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#1
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Accurate soil testing...?
Howdy, Is there a reasonable way to get accurate soil testing done? Here's why I ask: First, my local cooperative extension does testing, but, to my amazement, none of there available tests (and they have many) includes an assessment of nitrogen. Next, I own a soil test kit, but discovered that it showed nitrogen depletion even when testing a highly concentrated solution of nitrogen fertilizer in water. When I found that, I called the manufacturer and was told that it may have expired. I asked where in the detailed instructions there was information about expiration, but of course, there was no such. In any case, what's the solution? I would welcome any specific suggestions. Sincere thanks, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." |
#2
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Kenneth said:
Howdy, Is there a reasonable way to get accurate soil testing done? Here's why I ask: First, my local cooperative extension does testing, but, to my amazement, none of there available tests (and they have many) includes an assessment of nitrogen. MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Lab. does offer nitrogen testing *during the growing season* (it was mentioned in the June 1 CAT Bulletin) and there's not just one single test. http://www.ipm.msu.edu/CAT05_veg/V06-01-05.htm#4 http://www.css.msu.edu/SoilTesting/prices.htm From their FAQ: Why doesn't the regular MSU soil test include nitrogen analysis? *Soil nitrate levels are the best indicator of nitrogen availability. Because these levels fluctuate widely depending on rainfall and soil temperature, the best time to take soil nitrate samples in while the cropis growing. within two weeks of supplemental nitrogen applications. *A soil sample taken months ahead of this time will not provide an accurate measure of the nitrogen available to the plants. /end quote I would think that such service would be available in other states as well, but only seasonally (for the same reason) and likely home gardeners are not ever encouraged to get some of the tests available to the professionals. Next, I own a soil test kit, but discovered that it showed nitrogen depletion even when testing a highly concentrated solution of nitrogen fertilizer in water. When I found that, I called the manufacturer and was told that it may have expired. I asked where in the detailed instructions there was information about expiration, but of course, there was no such. Was the packaging marked with an expiration date? Many items come with a 'best before xx-xx-xx' on the packaging without mention of that fact in the package inserts. -- Pat in Plymouth MI ('someplace.net' is comcast) Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced. (attributed to Don Marti) |
#3
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#4
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"Kenneth" wrote in message ... On Sun, 05 Jun 2005 06:26:03 -0500, (Pat Kiewicz) wrote: Was the packaging marked with an expiration date? Many items come with a 'best before xx-xx-xx' on the packaging without mention of that fact in the package inserts. Hello again, Nope... That was the problem. The representative explained to me that after a few months, the reagents were of little use. I asked if there were a date (coded or otherwise) on the package, and she said "No, we don't do that." Nice. Could you please tell us the maker or brand of test kit this is so we can avoid buying them? All the best, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." |
#5
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On Sun, 05 Jun 2005 12:17:06 GMT, "FDR"
wrote: Could you please tell us the maker or brand of test kit this is so we can avoid buying them? Hello again, Certainly... "luster Leaf Products" Woodstock IL. Nicely packaged, easy to use, good instructions, meaningless measurements. All the best, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." |
#6
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"Kenneth" wrote in message news On Sun, 05 Jun 2005 12:17:06 GMT, "FDR" wrote: Could you please tell us the maker or brand of test kit this is so we can avoid buying them? Hello again, Certainly... "luster Leaf Products" Woodstock IL. Nicely packaged, easy to use, good instructions, meaningless measurements. Thank you. All the best, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." |
#7
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Kenneth wrote:
On Sun, 05 Jun 2005 12:17:06 GMT, "FDR" wrote: Could you please tell us the maker or brand of test kit this is so we can avoid buying them? Hello again, Certainly... "luster Leaf Products" Woodstock IL. Nicely packaged, easy to use, good instructions, meaningless measurements............. I'm sure you are right about the meaningless measurements. Maybe the other tests (other than nitrogen) are of some use, but then again, who knows? I understand that testing for nitrogen in a meaningful way is not easy. I'm sure they felt they had to include it anyway so it would appear to be a complete test kit. They have to sell them and make money after all. Steve |
#9
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On Mon, 06 Jun 2005 01:08:38 GMT, Repeating Rifle
