Online portal expands the capabilities testing center technicians offer to the public
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Farmers, gardeners, nursery owners, golf course managers and others among the more than 4,000 clients who annually submit soil and forage samples to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Soil, Plant and Pest Center now have access to an expanded and enhanced online management system and database.
The Agriculture and Natural Resources Laboratory Information Management System, launched this week, was created by UTIA’s Information Technology Services to replace an online system that was more than 10 years old. The new system was funded through a partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension and UT Extension, which oversees the Soil, Plant and Pest Center.
Existing and new clients will log into the online portal to report new soil and forage samples they are sending to the lab, view lab results and recommendations. The system’s greater functionality and flexibility help Soil, Plant and Pest Center technicians and scientists better communicate with clients and track samples.
In 2025, the Soil, Plant and Pest Center processed 16,733 soil samples from 4,234 clients across Tennessee. There were 797 diagnostic plant samples and 1,449 forage samples. Of the samples, 55 percent were from row crops or forages; 27 percent were from residential lawns, landscapes and gardens; and 11 percent were related to research. Testing helps clients understand the fertility, pH, nutrient balance and condition of their soil. The center also identifies plant diseases and insect pests and measures key nutrient factors in forage to guide feeding and management decisions.
“This new system will allow customers to add as many crop or plants they wish to grow to their soil sample, so they can get lime and fertilizer recommendations for a wide range of plants and crops,” said Robert Florence, director of the UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center. “This system will have a smoother sample submission and payment process. Users can now enter soil samples, pay for them, and create a shipping sheet submitting the samples all in one place.”
UTIA’s Information Technology Services is negotiating a license for the system technology through the UT Research Foundation. In the future, ITS hopes to make the system available to other land-grant universities and institutions.
Lead developer Billy Williams said the development of the system focused on building a secure, scalable and more efficient platform. “We designed the system with future growth in mind, allowing us to continue enhancing capabilities and support additional partners and institutions in the years ahead,” he said.
“This project reflects what can be achieved when technology, research and Extension expertise come together to serve the people of Tennessee,” said Tammy McKinley, director of IT Solutions. “Our goal was to create a modern, user-friendly system that improves the experience for clients while providing the flexibility and efficiency needed to support the Soil, Plant and Pest Center’s growing operations.”
For more information, visit the Soil, Plant and Pest Center website: soillab.tennessee.edu
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.