Soil, Plant, and Water Analytical Laboratories for Montana ... · Soil, Plant and Water Analytical Laboratories for Montana Agriculture 1 Table 6. Plant sampling guidelines and critical

Soil, Plant and Water Analytical Laboratories for Montana Agriculture

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Table 6. Plant sampling guidelines andcritical nutrient ranges for severalcrops. ............................................ 14

Table 7. Summary of plant analysis unitsby laboratory. ............................... 15

Table 8. Summary of water analysisservices by laboratory. ................. 16

Table 9. Drinking water quality standardsfor domestic suitability. ............... 17

Table 10. Drinking water quality stan-dards for livestock suitability. ...... 17

Table 11. Water quality standards forirrigation suitability. .................... 17

Table 12. Summary of water analysisunits by laboratory. ...................... 18

Table 1. Summary of soil analysisservices by laboratory. ................... 4

Table 2. Reasonable soil analysis rangesand critical levels from essentialnutrient analysis and chemicalcharacteristics in Montana soils. ... 7

Table 3. Summary of soil analysis unitsby laboratory. ................................. 8

Table 4. Conversion factors for unitsreported by soil and water analyticallaboratories. .................................... 9

Table 5. Summary of plant analysisservices by laboratory. ................. 13

List of Tables

Soil, Plant and Water Analytical Laboratoriesfor Montana Agriculture

by Jeffrey Jacobsen and Scott Lorbeer*

*Interim department head and Extension soil scientist (Jacobsen) and research associate(Lorbeer), Montana State University, Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences

Contents

Preface ..................................................2

Introduction and Objectives ..................2

Survey Overview ..................................3

Soil Analysis Services ..........................6

Soil analysis units .................................7

Basic Soil Analysis Packages .............10

Fertilizer recommendation strategy ....11

Methods of soil analysis .....................12

Plant Analysis Services ......................13

Plant analysis units .............................14

Plant analysis packages ......................14

Methods of plant analysis ...................16

Water Analysis Services .....................16

Water analysis units ............................18

Water analysis packages .....................18

Methods of water analysis ..................20

Contact Personnel ...............................21

MSU Communications Services

This web version is based on the print version of EB150 of Montana State University Extension Service. To receive a copy of the print version of this publication, call MSU Extension Publications, (406) 994-3273. The publication is free if picked up in person from either one of MSU's Extension Service county offices, but there is a charge for mailing. Page numbers and layout may not correspond exactly to the print version, because of choices made to make the file smaller for the World Wide Web. The web version has not been "word for word" proofed. Please let MSU Communications Services know of any problems (email [email protected] or use the phone number above).


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Preface

Because Montana has no state-supported labora-tories that provide in-depth analysis of soil, water andplant nutrients, Montana producers must look toprivate laboratories in Montana and state-supportedand private labs in other states for routine fertilityanalysis and problem diagnosis for soil, plant andwater samples. Questions sometimes arise concerningconsistency between labs and the validity of theresults. While producers report greater confidence inprivate labs than when this publication’s predecessorwas first written in 1986, the intent of this bulletin isto continue to educate the public by stimulatingquestions and discussions—ultimately providingsound analytical services and guidelines for interestedMontana producers. Guidelines and recommendationshave been included to assist Montana farmers andranchers who have implemented routine soil, plantand water analytical programs with their nutrientmanagement and cropping decisions.

As consumers, you are purchasing a product andcan expect some technical assistance when you use alab. Follow the lab’s protocol when collecting repre-sentative soil, plant and water samples for submis-sion. Use a reputable laboratory, expect consistencyand most importantly, ask questions.

This guide is not intended to be all inclusive.Additional reference sources such as the ExtensionService, Experiment Station, industry, other consum-ers and written materials can be used in the decision-making process.

Sixteen elements have been identifiedas essential nutrients for plant growth.Carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O)are used in large amounts and are derivedfrom air and water. Nitrogen (N), phospho-rus (P) and potassium (K), the primary ormacronutrients, and calcium (Ca), magne-sium (Mg) and sulfur (S), the secondarynutrients, are required in relatively largeamounts from the soil. Elements requiredin relatively small amounts (micronutri-ents) from the soil include zinc (Zn),manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe),boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and chloride(Cl). Leguminous crops are capable ofutilizing atmospheric N. Precipitation andirrigation water can also supply someessential plant nutrients. Chemical analysisof soil, plant and water samples indicatesnutrient availability and the need forfertilizer additions to correct deficienciesand aid in problem diagnosis.

Plant nutrient requirements in rela-tively new cropping systems and virginsoils were traditionally met by nutrientsalready present in soil. As crop productioncontinued and as yields increased, theinherent nutrient-supplying capacity ofsoils began to decline. Realizing this,producers and scientists continuouslyattempted to determine the dynamic soilnutrient status, compare it with crop

Introduction and Objectives


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nutrient demands and supply the differ-ences with nutrient applications. The netresult is high crop quality and yield, whilemaintaining environmental quality. Theseare some of the reasons for the evolutionand widespread acceptance of analyticalprograms and laboratories.

A soil analysis is a chemical means ofestimating the nutrient-supplying power ofthe soil. Soil analysis objectives include:

• estimate of available soil nutrientquantities

• identification of nutrient deficien-cies, toxicities and other problems

• establishment of guidelines fornutrient applications

• documented, meaningful results foreconomic evaluation of nutrientrecommendations

Accurate soil, plant and water analyti-cal records are needed to fully evaluatenutrient applications and manage the soil’sproductivity over time.

Private and commercial laboratoriescommonly provide soil, plant and wateranalytical services. Montana farmers andranchers currently send samples to labora-tories within Montana and out of state. Toprovide current, accurate information onthe availability of services provided bythese laboratories, all the labs were sur-veyed. Their responses were used to

compile this bulletin and reflect the currentservices offered by analytical laboratories.Efforts to ensure the accuracy and com-pleteness of each survey were made,especially if information appeared ambigu-ous. The authors of this bulletin have madeno attempt to interpret, modify or standard-ize the responses, and make no claims forthe data. The mention or exclusion ofspecific laboratories constitutes neitherendorsement nor disapproval of a specificlaboratory.

