SGS Crop Science Guelph: December 2025
In this edition of SGS Crop Science Guelph News:
- Targeted Forage Testing to Combat Storage Inconsistencies
- ‘LIVE’ DNA Pathogen Detection Elevates Confidence
- Glimpse of our Strategic New Service for Plant Nutrients
- Celebrating World Soil Day
TARGETED FORAGE TESTING TO COMBAT STORAGE INCONSISTENCIES
With the dry growing season in many locales, unevenness throughout corn crops was common. Stalk height, ear size, and variable whole plant moisture across the field will contribute to differing dry matter and nutritional values throughout the silo or bunker. Increasing the frequency of forage testing will improve ration balancing, elevate management confidence and optimize productivity for your agri-business.
Toxins in Western Canada corn crops, in particular Manitoba and pockets of Saskatchewan, are elevated with the rain and lengthy fog conditions during the late growing season and into the harvest season. Reach out to our SGS Guelph team to focus on T2 mycotoxins when submitting corn, both grains and silage.
SGS has many NFTA certified forage packages to choose from, by both NIR and wet chemistry, ensuring flexibility built for a diverse network of mills and producers. Building out data formats for import into various platforms is available for each sample or a batch samples, with individual data analytics in a comprehensive excel file, and also individual PDFs for sharing.
‘LIVE’ DNA PATHOGEN DETECTION ELEVATES CONFIDENCE
Reaching new levels in plant disease testing, SGS now offers LIVE DNA testing of water, solution, tissue and media. From bacteria to fungi to viruses, our new services build knowledge for the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and horticultural field crop sectors. Prior to launching our new service, current PCR methods to date have reported both the living and dead DNA that is found in the sample. It is difficult to gauge effectiveness of sterilization when even the dead DNA is reported. With a new pre-extraction before testing, SGS is offering multiple packages through its partner Healthy Hydroponics. Here is a list of the offers, perfect for targeted disease (such as ToBRFV and Neo-P), to a comprehensive suite of destructive plus beneficial pathogens:
- Pathogen ONE
- Pathogen ONE (Virus)
- Alive and Dead Viability
- Health+
- Health+ Fungal
- Health+ Complete
Reach out to our SGS Guelph team to hear how to submit a sample.
GLIMPSE OF OUR STRATEGIC NEW SERVICE FOR PLANT NUTRIENTS
Coming soon! Maximizing vegetable and flower production is on its way to next level analysis to boost in-time fertility, while keeping a strong focus on sustainability. With elevated interest in utilizing the measurement of nutrients in plant sap to manage fertility programs, SGS is partnering with a laboratory thoroughly experienced in sap extraction methodology, analyzing individual compounds and reporting accurate data. The newer approach involves testing only the sap from the xylem and phloem conductive tissue, not the internal tissue ‘juice’ from the leaf, thereby providing an accurate assessment of real-time plant nutrient profile. Watch your inbox in early 2026 for a full announcement.
CELEBRTING WORLD SOIL DAY
At SGS Crop Science, we are proud to join the global celebration of World Soil Day this December 5th, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This year’s theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” shines a spotlight on the vital role urban soils play in building resilient, biodiverse, and food-secure communities.
Traditionally known for our expertise in agricultural soil testing, SGS Crop Science has services to meet the growing demand for urban soil analysis. Cities across Canada and beyond are embracing green infrastructure, and healthy soils are the heart of this transformation.
Urban soils face unique challenges—chief among them is soil sealing, where surfaces are covered by concrete, asphalt, and other impermeable materials. This sealing limits water infiltration, increases runoff, and disrupts natural soil functions. But with innovative design and sustainable soil management, cities are finding ways to reconnect with the soil beneath their feet and allow plants to thrive.
We’re seeing exciting developments in urban greening projects, many of which rely on laboratory soil testing to conform to specifications and lead to success. From silva cells that support tree growth along streetscapes and boulevards, to green roofs that insulate buildings and manage stormwater, healthy soils are the foundation. Rain gardens are filtering runoff and replenishing groundwater, while community gardens and indoor green-walls are producing fresh vegetables and leafy greens, right in the heart of our cities. The greenspaces also lead to better well-being and mental health!
At SGS Crop Science, our soil testing services help planners, developers, landscapers and municipalities understand the physical, chemical, and biological properties of urban soils. This data is critical for selecting appropriate vegetation, improving infiltration, and ensuring long-term sustainability of green infrastructure.
World Soil Day reminds us that soil is not just an agricultural resource, but it’s a living system that supports life in both rural and urban environments. Whether it’s enhancing biodiversity, managing water, or growing food, healthy soils are essential to healthy cities.
We’re proud to support this movement by providing the science behind the soil. As cities grow and evolve, SGS Crop Science is committed to helping them do so sustainably, one soil sample at a time.
Let’s celebrate the ground we walk on and invest in soil health. And let’s build cities that thrive from the ground up.
