Soil sampling is one of the simplest land management tools available to today’s grower. The science behind soil analysis establishes a baseline inventory of soil composition. Using the information that soil sampling provides to manipulate soil composition is what fertility is all about. Waters Agricultural Laboratories, Inc. combines the best in equipment, personnel, experience and reputation to provide testing results you can trust. And…with our FastBack 24-48 Hour Turnaround Times, waiting weeks for those results is a thing of the past.
Below please find listed our soil analysis packages. If additional tests are needed, please contact the lab for more information.
Soil Test Packages
ROUTINE TEST 1: Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Hydrogen, Soil pH (Water and Buffer), Cation Exchange Capacity, and Percent Base Saturation of Cation Elements. PLUS ANY TWO OF: ZINC, MANGANESE, IRON, BORON, OR COPPER
BASIC TEST 2: Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Hydrogen, Soil pH (Water and Buffer), Cation Exchange Capacity, and Percent Base Saturation of Cation Elements
BASIC TEST 3: Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Hydrogen, Soil pH (Water and Buffer), Cation Exchange Capacity, and Percent Base Saturation of Cation Elements. PLUS: ZINC, MANGANESE, IRON, COPPER, and BORON
BASIC TEST 4: Available Phosphorus, Exchangeable Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Hydrogen Soil pH (Water and Buffer) ,Cation Exchange Capacity, and Percent Base Saturation of Cation Elements. PLUS SULFATE SULFUR, BORON, ZINC, MANGANESE, IRON, AND COPPER
NCDA SOIL TEST: North Carolina Department of Agriculture soil index values with NCDA recommendations
SOIL HEALTH TEST: Basic 4 Soil Test PLUS Aluminum, Sodium, Soluble Salts, Nitrate Nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen, CO2 Burst Test, SLAN Test, Active Carbon, VAST Aggregate Stability and Organic Matter
Example Reports
Individual analysis can be done on any of the above referenced elements as well as… Aluminum, Sodium, Molybdenum, Cadmium, Chloride, Nickel, Lead, Nitrate Nitrogen, and Heavy Metals.
Also Available:
- Organic Matter (Acid Digestion)
- Soil Texture (%Sand, %Silt, %Clay, and Soil Classification)
- Silica (SiO2)
Land Plaster Requirement for Peanuts
Landplaster Test: Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Plus Ca : K and Ca : Mg Ratios and Calcium Recommendations in pounds per acre.
Greenhouse & Container Mix (Soilless Media)
Greenhouse Test 1: Ammonia Nitrogen, Nitrate Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, pH, Conductivity, Sulfur, Boron, Zinc, Manganese, Iron and Copper
Choose your lab for sample submittal forms:
ELEMENTS CHART:
The following information will help you gain a better understanding of your soil results and the role of primary, secondary and micronutrients.
Primary
| N |
Nitrogen Helps form amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins |
| P |
Phosphorus Is utilized in the formation of nucleic acids and other chemicals which help in the development of healthy root systems, early growth, early maturity and seed production |
| K |
Potassium Is similar to phosphorus for root formation and also appears to promote disease resistance. It increases the size and quality of fruits |
Secondary
| S |
Sulfur Is sometimes referred to as the “4th primary nutrient” since it must be present to form protein |
| Ca |
Calcium Is used in root system and leaf development and is combined with other elements to form cell walls. It also helps by activating other enzyme systems |
| Mg |
Magnesium Is the central atom of the chlorophyll molecule which makes it absolutely necessary for photosynthesis. It also plays a role in phosphate metabolism, plant respiration and enzyme systems |
Micro Nutrients
| Cu |
Copper Is necessary for chlorophyll formation and also acts as a catalyst for other plant reactions |
| Fe |
Iron Acts as a catalyst for chlorophyll formation and also carries oxygen. In addition, it helps form certain respiratory enzyme systems. These functions make it critical to photosynthesis |
| Mn |
Manganese Activates many metabolic reactions in plants and is directly involved in photosynthesis. It accelerates germination and maturity and increases the availability of phosphorus and calcium |
| Mo |
Molybdenum Facilitates a plants proper use of nitrogen. It is also used to convert inorganic phosphorus to organic forms |
| Zn |
Zinc Is necessary for the production of chlorophyll and carbohydrates and aids in the creation of plant growth substances, enzyme systems, and metabolic reactions |
| B |
Boron Is essential for germination of pollen grains and growth of pollen tubes and for seed and cell wall formation. Other functions aid in protein formation |
| Cl |
Chlorine Is used in photosynthesis and helps promote a more disease resistant plant |
Membership & Affiliations:
- Soil and Plant Analysis Council
- (NAPT) North American Proficiency Testing Program
- (ALP) Agricultural Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program
- Illinois Soil Testing Association
- Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association
- (NCDENR/DWQ) North Carolina Department of Environmental & Natural Resources Division of Water Quality
Please contact the lab for services that are not listed above.