The objective of this publication is toprovide Montana farmers and rancherswith a variety of information on the soil,plant and water analytical services pro-vided by laboratories. Our goal is to showproducers the variety of analytical tests,methodologies and reporting units andprovide a basis for data interpretation andnutrient recommendations. Nutrientrecommendations from laboratories may ormay not be useful to Montana producers.Records should be kept to determine ifnutrient recommendations are worthwhileand profitable with adjustments made asneeded. Actual analytical results also mayor may not be transferable to currentMontana nutrient guides and recommenda-tions, but they offer an additional optionfor nutrient recommendations.

A soil analysis is a chemical, physicalor microbiological technique that estimatesthe availability of essential nutrients in thesoil for plant growth. Plant and wateranalyses determine actual nutrient concen-trations. For soil, plant and water analysesto be meaningful, samples must be repre-sentative of the field or area, preparedproperly for sample submission, andaccurately extracted and analyzed. Extrac-tion and analytical procedures for soilanalysis should reflect nutrient availability,with results correlated to known cropresponses. Field calibration studies con-ducted over many years and locations arethen used as the basis for making nutrientrecommendations. Calibration studies arean ongoing process to keep nutrientrecommendations current with new tech-nologies and varieties. In addition to soilanalysis results, nutrient recommendationsare based on the crop to be grown, plantingpattern and rate, yield potential, and methodand timing of nutrient application.

Survey results indicate a wide range inanalytical capabilities, techniques, report-ing units, recommendation philosophiesand prices from laboratories commonlyused by Montana farmers. This wide rangein procedures accounts for some of thedifferences in results and recommendationsfrom duplicate soil samples sent to several

Survey Overview

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Table 1. Summary of soil analysis services offered to Montana producers by laboratory.

Element/ Astro- B & C Sathe Soil Testing Soiltest Stuken- Univ. of ID WesternMethod Agvise Chem Ag Con- Energy Harris Maxim Midwest MVTL Analytical Laboratory, Farm holtz Analytical Testingor Compound Labs Lab sultants Labs Labs Tech Labs Labs Lab NDSU Consultants Lab Sciences Lab Lab

Nitrogen (N)

Total N x x x x x x x x x x x

Ammonium-N x x x x x x x x x x x x(NH

4-N)

Nitrate-N (NO3-N) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Phosphorus (P)

Bray x x x x x x x x x x

Olsen x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Morgan x x

Water soluble P x x

Potassium (K)

Ammonium acetate x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Water x x

Sodium acetate x x

Sodium bicarbonate x x

Calcium (Ca)


Water x x

Sodium acetate x

Potassium chloride x

Magnesium (Mg)


Water x x

Sodium acetate x

Potassium chloride x

Sodium (Na)


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Table 1, continued

Element/ Astro- B & C Sathe Soil Testing Soiltest Stuken- Univ. of ID WesternMethod Agvise Chem Ag Con- Energy Harris Maxim Midwest MVTL Analytical Laboratory, Farm holtz Analytical Testingor Compound Labs Lab sultants Labs Labs Tech Labs Labs Lab NDSU Consultants Lab Sciences Lab Lab

Sulfur (S)

Total S x x x x x x x

Sulfate-S (SO4-S) x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Organic-S x x

Zinc (Zn) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Manganese (Mn) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Copper (Cu) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Iron (Fe) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Boron (B) x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Molybdenum (Mo) x x x x x

Chloride (Cl) x x x x x x x x x x

GENERAL

Organic matter (OM) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Total Carbon x x x x

Organic C x x x x x x x x x x x x

Walkley-Black x x x x x x x x x x

Ignition x x x x x x x

pH x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Electricalconductivity (EC) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Cation exchangecapacity (CEC) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Available water-holding capacity x x x x x x x x x

Pressure plate x x x x x x x

Texture-mechanicalanalysis x x x x x x x x x x x

Texture estimate x x x x x

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laboratories by Montana producers. Forexample, some laboratories air-drysamples, while others oven-dry samples ina temperature range of 90–130° F. Thewater content and physical effects ofdrying on soil particles affect the level ofextractable nutrients. Questions have arisenas to which results and recommendationsare correct and why there are differences inresults, even when the same procedure isused by two different labs. Several factorsaccount for the differences: sample vari-ability, different sample preparation,modification of standard procedures,philosophical differences in nutrientrecommendations, reporting units, analyti-cal errors and chance.

This bulletin provides a summary ofthe information and services offered byeach laboratory. It lists routine analysesgrouped in a package, general methodsemployed by all laboratories, and reportingunits used for each test. We also include alist of the names, addresses and phonenumbers of the appropriate contacts at eachlaboratory (see page 21).

Soil Analysis Servicessites, and on canola and forages in otherareas. Few documented examples ofincreased crop growth due to application ofmicronutrients have been observed, al-though some positive responses werereported on soils with high pH—generallyon hilltops or locations with limited topsoildue to erosion, natural conditions or landleveling operations. Foliar applications ofmicronutrients will correct deficiencies inmost instances. Boron applications maybenefit alfalfa and sugarbeet production,although nutritional requirements areusually met through irrigation water.Molybdenum analysis historically has notbeen needed, and the element is not likelyto become a problem in Montana. Toxicityproblems may exist in some isolated areasdue to the accumulation of boron, chloride,sodium or salts. Sensitive plants will nottolerate soil levels greater than 0.75 ppmB, 70 ppm Cl and in the saturation extract,exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of15 and electrical conductivity of 4 millimhos per centimeter (mmhos/cm). Al-though included in some analysis pack-ages, secondary and micronutrient testsgenerally are not necessary under mostproduction conditions for Montana soils.They increase analysis costs and in somecases, add confusion. Nutrient recommen-dations, if followed, would result inincreased application costs.

