Laboratory Guide for Conducting Soil Tests and Plant Analysis [Paperback]

With the help of this guide, you can use obtained test results to evaluate the fertility status of soils and the nutrient element status of plants for crop production purposes. It serves as an instructional manual on the techniques used to perform chemical and physical characteristic tests on soils. Laboratory Guide for Conducting Soil Tests and Plant Analysis describes the basis and procedures for each test in detail, including analytical instrumentation procedures and laboratory quality assurance requirements.Preface
INTRODUCTION
Reference Methods
Reagents, Standards, and Water
Elemental and Compound Designation
Other Considerations
Interpretation of a Soil Test/Plant Analysis Result
Units
Disclaimer
SOIL ANALYSIS (TESTING)
History and Purpose
Sequence of Procedures
Sampling
Transport to the Laboratory
Preparation of the Laboratory SampleWeighing versus Scooping
Sample Aliquot Determination
Laboratory Factors
Long-Term Storage
Soil pH
Soil Buffer pH
Extractable ElementsPhosphorus
Major Cations (K, Ca, Mg, and Na)
Micronutrients (B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn)
Trace Heavy Metals
Extractable Nitrate-Nitrogen
Extractable Sulfate-Sulfur
Testing Organic Soils and Soilless Media
Organic Matter and Humic Matter Content Determinations
Soluble Salt Determination
Soil Texture (Mechanical Analysis)Special Tests
Testing Organic Soils and Soilless Media
Total Analysis
PLANT ANALYSIS
Purpose
Sampling
Sample PreparationPlant Tissue Preparation
Elemental Analysis for the Mineral Elements
Total Nitrogen Determination
Total Sulfur Determination
Methods for Expressing Elemental Content
Interpretation of Results
Decontamination
Oven Drying
Grinding
Organic Matter Destruction
Laboratory Analysis of Plant Digest
Extracl³›