wrote: in article , Kenneth at wrote on 6/5/05 3:48 AM: Next, I own a soil test kit, but discovered that it showed nitrogen depletion even when testing a highly concentrated solution of nitrogen fertilizer in water. When I found that, I called the manufacturer and was told that it may have expired. I asked where in the detailed instructions there was information about expiration, but of course, there was no such. What was the fertilizer? The nitrogen may not be in available form. I do not think ammonium sulfate is immediately available without some microbial activity. Bill Hi Bill, It was urea... All the best, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." |
#10
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Perhaps a convenient way to get some measure of soil quality is to use some indicator plants. I know of a couple plants that grow well above pH 7 and promptly die in acidic soil, etc... Others so dramatic responses to depletion of specific nutrients. Most plant physiology books have a nutrient deficiency key from which you can trace down specific problems. These are usually based on common garden plants such as the tomato. Dominic |
#11
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Send it to a local company that specializes. Here in Illinois, I've used
http://www.algreatlakes.com/main.asp. You can check out their web site, and see sample reports, etc. Their S10 report is for home gardeners, they have other reports for farmers and orchardists. It's not very expensive, and is comprehensive. They will also make amendment recommendations based on your desired plants. "Kenneth" wrote in message ... Howdy, Is there a reasonable way to get accurate soil testing done? Here's why I ask: First, my local cooperative extension does testing, but, to my amazement, none of there available tests (and they have many) includes an assessment of nitrogen. Next, I own a soil test kit, but discovered that it showed nitrogen depletion even when testing a highly concentrated solution of nitrogen fertilizer in water. When I found that, I called the manufacturer and was told that it may have expired. I asked where in the detailed instructions there was information about expiration, but of course, there was no such. In any case, what's the solution? I would welcome any specific suggestions. Sincere thanks, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." |
#12
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On Sat, 25 Jun 2005 22:49:34 GMT, "Thomas H. O'Reilly"
wrote: "Kenneth" wrote in message .. . Howdy, Is there a reasonable way to get accurate soil testing done? Here's why I ask: First, my local cooperative extension does testing, but, to my amazement, none of there available tests (and they have many) includes an assessment of nitrogen. Next, I own a soil test kit, but discovered that it showed nitrogen depletion even when testing a highly concentrated solution of nitrogen fertilizer in water. When I found that, I called the manufacturer and was told that it may have expired. I asked where in the detailed instructions there was information about expiration, but of course, there was no such. In any case, what's the solution? I would welcome any specific suggestions. Sincere thanks, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." Send it to a local company that specializes. Here in Illinois, I've used http://www.algreatlakes.com/main.asp. You can check out their web site, and see sample reports, etc. Their S10 report is for home gardeners, they have other reports for farmers and orchardists. It's not very expensive, and is comprehensive. They will also make amendment recommendations based on your desired plants. Hello again, I have made note of your suggestion, but have a question: Might you know why their testing does not include Nitrogen? All the best, -- Kenneth If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS." |
#13
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Kenneth said:
I have made note of your suggestion, but have a question: Might you know why their testing does not include Nitrogen? Here's what the Soil and Plant Nutrient Lab at Michigan State University has to say in their FAQ: /begin quote Why doesn't the regular MSU soil test include nitrogen analysis? *Soil nitrate levels are the best indicator of nitrogen availability. Because these levels fluctuate widely depending on rainfall and soil temperature, the best time to take soil nitrate samples in while the cropis growing. within two weeks of supplemental nitrogen applications. *A soil sample taken months ahead of this time will not provide an accurate measure of the nitrogen available to the plants. /end quote Nitrogen tests are available during the growing season. Note that there are separate tests for different forms of nitrogen. Available tests: PSNT - Pre-sidedress Nitrate -N PSNT + NH4 - with Ammonium - N NO 3 - N - Nitrate - Nitrogen NO 3 + NH4 - with Ammonium - N TKN - Total Nitrogen Some of these are available with a standard analysis and some are priced as standalone tests. http://www.css.msu.edu/SoilTesting/ (I hope it's safe to assume that the situation is the same in others states.) -- Pat in Plymouth MI ('someplace.net' is comcast) Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced. (attributed to Don Marti) |
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