Nutrient guides for small grains, foragecrops and other field crops are available tohelp Montana producers make decisions

Soil analysis

Many options are available for soilsample analysis (Table 1, pages 4 and 5).The variety and number of analyses can beconfusing, frustrating and, if misinter-preted, may lead to an erroneous recom-mendation and misapplication of nutrients.Suggested analyses are provided to identifythose tests necessary for routine programs,assuming no problem areas are evident.Individual methods for examining severalnutrients have been identified which aresuitable for Montana conditions, althoughother methods may also be acceptable.

Montana has a semiarid climate. Con-sequently most soils are alkaline. The mostcommon methodology and elementalanalysis preferred for routine soil analysisprograms in Montana include pH, nitrate-nitrogen, Olsen phosphorus, ammoniumacetate extractable potassium, Walkley-Black organic matter and electrical conduc-tivity. Additional fertility analyses that maybe necessary in some areas include sulfate-sulfur, ammonium acetate extractable cal-cium and magnesium and, in isolated areas,DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid)extractable zinc, manganese, copper, iron,hot water extractable boron and chloride.

Increased crop growth from applicationof sulfur has been observed in locationswest of the Continental Divide, irrigated

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Table 2. Reasonable soil analysis rangesand critical levels from essential nutrientanalysis and chemical characteristics inMontana soils.

Critical soilElement or soil Normal soil analysischaracteristic analysis range level*

Nitrate-N 0 - 50 lbs/a

Phosphorus (Olsen) 0 - 40 ppm 18.0 ppm

Potassium 0 - 500 ppm 250.0 ppm

Calcium 0 - 1000 ppm 400.0 ppm

Magnesium 0 - 100 ppm 40.0 ppm

Sulfate-S 0 - 50 lbs/a 10.0 ppm

Zinc 0 - 15 ppm 0.5 ppm

Manganese 0 - 10 ppm 1.0 ppm

Copper 0 - 1 ppm 0.5 ppm

Iron 0 - 10 ppm 2.5 ppm

Boron 0 - 10 ppm 1.0 ppm

Molybdenum 0 - 2 ppm 0.1 ppm

Chloride 0 - 60 lbs/a

pH 6 - 8.4

Organic matter 0 - 4 %

Electricalconductivity 0 - 4 mmhos/cm

Cation exchangecapacity 0 - 25 meq/100 g

Exchangeablesodium percentage 0 - 15

* The level of a nutrient below which crop yield,quality or performance is unsatisfactory.

meq/l = milliequivalents per liter

cmol(+)/kg = centimoles of positivecharge per kilogram

mmol(-)/l = millimoles of negativecharge per liter

dS/m = decisiemens per meter

mS/cm = millisiemens per centi-meter

ppm= parts per million

mg/l = milligrams per liter

µg/g = micrograms per gram

lbs/a = pounds per acre

mmhos/cm = millimhos per centimeter

µmhos/cm = micromhos per centimeter

meq/100 g = milliequivalents per 100grams

Alphabet soup: Soil analysis units

based on actual analytical results frommost labs. Nitrogen requirements aredetermined from the specific crop andyield potential with actual recommenda-tions influenced by the nitrate-nitrogenconcentration, time of sampling, depth ofsampling, soil organic matter level, previ-ous crop, crop residue and economics offertilization. Phosphorus and potassiumnutrient requirements are based on the cropto be grown and calibrated research resultsfrom field and greenhouse studies.

Reasonable soil analytical ranges foressential nutrients and pertinent soilcharacteristics from most agricultural soilsin Montana are provided in Table 2. Soilanalysis results outside this range mayindicate high residual nutrient levels,decreased nutrient requirements fromhistorically high fertilization levels,toxicity problems or laboratory error.Consult a soil scientist if soil test values

are drastically different from averagevalues.

Soil analysis units

Not only are many choices available inroutine soil analysis, but a variety of units(the quantity measurement attached to anumeral, e.g. inch, liter, ton, acre) are usedfor the same procedure by different labora-tories (Table 3, pages 8 and 9). Some ofthe differences in terms are real, whileothers are simply the same units expressedin different forms. For example, ppmstands for parts per million and is equiva-lent to mg/l (milligrams per liter) or µg/g(micrograms per gram). Some conversionsmay be straightforward, such as theconversion from ppm of NO

3-N to lbs/a

(pounds/acre), which requires ppm to bemultiplied by 2 for each 6-inch depthincrement. Other conversions require some

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Table 3. Summary of soil analysis units reported to Montana producers by laboratory.

Element/ Astro- B & C Sathe Soil Soiltest Stuken- Univ. of ID WesternMethod or Agvise Chem Ag Con- Energy Harris Maxim Midwest MVTL Analytical Testing Farm holtz Analytical TestingCompound Labs Lab sultants Labs Labs Tech Labs Labs Lab Lab, NDSU Consultants Lab Sciences Lab Lab

Nitrogen (N)

Total N % % µg/g % ppm ppm ppm ppm, lbs/a µg/g, % % %

Ammonium-N % ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm, lbs/a µg/g, lbs/a ppm µg/g(NH

4-N)

ppm, ppm, µg/g, ppm, ppm, µg/g, ppm, ppm,Nitrate-N (NO

3-N) lbs/a lbs/a lbs/a lbs/a ppm ppm lbs/a lbs/a ppm,lbs/a lbs/a lbs/a lbs/a µg/g lbs/a

Phosphorus (P) ppm lbs/a ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm, lbs/a ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

µg/g, ppm,Potassium (K) ppm lbs/a ppm meq/l ppm meq/l ppm ppm ppm, lbs/a ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

meq/ µg/g, ppm, ppm,Calcium (Ca) ppm ppm 100g meq/l ppm meq/l ppm ppm meq/100g ppm meq/100g meq/100g cmol(+)/kg ppm

meq/ µg/g, ppm, ppm,Magnesium (Mg) ppm ppm 100g meq/l ppm meq/l ppm ppm meq/100g ppm meq/100g meq/100g cmol(+)/kg ppm

meq/ µg/g, ppm, ppm, meq/Sodium (Na) ppm ppm 100g meq/l ppm meq/l ppm ppm meq/100g ppm meq/100g meq/100g cmol(+)/kg 100g

