Published: 23.01.2022.

The Agrochemical Laboratory of the Department of Agrochemistry of the State Plant Protection Service is an accredited testing laboratory (accreditation certificate and scope), soil reference laboratory, member of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation Global Soil Laboratory network (GLOSOLAN) un Europe and Eurasia Soil Laboratory network (EUROSOLAN).

Laboratory performs soil acgrochemical and physico-chemical testing, and analyses:

  • Reaction (pH);
  • Organic matter content;
  • Plant available nutrients (P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, Na, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn);
  • Soil mineral nitrogen (N/NH4 un N/NO3).
  • One sample can be taken from an area not exceeding 6 hectares. Each area constitutes one sampling plot.
  • Each sample is taken by walking along the longest diagonal of the plot and gathering 15-20 smaller samples with a probe or a spade to a depth of 20 cm. The samples are then put into a bucket and mixed thoroughly.
  • Soil sample (approximately 0,5 to 1 kg) is taken from the mixed soil and placed in a clean container (e.g. plastic bucket or cloth bag). 
  • If several samples are taken, each sample should be clearly identified with a number. When filling the application write the number and, it is recommended, to indicate the field name, field block number, or cadastral number.
  • Samples should be taken from homogeneous soils; soils with different texture (e.g. sand and clay), different organic matter content or different soil types (e.g. sod and podzolic soils) should not be combined in the same sample.
  • The sample must not be taken in a recently limed or fertilized field, it should be taken no earlier than one month after liming or fertilization.
  • The sample should not contain undecomposed plant parts, animal remains, stones or other impurities.

Samples may be submitted to the laboratory in person or by courier (DPD, Latvijas Pasts, Omniva, etc.).  When submitting samples, a completed application form is necessary. The form in Latvian:

Form (in Latvian, DOC)
Form (in Latvian, PDF)

Samples can be submitted in Riga, Lielvārdes street 36, phone 28679302. If a more than 50 samples are to be submitted, it is advisable to contact the laboratory in advance.

The laboratory accepts samples on weekdays from 9.00 to 16.00. On days before public holidays, the laboratory accepts samples from 9.00 to 15.00.

Testing is carried out in about 15 working days. Depending on the workload of the laboratory, testing may take longer. Testing of samples is carried out on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Test report will be sent by e-mail. E-mail is generated and sent automatically from kuvis@vaad.gov.lv, subject “Par elektroniska dokumenta nosūtīšanu”.

The laboratory does not provide interpretation or advice on the test results.

The laboratory should be contacted in advance for this test.

To carry out mineral nitrogen analyses specific sampling and storage condition must be followed. If samples are delivered immediately after collection, they should be stored in cooler at +4 °C. If samples are stored for longer periods, they must be frozen.