Difference between revisions of "Soil sampling and tests"
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{{alert|Laboratory tests should be done by certified laboratories. The [https://www.health.state.mn.us/accreditation Minnesota Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program] develops procedures and requirements to ensure accredited laboratories produce accurate and precise test results. [https://eldo.web.health.state.mn.us/public/accreditedlabs/labsearch.seam Search for an accredited lab].|alert-info}} | {{alert|Laboratory tests should be done by certified laboratories. The [https://www.health.state.mn.us/accreditation Minnesota Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program] develops procedures and requirements to ensure accredited laboratories produce accurate and precise test results. [https://eldo.web.health.state.mn.us/public/accreditedlabs/labsearch.seam Search for an accredited lab].|alert-info}} | ||
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| + | ==Laboratory tests== | ||
| + | Below is a list of recommended laboratory tests | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Nutrients=== | ||
| + | Soil macronutrients include phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. | ||
| + | *Phosphorus | ||
| + | **Bray Method: use on acidic and neutral soils | ||
| + | **Olsen Method: preferred on high pH soils | ||
| + | **Mehlich-3 Method: provides a better indicator of plant-available phosphorus | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ==Field methods== | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ==Sample collection== | ||
| + | Soil sample collection methods vary and covering all acceptable methods is beyond the scope of this page. Below are links to sampling methods. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Sampling for chemical tests=== | ||
| + | Note that these references provide information on soil sample collection. Except where noted, they do not include field procedures associated with specific tests and most do not include information on quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC). Use professional, certified/licensed individuals or firms to ensure appropriate QA/QC procedures are followed. | ||
| + | *[https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/Soil-Sampling.pdf US EPA] - focus on VOCs and PFAS | ||
| + | *[https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_037208.pdf Testing Your Soil Why and How to Take a Soil-Test Sample] - University of Hawaii | ||
| + | *[https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_051273.pdf Sampling Soils for Nutrient Management] - USDA-NRCS; focus on phosphorus | ||
| + | *[http://gregg.agrilife.org/files/2011/09/howtotakeasoilsample_3.pdf Procedure for taking soil samples] - Stephen F. Austin State University | ||
| + | *[https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_031107.pdf Guidelines for Soil Sampling] - USDA-NRCS | ||
| + | *[https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/AY/AY-368-w.pdf Soil Sampling Guidelines] - Purdue University | ||
| + | *[https://lter.kbs.msu.edu/protocols/188 Composite Soil Sampling - MCSE] - Kellogg Biological Station | ||
| + | *[https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/c-prp4-04.pdf Soil sample collection and analysis procedures] - MPCA Petroleum Remediation Program | ||
| + | *[https://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/6.Attachment_C_-_QAPP__FINAL_438512_7.pdf Quality Assurance Project Plan Midland Area Soil Sampling, Midland Michigan] | ||
| + | *[https://clu-in.org/download/char/soilsamp.pdf Soil Sampling Quality Assurance User's Guide] - US EPA | ||
Revision as of 19:43, 17 June 2021
Contents
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Site is in development
Site is in development
There are hundreds of soil tests that can be conducted, both in the field or laboratory. This page provides an overview of more common soil tests, links to information on sampling, and links to test methods.
Information: Soil sampling should be conducted by trained and, where appropriate, certified professionals, such as licensed soil scientists and geoscientists
Information: Laboratory tests should be done by certified laboratories. The Minnesota Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program develops procedures and requirements to ensure accredited laboratories produce accurate and precise test results. Search for an accredited lab.
Laboratory tests
Below is a list of recommended laboratory tests
Nutrients
Soil macronutrients include phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium.
- Phosphorus
- Bray Method: use on acidic and neutral soils
- Olsen Method: preferred on high pH soils
- Mehlich-3 Method: provides a better indicator of plant-available phosphorus
Field methods
Sample collection
Soil sample collection methods vary and covering all acceptable methods is beyond the scope of this page. Below are links to sampling methods.
Sampling for chemical tests
Note that these references provide information on soil sample collection. Except where noted, they do not include field procedures associated with specific tests and most do not include information on quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC). Use professional, certified/licensed individuals or firms to ensure appropriate QA/QC procedures are followed.
- US EPA - focus on VOCs and PFAS
- Testing Your Soil Why and How to Take a Soil-Test Sample - University of Hawaii
- Sampling Soils for Nutrient Management - USDA-NRCS; focus on phosphorus
- Procedure for taking soil samples - Stephen F. Austin State University
- Guidelines for Soil Sampling - USDA-NRCS
- Soil Sampling Guidelines - Purdue University
- Composite Soil Sampling - MCSE - Kellogg Biological Station
- Soil sample collection and analysis procedures - MPCA Petroleum Remediation Program
- Quality Assurance Project Plan Midland Area Soil Sampling, Midland Michigan
- Soil Sampling Quality Assurance User's Guide - US EPA