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BIO-SYSTEMS

Soil Testing, Consulting Services,

  & Educational Programs

The early 1970s was a period to increase the farm’s production acreage. As farms increased in size, not only did input costs rise but, more importantly, farmers had less time to dedicate to problem observation. This resulted in the use of more fertilizers and pesticides primarily as insurance against the possibility of crop loss to weeds or insects.

   The concept for Bio-Systems began in the mid-70s as it became evident that using increased amounts of more expensive fertilizers and pesticides did not make economic sense with stable market prices.  The solution was in soil fertility.

   The keys to soil fertility are humus and microscopic soil biology. An efficiently working biological soil system will produce crops that require fewer inputs while maintaining yields and improving crop quality. As the soil biology increases, crop nutrition will be improved and the farm will see greater disease and insect resistance.

   Grower education is an integral part of a successful biological program. Bio-Systems soil management system will work for any size farm as long as the farmer wants to understand the soil. The end result will be enhanced high quality production, with reduced input costs.                       

 

Testing

Bio-Test:

     The Bio-Test is a soil nutrient solubility test that is run in our own lab. This test measures the soil’s nutrient availability for the plant. The primary elements (P, K, Ca) are measured along with pH and "Energy". This test also gives Nitrate and Ammonia readings.

    The Bio-Test is an “in season” measurement of how well the field is working at the time of the test. These test results are cross referenced with the Cation Exchange Capacity (C.E.C.) as an indication of the state of soil biology.     

 

Cation Exchange Capacity Test:

     The Cation Exchange Capacity (C.E.C.) Test is analyzed for Bio-Systems as a measure of the soil’s nutrient holding capacity. This test not only measures for primary and secondary elements (Mg, S), but also for trace elements (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, B) and organic matter.

 

Consulting

 

      Our consulting program is a complete farm and field program, not a one test, set computer program recommendation. Each recommendation is unique to the farm and its production goals. We cross reference the Bio-Test with the C.E.C. Test, while considering previous results, to develop a comprehensive recommendation based on a living, balanced and efficient soil system.

   We visit the farm three to five times a year. These visits may include soil tests, field surveys, field mapping and grower education on the soil biology. We give the grower confidence that the soil fertility of humus, minerals and microscopic life is feeding the crops. Our consulting program is an effective way to achieve your ultimate quality and production potential.

 

Additional Testing:

 

Compost, Manure and Plant Tissue Tests: Complement our soil testing for closer controls of resource and mineral utilization

Feed Analysis: Quality measurement tieing soil nutrition to animal health

Pesticide Residue Tests: Completes our line of special tests serving agriculture                                                          

 

Educational Programs

      The uniqueness of our business allows us to offer programs to educate farmers and consumers on the issues related to our work. We offer several educational programs.

 

 BIO-SYSTEMS

2320 Van Dyke

Marlette, MI  48453

989-635-2864

Fax: 989-635-3888

E-Mail:

bio-systems@centurytel.net

 

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Cookstown Greens, 6321 Line 9 RR#3, Thornton, Ontario  L0L 2N0  Canada   •   Tel: (705) 458-9077   •   Fax: (705) 458-1707

•   Web: cookstowngreens.com   •   Email: info@cookstowngreens.com