Sulfur (S)

Total S % % ppm

Sulfate-S (SO4-S) lbs/a ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm lbs/a µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Organic-S % ppm

Zinc (Zn) ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Manganese (Mn) ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Copper (Cu) ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Iron (Fe) ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Boron (B) ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Molybdenum (Mo) µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm

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Element/ Astro- B & C Sathe Soil Soiltest Stuken- Univ. of ID WesternMethod or Agvise Chem Ag Con- Energy Harris Maxim Midwest MVTL Analytical Testing Farm holtz Analytical TestingCompound Labs Lab sultants Labs Labs Tech Labs Labs Lab Lab, NDSU Consultants Lab Sciences Lab Lab

Table 3. continued

Chloride (Cl) lbs/a ppm, lbs/a µg/g ppm ppm ppm lbs/a µg/g mmol(-)/l ppm

General

Organic matter (OM) % % % % % % % % % % % % % %

Electrical con- mmhos/mmhos/mmhos/ mmhos/mmhos/mmhos/ mmhos/ mmhos/ mmhos/ mmhos/ mmhos/ mmhos/ mmhos/cm, mmhos/ductivity (EC) cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm dS/m cm

% baseCation exchange meq/ meq/ meq/ meq/ meq/ meq/ meq/ meq/ saturation,capacity (CEC) 100g 100g 100g 100g 100g 100g 100g 100g meq/100g, meq/100g meq/100g cmol(+)/kg meq/100g

ppm (soil)

Available water- % water inches/ % water %water %water % waterholding capacity by weight foot by weight by weight by weight inches/foot inches/foot by weight

Texture % % % % % % % % % % and soil % soiltextural textural

classification classification

Table 4. Conversion factors for units reported by soil and water analytical laboratories.

Multiply By 1 To convert to2

ppm NO3-N 3 in soil 2 lbs/a in soil

lbs/a P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, SO4-S, Zn,

Mn, Cu, Fe, B, Mo, Cl in soil 0.5 ppm in soil

meq/100 g K in soil 391 ppm in soil

meq/100 g Ca in soil 200 ppm in soil

meq/100 g Mg In soil 122 ppm in soil

meq/100 g N in soil 229 ppm in soil

meq/l K in solution 39 ppm in solution

meq/l Ca in solution 20 ppm in solution

meq/l Mg in solution 12 ppm in solution

meq/l Na in solution 23 ppm in solution

Multiply By 1 To convert to2

Other conversions

cmol(+)/kg 1 meq/100g

µg/l 0.001 mg/l

mg/l 0.001 mg/ml

mg/l 1 ppm solution

µg/l 1000 ppm solution

ppm 0.0001 %

µg/g 1 ppm

mS/cm or dS/m 1 mmhos/cm

NO3 (weight per volume of water) 0.2259 NO

3-N (weight per volume of water)

1 Divide by the “by” factor to convert the units reported in the “to convert to” columns to those reported in the “multiply” column.2 Assume 6-inch soil depth. 3 For each 6-inch increment of soil depth.

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technical background. These conversionfactors are provided in Table 4 (on page 9)to assist in converting units reported bysurveyed laboratories to common units.Once conversions are made, nutrientrecommendations should be made based oncalibrated research studies conductedthroughout Montana. The results receivedin analytical lab reports estimate true soilconcentration of a particular nutrient (suchas NO

3-N) or an “index” of plant available

nutrients (such as P and K). Soil analysisfor P and K extract only a portion of thetotal mineral reservoir, as only a portion ofthe mineral reservoir is available to crops.Different extraction procedures removedifferent amounts of the mineral reservoirwhich is then correlated to historical cropresponses. For this reason, it is not helpfulor appropriate to convert parts per millionto pounds per acre for indices of nutrientavailability.

Prices vary from these followingquotes as basic packages are often dis-counted due to number and frequency ofsubmitted samples. Most commercial labsoffer volume discounts and sales programs,which may result in lower costs if samplesare processed through a fertilizer dealer. Apackage that meets your particular needscan often be negotiated at a cheaper pricethan the sum of individual test costs. Manylabs will put together a custom package ifyour needs vary from the packages listedhere.

Basic Soil Analysis Packages

Laboratory Cost

Agvise Laboratories $16.50Nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur,chloride, pH, salts

Astro-Chem Lab, Inc. $15Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, pH

B & C Ag Consultants $20Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, sulfur, sodium, organic matter,estimated organic nitrogen release, pH,salts, texture, lime

Energy Laboratories, Inc. $28.50Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, zinc (irrigated soils), sulfate (non-irrigated soils), nitrate on second (lower)depth

Harris Laboratories, Inc. $16Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc,manganese, copper, iron, boron, sodium,organic matter, pH, buffer pH (ifpH<6.4), excess carbonate (if pH >6.4),salts, CEC, percent base saturation

Maxim Technologies, Inc. $60Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, organic matter, pH, electricalconductivity

Midwest Laboratories, Inc. $10.60Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, organic matter, estimated nitrogenrelease, magnesium, calcium, soil pH,buffer index, CEC, percent base satura-tion

MVTL Laboratories, Inc. $13.50Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, chloride, pH, buffer index, salts

Sathe Analytical Laboratory, Inc. $15Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, pH

Soil Testing Laboratory, North DakotaState University $10.50

Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium

Soiltest Farm Consultants, Inc. $22Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, sulfate-sulfur, boron, zinc; pH andsalts can be substituted for boron andzinc at the same price

Stukenholtz Laboratory, Inc. $20Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, pH, salts, organic matter

University of Idaho, Analytical SciencesLaboratory $30

Nitrate, ammonium, phosphorus,potassium, pH, organic matter

Western Testing Laboratory, Inc. $25Nitrate-nitrogen, phosphorus, potas-sium, sulfate-sulfur, copper, iron,manganese, sodium, zinc, pH, organicmatter, salts, texture, lime

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Fertilizer recommendation strategy

Agvise LaboratoriesRecommendations are based on universityguidelines from Minnesota, North Dakotaand South Dakota. N recommendationsincorporate yield goal, crop, residual Ndown to 2 feet or 4 feet, and previouscrop contributions. P recommendationscan be straight university recommenda-tions, or a banding amount for P and K,or a fertility building rate for P.

