The Research-Extension Analytical Laboratory (R.E.A.L.) at OARDC in Wooster closes permanently on Dec. 31, 1998. The decision was based on three factors: a gradual but steady decline in business, the lack of funds to replace essential, outdated equipment, and the desire to not compete with commercial labs offering the same services. The REAL was established in 1976 to test soil, plant tissue, feed, manure and other materials for farmers, gardeners, agribusinesses and scientists. At the time, it was the only such facility in Ohio. Since then at least eight commercial labs compete for this business in the state.

The REAL has been continually losing numbers. At one point they were running 100,000 samples per year and that number now has dropped to about 20,000 samples. As analytical and electrical equipment wear out, the cost of replacement and upgrading was estimated to be about 1 to 2 million dollars.

Samples received before October 1 will be processed, but no new samples will be accepted. If you have sent a sample into the lab, they will try to complete work on it by the closing date. Any samples they cannot get to will be sent to another laboratory for completion of the analysis with all additional costs absorbed by the REAL.