the spatial variability of soil nutrient values at the field level, new technologies involving GPS and site specific applications, known as VRT, have been developed to place the right amount and type of fertilizer where it is needed most. This may mean, as example, that 2 – 5 different rates of phosphorus fertilizer are applied in a field instead of one single broadcast rate. These methods help control the waste of nutrients and money, thereby creating a better ‘bottom line’. n addition applying the right amount and type of fertilizers helps reduce pollution of streams, rivers and seas from excess runoff creating a healthier planet.
If the grower charts his nutrient needs over time, he will establish fertilizer trends. These trends further advance his knowledge of the productivity of his fields, which allow more precise applications of VRT developed over time. The SGS Group is a leader in GPS site specific agriculture which can bring cost reduction through more efficient application of fertilizers.
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Customized Sample Collection
- Highly trained professional field staff available at your location
- Standardized sampling procedures for accurate results
- Grid or zone sampling techniques tailored to your operation
- GPS location sampling techniques
- Solves your limited manpower issues during labor intensive seasons.
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Graphic Information Systems Mapping
- Complete GIS mapping services
- Yield, Soil Nutrient, Variable Rate, etc.
- Multiple software platforms
- Parameters adjustable to clients needs or local specifications
- Data and visual reporting delivered
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Soil Analysis
- Multiple methods of nutrient analysis for pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, B, Fe, Cu, Na, Soluble Salts, Organic Matter, Base Saturation, and CEC
- Engineering properties: texture and water holding capacities
- Fertility recommendations based on client supplied parameters and sample analysis.
- Standardized or client specified testing packages available
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Specialty Testing
When growing crops sometimes nutrient problems arise in the areas of the field. The use of plant tissue analysis can point to specific nutrient problems. Plant analysis is a snapshot of nutrient uptake in the growing plant. This tells how well a plant is feeding from the soil supply of available nutrients. Sometimes the current crop can be amended for a response this year, other times it is gained knowledge of the field for the next crop.
Plant analysis is a tool that can be use in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is scouting a field several times throughout the crop cycle from emergence to harvest. The scout looks for signs of uncontrolled weeds, insects or plant diseases that can lessen your yield.
- Plant Tissue Testing
- Plant available nutrients
- Packages from single nutrient to full spectrum
Many of the grains and forages that are produced are used as animal feeds. SGS Group can determine the feed values by both NIR and wet chemistry assays. These values can be used to formulate a feed ration for livestock by an animal nutrient specialist.
- Feed and Forage
- NIR/Wet Chemistry
- Nutrients, aflatoxin, protein, moisture, ADF, NDF, etc.
Chemical Fertilizers are effective but have a very high cost. For this reason, animal manure is being increasingly used as a nutrient resource. It is a resource not a waste as many developed countries once viewed manure. Much of the nutrient content that an animal consumes but does not digest, is valuable nutrient. The SGS Group can analyze the manure for fertility content which can help satisfy crop nutrient needs.
When growers use livestock manure, then a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) can be developed by the SGS Alvey Group. The NMP utilizes site specific soil analysis in conjunction with manure analysis to determine the best rates of manure to be spread per land unit to reduce commercial fertilizer cost and prevent environmental pollution.
- Manure/Sludge Analysis
- pH, % moisture, nutrients, heavy metals, volatile solids, CCE
- Water Analysis
- Livestock suitability, Fecal Coliform, Drinking Water
- Soil Nematodes
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis for Corn/Soybean var.
- Fertilizer/Limestone Analysis
- N, P, K, S, Zn, specific gravity
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Home Owners and Consumer Services
- Complete kits for lawns, gardens, flower beds, wildlife food plots or other soil areas are available (for North America only). The kit Includes instructions, sampling equipment, and an order form to fill out to receive your lab results and easy to understand recommendations.
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