Astro-Chem Lab, Inc.A university developed model thatincludes yield goal, crop and otherparameters determines recommendation.

B&C Ag ConsultantsA budget-inventory system is used, basedon the difference between required N foryield goal and residual nitrate-nitrogen(NO

3-N) to two or four feet and esti-

mated organic nitrogen release. Adjust-ments are made for previous crop andsampling date. Yield goals for drylandcrops are derived from water use mod-els. A budget-inventory system is usedfor P. P fixation rates are measured forproblem soils. K guidelines follow cropyield goal and soil analysis.

Energy Laboratories, Inc.N recommendations are based on NO

3-

N concentration and organic matterrelease. P and K recommendations arecrop-specific and depend on yield goaland soil analysis.

Harris Laboratories, Inc.A budget approach considers the Nrequirement of the planned crop,previous crop, N mineralized fromorganic matter, residual NO

3-N, manure,

yield goal and a depth efficiency factorfor N recommendations. RecommendedP rates are given for maintenance andbuild-up programs, based on soil type,soil analysis and crop removal. Mainte-nance K recommendations are based onsoil factors and crop removal, while build-up K recommendations use these alongwith crop demand and a CEC factor.

Maxim Technologies, Inc.No fertilizer guidelines provided.

Midwest Laboratories, Inc.Organic matter, estimated N release, soiltype and nitrate- and ammonium-Nanalysis are used to determine the total Nrequirement based on the crop and yieldgoal. P recommendations are based onsoil P analysis. Fertilizer recommenda-tions are based on a build-up programwith further guides presented based oncrop needs and yield potential. K needsare established based on the CEC, el-emental ratios, degree of base saturationand yield goal in a build-up program.

MVTL Laboratories, Inc.Geographic location, crop, previouscrop, yield goal, organic matter, soiltexture and residual NO

3-N are consid-

ered for N fertilizer recommendations. Pand K guidelines consider the crop andsoil analysis level for a standard,maintenance or build-up fertilizerprogram.

Sathe Analytical Laboratory, Inc.Fertilizer recommendations are based onplanned crop, yield goal, sample depthand previous crop.

Soil Testing Laboratory, North DakotaState University

Recommendations are for broadcastapplications based on university guide-lines and incorporate crop, soil analysisand yield goal.

Soiltest Farm Consultants, Inc.Soil analysis results, crop yield goals,and zone influence fertilizer recommen-dation. Montana Extension Servicefertilizer guidelines are used.

Stukenholtz Laboratory, Inc.Fertilizer recommendations are based onuniversity guidelines using specific cropneeds, yield goals, previous crop,organic matter and soil analysis.

University of Idaho, Analytical SciencesLaboratory

No recommendations from lab—cus-tomers are referred to county Extensionagents or industry field representatives.

Western Testing Laboratory, Inc.A budget approach for N recommenda-tions considers yield goal, crop, soilanalysis and organic matter release. Pand K recommendations are based on

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soil analysis and yield goal.

Methods of soil analysis

Nitrogen (N)Total N is determined on Kjeldahl

digests by titration, steam distillation andcolorimetry and by Auto-Analyzer method-ologies. Calcium sulfate (CaSO

4), sodium

chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride(KCl) extracting solutions are used inammonium-N (NH

4-N) analysis. Method-

ologies include: electrode, steam distilla-tion with titration and Auto-Analyzer.Nitrite-N (NO

2-N) and nitrate-N (NO

3-N)

are determined on water, calcium sulfate(CaSO

4) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)

2)

extracts with an electrode, cadmiumreduction with Auto-Analyzer, phenol-disulfonic acid and chromotropic acid.

Phosphorus (P)Phosphorus determinations are made

from sodium acetate, Bray, sodium bicar-bonate (Olsen), ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA, Morgan extracting solutions and awater-based method. Colorimetric methodsinclude ascorbic acid and the Fiske-Subbarrow on spectrophotometers andAuto-Analyzer and through inductivelycoupled plasma spectrophotometry (ICP)

techniques. The soil-to-extracting solutionratio ranges from 1:20 to 1:50.

Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magne-sium (Mg), Sodium (Na)

Elemental analyses on water, ammo-nium acetate, ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA and sodium acetate (only K, Ca,Mg) extracts are determined by atomicabsorption spectrophotometry (AA) and byICP.

Sulfur (S)Determinations of total S following

nitric-perchloric digestion are made byICP, infrared and high-temperature com-bustion furnace analyzers. Inorganic-S(SO

4-S) is found after ammonium acetate,

water and monocalcium phosphate extrac-tions with ICP, turbidimetric and gravimet-ric methods. Organic-S is calculated bydifference.

Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper(Cu), Iron (Fe), Boron (B), Molybdenum(Mo)

DTPA and ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA extracting solutions are being usedfor analysis of Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, B and Moby AA and ICP. B is also determined fromhot water extracts using a colorimetricmethod. An ammonium oxalate and

ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA extractingsolutions are used for Mo analysis.

Organic Matter (OM)Total carbon (C) concentrations are

determined after combustion. The Walkley-Black method is the most popular tech-nique for organic matter analysis. Loss onignition is a method increasing in popular-ity.

pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC)Soil pH and electrical conductivity are

determined from saturated pastes, 1:1 and1:2 soil to water ratios, using an electrodeand conductivity bridge, respectively.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)CEC measurements are determined

from a summation of the cations fromammonium acetate extraction after sodiumsaturation following AA and Auto-Ana-lyzer techniques.

