Soil Testing

Protecting Prairie Soil Health from the Ground Up

As Canada’s first fully accredited, independently owned seed testing lab, 20/20 Seed Labs Inc. combines advanced diagnostics with real-world agricultural insight. Our soil testing services for Aphanomyces, Clubroot, help you stay one step ahead of emerging disease pressure.

Healthy soil is the foundation of strong, sustainable crops.

At 20/20 Seed Labs Inc., we provide soil diagnostic testing across Canada to detect and manage two of the most impactful soil-borne diseases and pests affecting Prairie agriculture, Aphanomyces euteiches (root rot in peas and lentils) and Plasmodiophora brassicae (Clubroot in canola and other brassicas). With accredited laboratories in Nisku, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba, 20/20 Seed Labs offers trusted, science-based insight to help you make confident rotation and management decisions before problems emerge.

Soil-borne pathogens and pests can persist for years — sometimes decades — and often spread unnoticed through soil movement, drainage, or contaminated equipment. Early detection is the only way to prevent long-term yield loss and protect land value.

Our soil testing services use advanced molecular and microscopic diagnostics to identify the presence of Aphanomyces, and Clubroot, long before visible symptoms occur. This information allows you to plan rotations to avoid host crops, select resistant or tolerant varieties, manage soil movement and sanitation between fields, and monitor disease progression year-to-year.

Soil Tests Offered

Aphanomyces (Root Rot) Soil Test
Detects Aphanomyces euteiches in pulse production soils using molecular diagnostics. Recommended for fields where peas or lentils are grown or planned.
- Detects even low spore levels
- Supports rotation planning (6–8 year minimum)
- Ideal pre-plant or post-harvest
Clubroot Soil Test
Confirms the presence of Plasmodiophora brassicae spores in canola soils. Used for early detection and stewardship of resistant varieties.
- Validates field or equipment sanitation effectiveness
- Assists in local regulatory compliance and rotation planning
Weed Check (WDC) Soil Test
Our Weed Check (WDC) is a specialized soil analysis performed on a 100g sample to detect and quantify weed seeds present in the soil. This test provides a comprehensive identification and could of all weed seeds found, helping you assess potential vegetation risks before soil movement or land.

Customizable Options Include:
- Targeted reporting of provincial noxious weeds.
- Focused detection of specific weeds of concern.
Ideal For:
- Utility companies.
- Landscaping and reclamation projects.
- Individuals or businesses involved in soil relocation or sale.
Ensure compliance and minimize ecological impact with our reliable Weed Check service.
Preventing the Spread of Soil-Borne Diseases and Pests
- Clean and sanitize all equipment between fields.
- Rotate crops wisely — 6–8 years for pulses with Aphanomyces, 3–4 years for canola with Clubroot, and at least 2 years between soybean crops with SCN.
- Improve drainage and reduce soil compaction.
- Select resistant or tolerant varieties where available.
- Monitor regularly with annual or pre-plant soil testing.
How to Take a Soil Sample

Use clean tools (soil probe, auger, or spade) free from contaminated soil.

Collect 15–20 subsamples per field from the top 5–10 cm (root zone). Sample in a W-shaped pattern at entrances out to a maximum of 150 feet into the field, also target low spots, entrances, and stressed areas. Do not sample randomly.

Mix thoroughly in a clean pail to form one composite sample (~1 litre). Submit a minimum of 2 cups of soil in a large plastic bag.

Label clearly with your name, field ID, and requested test(s): Aphanomyces, Clubroot.
How to Submit a Soil Sample
1. Seal your sample in a clean plastic or zip-top bag.
2. Complete the Soil Testing Sample Submission Form
3. Deliver or ship to our Nisku, AB or Winnipeg, MB
4. Turnaround time for Clubroot results is 3s, with 1 day rush option for an additional fee. Turnaround time for Aphanomyces testing is 10 business days.
5. Results can be sent directly to your email or accessed through your Alive account.