Soil Analysis - Overview

• Soil provides the framework upon which plants gain physical stability while extracting chemical nutrients. For the purpose of this discussion let us imagine that each individual soil particle is like a miniature sponge where the lattice of the sponge is the silicate framework of the soil. If the sponge has large holes, air and water pass through easily with some being retained – just as the spaces in the soil particle enable the passage of air and water (containing nutrients). The size of these holes is proportional to the clay-likeness of the soil being examined. To put it simply – the more clay-like the soil is the smaller the spaces are through which nutrients can pass into plants, yet the larger the soil’s ability to hold water and nutrients.

Soil Analysis - What we test for

• Our Soil test provides the client with a comprehensive overview of the quality of the soil, outlining the following measurements:

• Soil pH
• pH is a measure of the acidity of the soil. The pH is measured by measuring the pH of a 1:5 soil: water suspension. At low pH levels some nutrients become immobile, or “locked-up” in the soil, and certain trace elements (for example manganese) can become toxic. A low pH soil can mean one of two things: 1. Nutrients become “locked-up” or unavailable to plants at low pH, and the release of nutrients (if they are present) may be brought about by the addition of proportionate levels of lime, to the soil. 2. At pH<5.5, Aluminium (Al3+) can effect the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC - which is discussed below) and exchangeable acidity. Thus exchangable aluminium is measured. The measurement of soil pH is essential as it gives us a handle on thepotential availability of nutrients to crops.

• Conductivity
• Conductivity or electrical conductivity gives the analyst an indication of the total amount of charged species present in the soil solution. It gives an approximation of the levels of exchangeable species and soil salinity levels.

• Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur
• Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for energy turnover and the formation of proteins during plant growth. Sulphur is essential for the formation of the 3-dimensional structure of proteins. Ammonium (NH4+) and Nitrate (NO3-) are the two forms of Nitrogen measured and are expressed as plant available N(Kg/Ha). Nitrogen levels can be expressed as a sum of NH4+ + NO3- .

• Macro nutrients – Cation Exchange Capacity
• The macro- nutrients are essential for electrolyte balance in plants and animals. The elements/minerals/nutrients falling into this category are calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and sodium (Na+). Aluminium (A13+) levels are also measured as it contributes to soil acidity. The above elements are extracted under neutral conditions using ammonium acetate which gives the producer an idea of the nutrient profile under ideal conditions. The result of this determination is expressed as milli- equivalents per 100 grams of soil (meq/100g). The levels of macro- nutrients after extracting them from the soil using ammonium acetate are expressed as the cation exchange capacity (CEC). The CEC gives us a measure of the holding of capacity of the soil for these nutrients. PH governs the release of these nutrients.

• Micro- nutrients/trace elements
• The micro- nutrients/essential trace elements presented in a SAFE analytical lab report are copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), and cobalt (Co). These elements are present in low concentrations in soil, yet are essential to normal plant growth. The levels of these minerals are measured by separate extractions with water and with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to give an idea of what is immediately available (water extract) or what is “locked-up” or stored (EDTA extract) in the soil in parts per million, (ppm), which is equivalent to milli-grams per kilo (mg/Kg) of soil.

• Organic carbon/organic matter – oxidizable material
• The organic carbon content is a measure of the levels of soil micro bacteria, which facilitate maintenance soil pH, release of available nitrogen, and nutrient regulation. Organic matter also increases the cation exchange capacity of soil.
• The organic carbon content is measured by using a modified Walkley-Black reaction. The percentage organic matter is then derived from the organic carbon result.

• Other elements (optional)
• Upon request, levels of toxic or geologically important elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), bismuth (Bi), beryllium (Be), tin (Sn), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), rubidium (Rb), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and many more can be measured.

• Ore mineral analysis
• The SAFE analytical lab can also perform analysis of geologically important elements. For example; silver (Ag), gols (Au), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and others can also be measured.

Soil Analysis - How to proceed

• 
  STEP 1:
• Order your free, no-obligation soil analysis test kit via our order form, phone (07) 55221919 or fax (07) 55221929.
• 
  STEP 2:
• Send the filled in order form together with your soil sample and payment or payment details, to the following address:
• S.A.F.E. Analytical Laboratories Pty Ltd
• PO Box 2060
• Burleigh Junction
• Queensland 4220
• Australia
• 
  STEP 3:
• Within 7-10 working days a 3-4 page report is then forwarded to you or your nominated consultant in an easy to read graph style format. This will show how your soil value relates to the normal or ideal reference range.