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13

Plant analysis

Analysis of plant samples is an effec-tive means of evaluating the nutritionalstatus of a crop, since the nutrient concen-tration in the plant correlates to the nutri-ent-supplying capacity of the soil. Plantanalysis is used to complement and refinenutrient recommendations, not replaceroutine soil fertility analysis programs.

Plant Analysis Services

Table 5. Summary of plant analysis services offered to Montana producers by laboratory.

Element/ B & C Sathe Soiltest Univ. of ID WesternMethod Agvise Ag Con- Energy Harris Maxim Midwest MVTL Analytical Farm Stukenholtz Analytical Testingor Compound Labs sultants Labs Labs Tech Labs Labs Lab Consultants Lab Sciences Lab Lab

Nitrogen (N) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Nitrate-N (NO3-N) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Phosphorus (P) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Potassium (K) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Calcium (Ca) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Magnesium (Mg) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Sulfur (S) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Zinc (Zn) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Manganese (Mn) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Copper (Cu) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Iron (Fe) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Boron (B) x x x x x x x x x x x x

Molybdenum (Mo) x x x x x

Chloride (Cl) x x x x x x x x x x

Soil analysis is not perfect, so plantanalysis provides good supplementaryinformation. Plant analysis results areusually “after the fact” and serve as ameans to improve future nutrient pro-grams. Sulfur and micronutrient deficien-cies are readily identified through plantanalysis, while soil analysis may not be asdefinitive for these elements. Plant analysisis also used to identify hidden trouble,confirm visual symptoms, manage cropquality, locate marginally deficient areasand provide information on nutrient uptake

and utilization. Most of the surveyedlaboratories provided similar plant analysisservices (Table 5). The variety in method-ology with soil analysis services is not asmuch of a problem with plant analysis.

Some people use the terms “planttissue analysis” and “plant analysis”interchangeably, but a distinction should bemade between these two techniques. Planttissue analysis (often called a “quick test”)consists of field nutrient evaluation withfresh plant samples using test kits. Ingeneral, plant sap is qualitatively (low,

PLANTS


14

medium or high) analyzed for NO3-N,

PO4-P and K concentrations. Plant analysis

is conducted in an analytical laboratoryproducing accurate, complete quantitativeresults that can be compared to developedstandards. Plant nutrient levels are affectedby plant part sampled, plant growth stage,nutrient interactions, soil moisture stress,soil aeration, environmental conditions,planting pattern, plant population, varietyand hybrid. Plant diseases, insects andother external factors will also affect plantnutrient levels. Guidelines for the properplant part to be sampled, growth stage andcritical nutrient ranges for several crops arepresented in Table 6. From a practicalstandpoint, the critical nutrient range isdefined as the level of a nutrient belowwhich crop yield, quality or performance isunsatisfactory.

Plant analysis provides useful informa-tion, provided standard or referencesamples are available and proper collectionand analysis procedures are followed. Theanalytical results from annual crops maynot be useful during the current growingseason, but may be helpful for futurecrops. Plant analysis of perennial cropsmay indicate nutrient deficiencies that canbe corrected, depending on the plantgrowth stage and the deficient nutrient.

Plant analysis units

Plant analysis units are readily convert-ible to common units (Table 7). Thestandard convention generally is ppm fornumerical values between 0 and 100 andpercent for higher values. One part permillion (ppm) is equivalent to one micro-gram per gram (µg/g) and 1 percent isequal to 10,000 ppm.

Plant analysis packages

Laboratory Cost

Agvise Laboratories $25Total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, Cu

Astro-Chem Lab, Inc.No plant analysis available.

B & C Ag Consultants $17Total N or NO

3-N plus recommendation

for wheat/barley stems, corn leaves,beet/potato petioles. Thirteen otheranalyses available at $4 -$12 per test.

Table 6. Plant sampling guidelines and critical nutrient ranges for several Montanacrops.

Critical nutrientCrop Plant part Growth stage concentration

Alfalfa upper 1/3 to 1/2 of tops 1/10 of bloom none for NO3-N

0.2 to 0.3% P1.0 to 1.8% K

Conifers upper crown autumn to late autumn 1.3 to 4.0% N0.1 to 0.3% P0.5 to 1.0% K

Potatoes recently mature petiole early tuber set 50-60 days 1.5 to 1.8% N 4 or 5 from top 0.14 to 0.16% PO

4-P

Small Grains above-ground portion head emergence 1.75% to 3.0% N0.2 to 0.5% P1.5 to 3.0% K

Sugarbeets petiole from most recently 4 to 6 weeks 1000 ppm NO3-N

matured leaves 750 ppm PO4-P

1000 ppm K

Tall Fescue whole tops 5 to 6 weeks between cuts 2.8 to 3.4% N0.26 to 0.32% P2.5 to 2.8% K

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Table 7. Summary of plant analysis units offered to Montana producers by laboratory.

Element/ B & C Sathe Soiltest Univ. of ID WesternMethod Agvise Ag Con- Energy Harris Maxim Midwest MVTL Analytical Farm Stukenholtz Analytical Testingor Compound Labs sultants Labs Labs Tech Labs Labs Lab Consultants Lab Sciences Lab Lab

Nitrogen (N) % % µg/g % ppm % % ppm % % % %

Nitrate-N (NO3-N) ppm ppm µg/g ppm %, ppm %, ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g %, ppm

Phosphorus (P) ppm % µg/g % ppm % % ppm % % µg/g %

Potassium (K) % % µg/g % ppm % % ppm % % µg/g %

Calcium (Ca) % % µg/g % ppm % % ppm % % µg/g %

Magnesium (Mg) % % µg/g % ppm % % ppm % % µg/g %

Sulfur (S) % % µg/g % % % ppm % % µg/g %

Zinc (Zn) ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Manganese (Mn) ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Copper (Cu) ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Iron (Fe) ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Boron (B) ppm ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g ppm µg/g ppm

Molybdenum (Mo) µg/g ppm ppm ppm ppm µg/g

Chloride (Cl) % ppm µg/g ppm ppm ppm µg/g % µg/g ppm

Energy Laboratories, Inc.No package available. Individual testscost $7–$20.

