“It’s not uncommon for aesthetic problems, such as odors and tastes, to cause water intake in cattle to drop, which in turn can reduce milk production,” Ishler says. “Less frequently, bacterial contamination can adversely affect animal health. Offering this testing program will give us a chance to help producers diagnose and correct problems that might be limiting productivity and profitability.”

Two testing programs for irrigation water—for greenhouses and nurseries and for turf—will be offered. The greenhouse and nursery testing protocols will focus primarily on nutrient content, according to Rob Berghage, associate professor of horticulture.

“Water quality and fertility are critical for greenhouse and nursery operators,” he says. “Managing nutrient content is especially important for growers using recirculating systems. Too much or too little nutrients can harm plant health.”

Berghage explains that contamination issues also can be a concern, particularly in “beneficial reuse” systems where water is being recycled from sewage or industrial plants. In addition, he says, knowing what’s in irrigation water can help growers manage nutrients and chemicals in runoff, minimizing their environmental impact and helping to enhance water quality in streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.

To submit a water sample for testing, customers first must obtain a free water-test kit from Penn State’s Ag Analytical Services Lab or from a participating county office of Penn State Cooperative Extension. The kit includes shipping materials, instructions on how to take a sample, and a submission form. Residents will choose from a range of testing options available for each water type (drinking, irrigation, or livestock) and will send the kit, with the appropriate fee, to the lab. Test results and relevant fact sheets or recommendations typically will be returned in two to three weeks.

For more information, Pennsylvania residents can contact their county Penn State Cooperative Extension office (find it on the Web at http://www.extension.psu.edu/ extmap.html) or the Ag Analytical Services Lab (814-863-0841, aaslab@psu.edu), or visit the lab’s Web site at www.aasl.psu.edu.

—Chuck Gill