Biography:

Paul Santos received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Ornamental Horticulture with a minor in Plant Pathology from California State Polytechnical University at Pomona in 1995. He later went on to receive his Masters in Science in Plant Pathology from the University of California at Davis in 1997. Mr. Santos was hired in June of 1997 by Soil and Plant Laboratory, Inc. as the company's plant pathologist. Responsibilities of the pathologist include: (1) diagnosing plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and plant parasitic nematodes; (2) inform clients in writing the results of pathology analysis and provide recommendations on accepted cultural practices for managing plant diseases; (3) onsite evaluations and horticultural/pathology consulting.

Course Title: Soil Testing and Disease Diagnosis

Course Description: What makes a great grower? Experience and knowledge! That is also what has made Soil and Plant Laboratory the leader in soil testing for over 60 years! Our expert consultants have over 160 years of combined experience! Our laboratories use state of the art equipment with reliable methods ensuring that we deliver timely, accurate data to our clients. Our in house services include soil, water and tissue analysis, plant pathology assay, environmental and microbiology testing.

Why soil test? A fertility testing program that monitors nutrients and pH management can help you save money! Soil testing is the only way to determine the available nutrient status in soil or soilless media and the only way you can develop specific fertilizer recommendations. Yield and economic return can be optimized when fertilizer rates accurately address the needs of a crop. Potential soil and water pollution can be minimized when nutrient application is geared to the needs of a particular crop. An effective fertility testing program is one in which every field or greenhouse is properly sampled and tested on a regular basis. This gives you a running inventory of the nutrient levels for each crop,plus specific recommendations as to the kinds and rates of fertilizers to apply for each crop. Recommendations can be based on specific times and methods of application. Reliable soil test results and recommendations depend upon many factors, including; proper soil sampling and sample processing procedures, proper soil analysis techniques and sound fertilizer recommendation guidelines.

Schedule subject to change