Harris Laboratories, Inc. $22N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, B,Al, Na

Maxim Technologies, Inc. Per QuoteTotal N, P, metals

Midwest Laboratories, Inc. $18N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, B,Al, Na

MVTL Laboratories, Inc. $32N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, B

Sathe Analytical Laboraotry, Inc.No package available, nine individualtests are available at $5-$15 per test.

Soil Testing Laboratory, North DakotaState University

No plant analysis available.

Soiltest Farm Consultants, Inc. $38NO

3-N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, Cu,

Fe, B

Stukenholtz Laboratory, Inc. $35NO

3-N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, Cu,

Fe, B

University of Idaho, Analytical SciencesLaboratory $66

NO3-N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, Cu,

Fe, Mo, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Na, Ni, Pb

Western Testing Laboratory, Inc.No package available, eleven individualtests are available, $10 for the first testand $3 for each additional test.

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Methods of plant analysis

Nitrogen (N)TKN (does not include NO

3-N) for

plant analysis is accomplished from asulfuric acid digest with Kjeldahl catalystaddition by titration and Auto-Analyzertechniques. Plant tissue nitrate-N (NO

3-N)

concentration is measured with a specificion electrode.

P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, B, MoWet ashing with nitric-perchloric acids

and dry ashing are commonly used on allelements for sample preparation, withanalysis by emission, AA and ICP spectro-photometry. N and P are also colorimetri-cally determined. B techniques alsoinclude colorimetric analysis.

Table 8. Summary of water analysis services offered to Montana producers by laboratory.

Astro- B & C Sathe Soil Soiltest Stuken- Univ. of ID WesternAgvise Chem Ag Con- Energy Harris Maxim Midwest MVTL Analyt- Testing Farm holtz Analytical Testing

Analysis Labs Lab sultants Labs Labs Tech Labs Labs ical Lab Lab, NDSU Consultants Lab Sciences Lab Lab

Total dissolvedsolids x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Suspended solids x x x x x x x x x x x

Sodium adsorptionratio (SAR) x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Electricalconductivity (EC) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

pH x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Nitrate-N (NO3-N) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Heavy metals x x x x x x x x x x

Sulfur (S)S methodologies include nitric-

perchloric acids for total S and dry ashingwith magnesium nitrate addition byinfrared, ICP and turbidimetric procedures.

Water Analysis Services

Water analysis

Surveyed laboratories provide wateranalysis services to determine suitability ofsamples for domestic, livestock andirrigation purposes (Table 8). Commoncontaminants and problems with waterquality in ground and surface waters inMontana include: alkalinity, salinity,fluoride, sodium, arsenic, nitrate, selenium,

elements and other chemicals. Prior towater sample collection, specific directionsand guidelines should be obtained fromone of the following: Montana Departmentof Environmental Quality, MontanaDepartment of Agriculture, MontanaVeterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, MontanaState Soil, Plant and Water AnalyticalLaboratory, Montana Bureau of Mines andGeology, and the Chemistry StationAnalytical Lab.

Two types of national drinking waterregulations exist. Primary regulations areenforceable and when exceeded, constitutea health hazard for people. Secondary

total dissolved solids, pH, iron, diseaseorganisms, pesticides, heavy metals, other

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17

regulations are guidelines for the aestheticquality of water, such as color, odor andtaste. Test results higher than these guide-lines (Tables 9, 10 and 11) indicate watercontamination or unsuitable levels ofspecific elements. Professionals should be

Table 11. Water quality standards for irrigationsuitability.

Degree of problemConstituent None Increasing Severe

Electrical conductivity < 0.75 0.75 to 3 > 3 (EC, mmhos/cm)

Permeability, low salt > 0.5 0.5 to 0.2 < 0.2 water (EC, mmhos/cm)

Sodium hazard (adjusted SAR)

Montmorillonitic < 6 6 to 9 > 9

Illite-vermiculitic < 8 8 to 16 > 16

Kaolinite-sesquioxidic < 16 16 to 24 > 24

Specific ion toxicity

Sodium (adjusted SAR) < 3 3 to 9 > 9

Chloride (ppm) < 142 142 to 355 > 355

Boron (ppm) < 0.75 0.75 to 2 > 2

Miscellaneous effects

Nitrate (ppm) < 5 5 to 30 > 30

Bicarbonate < 92 92 to 520 > 520

pH Normal range 6.5 to 8.5

Table 10. Drinking water qualitystandards for livestock suitability.

Upper ConcentrationContaminant Limit (ppm)

Aluminum (Al) 5

Arsenic (As) 0.2

Boron (B) 5

Cadmium (Cd) 0.05

Chromium (Cr) 1.0

Cobalt (Co) 1.0

Copper (Cu) 0.5

Fluoride (F) 2.0

Lead (Pb) 0.05

Mercury (Hg) 0.01

Nitrate + Nitrite-N (NO3+NO

2-N) 100

Nitrite (NO2) 10

Selenium (Se) 0.05

Vanadium (V) 0.10

Zinc (Zn) 24

Total dissolved solids 10,000

Magnesium and sodium sulfates 5,000

Alkalinity (carbonate + bicarbonate) 2,000

Table 9. Drinking water qualitystandards for domestic suitability.

Contaminant Concentration (ppm)

Maximum allowable contaminant levels

Arsenic (As) 0.05

Barium (Ba) 1.0

Cadmium (Cd) 0.01

Chromium (Cr) 0.05

Lead (Pb) 0.05

Mercury (Hg) 0.002

Nitrate-N (NO3-N) 10.0

Selenium (Se) 0.01

Silver (Ag) 0.05

Fluoride (F) 2.4

Secondary levels

Copper (Cu) 1.0

Zinc (Zn) 5.0

Iron (Fe) 0.3

Manganese (Mn) 0.05

Chloride (Cl) 250

Sulfate-S (SO4-S) 250

Total dissolved solids (TDS) 500

pH 6.5 to 8.5

contacted when high contaminant levelsare encountered.

