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Soil Testing, Part 2

© Deborah Turton

If you do decide to test for pesticides, start with gas chromatography testing. This test will find pesticides at concentrations of parts per million. It's the cheapest type of test while still being accurate. To find a lab, look under the yellow pages for environmental engineers or ask you local government body like a county extension agent in the states for a recommendation. Some labs charge around $100US for a standard list of pesticides that they test for. If your pesticide is one of these, then use this type first. Other pesticides can usually be added to this test for a fee. If the gas chromatography tests come out negative, but you still have reason to believe pesticides are present, you can have a lab use mass spectrometry. This is a more sensitive test, finding pesticides at the rate of parts per billion. These tests are much more expensive and start at about $300 for one pesticide.

If you do find pesticide residues on your property, your next step is to seek advice from experts - both for the legal ramifications and clean-up procedures. Each situation is different. Some specially inoculated composts can breakdown specific pesticides, but don't assume that this is the correct solution for you. Seek out professional advice. Some pesticide contaminated soil will need to be removed and placed in a special toxic waste dump. Every case is different, and again, if you do have problems with pesticides on your property, ask professionals - government agencies, non- profit organizations, or professional environmental engineers. Ask lots of questions and compare everyone's answers.