Water analysis units

Reported units of mg/l, ppm and µg/mlare all equivalent (Table 12).

Several general relationships arefrequently used to convert one unit toanother:

Salt concentration (mg/l) = 640 x EC(mmhos/cm, dS/m or mS/cm)

Total cation concentration (meq/l) = 10x EC (mmhos/cm, dS/m or mS/cm)

Conductivity units for water analysisare generally in µmhos/cm due to

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the lower salt concentrations presentin most waters. Equivalent units forsalt concentrations are mmhos/cmand mS/cm with 1,000 µmhos/cmequal to 1 mmhos/cm, dS/m or mS/cm. Heavy metal concentrations arereported in ppm or ppb (parts perbillion) with 1 ppm equivalent to1,000 ppb.

Water analysis packages

Laboratory Cost

Agvise LaboratoriesDomestic suitability: $57

Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, nitrate, sulfate,pH, electrical conductivity, total dis-solved solids, hardness, total coliformbacteria (MPN); individual tests avail-

Table 12. Summary of water analysis units reported to Montana producers by laboratory.

Astro- B & C Sathe Soil Soiltest Stuken- Univ. of ID WesternAgvise Chem Ag Con- Energy Harris Maxim Midwest MVTL Analytical Testing Farm holtz Analytical Testing

Analysis Labs Lab sultants Labs Labs Tech Labs Labs Lab Lab, NDSU Consultants Lab Sciences Lab Lab

Total dissolvedsolids ppm mg/l ppm mg/l ppm ppm mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l µg/ml mg/l mg/l ppm

Suspended solids ppm mg/l mg/l mg/l ppm mg/l mg/l mg/l mg/l µg/ml mg/l mg/l

Electrical mmhos/ µmhos/ mmhos/ µmhos/mmhos/mmhos/mmhos/ µmhos/ µmhos/ µmhos/cm, mmhos/cm µmhos µmhos/ mmhos/conductivity (EC) cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm cm dS/l µmhos/cm /cm cm cm

Nitrate-N (NO3-N) ppm mg/l ppm mg/l ppm ppm mg/l mg/l mg/l ppm mg/l, µg/ml ppm mg/l ppm

mg/l, mg/l, mg/ml,Heavy Metals mg/l mg/l ppm mg/l µg/l mmhos/cm ppm ppb, µg/l ppm µg/ml

able

Irrigation suitability: $28Ca, Mg, Na, pH, electrical conductivity,total dissolved solids, SAR, sodiumhazard, salinity hazard

Astro-Chem Lab, Inc.Irrigation/Domestic suitability: $40

Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cl, nitrate, sulfate,carbonate, bicarbonate, pH, electricalconductivity, SAR, total dissolvedsolids, hardness

B & C Ag ConsultantsLivestock suitability: $20

Ca, Mg, Na, nitrate, sulfate, pH, electri-cal conductivity, total dissolved solids

Irrigation suitability: $25

Ca, Mg, K, Na, carbonate, bicarbonate,pH, electrical conductivity, SAR, totaldissolved solids

Energy Laboratories, Inc.Domestic suitability: $79.50

Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cl, nitrate + nitriteas N, sulfate, pH, electrical conductivity,total dissolved solids, alkalinity; testsfor radiochemicals available for addi-tional charge

Livestock suitability: $27.50Nitrate + nitrite as N, sulfate, totaldissolved solids, alkalinity

Irrigation suitability: $26Ca, Na, electrical conductivity, SAR

Harris Laboratories, Inc.Irrigation suitability: $46

Ca, Mg, K, Na, B, Cl, nitrate, sulfate,carbonate, bicarbonate, phosphate, pH,

WATER


19

Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, nitrate, pH,electrical conductivity, SAR, totaldissolved solids (calculated), hardness

Irrigation suitability: $25Ca, Mg, Na, electrical conductivity,SAR, total dissolved solids

Sathe Analytical Laboratory, Inc.Drinking/Irrigation/Livestocksuitability: $40

Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cl, nitrate, sulfate,carbonate, bicarbonate, pH, electricalconductivity, SAR, total dissolvedsolids, hardness, specific gravity,relative sodium concentration

Soil Testing Laboratory, North DakotaState UniversityIrrigation suitability: $25

SAR, total dissolved solids, hardness

Soiltest Farm Consultants, Inc.Irrigation water suitability: $66

Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, P, nitrate, sulfate,pH, electrical conductivity, SAR,hardness, alkalinity, classification

Stukenholtz Laboratory, Inc.Irrigation suitability: $50

Ca, Mg, K, Na, B, P, Cl, nitrate, sulfate,carbonate, bicarbonate, pH, SAR,hardness, salts

University of Idaho, Analytical SciencesLaboratoryDomestic/Livestock suitability: $85

Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mo, Zn, Cl,nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, pH, electricalconductivity, SAR, total dissolvedsolids, hardness, alkalinity

electrical conductivity, SAR, totalsoluble salts, total hardness

Maxim Technologies, Inc.Domestic suitability: $80

Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Mn, Cl, F, nitrate +nitrite as N, sulfate, pH, electricalconductivity, alkalinity, total dissolvedsolids

Irrigation suitability: $33Ca, Mg, Na, B, electrical conductivity,SAR

Livestock suitability: $159B, Cu, F, Zn, nitrate + nitrite-N,aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chro-mium, cobalt, lead, mercury, selenium,vanadium, nitrite, magnesium andsodium sulfates, total dissolved solids,alkalinity

Midwest Laboratories, Inc.Domestic suitability: $40

Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cl, F, nitrate-N,sulfate, pH, electrical conductivity, totaldissolved solids (by calculation),hardness, purity (total coliform)

Livestock suitability: $30Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Cl, nitrate-N,sulfate, pH, electrical conductivity, totaldissolved solids (by calculation)

Irrigation suitability: $38Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, B, Cl, sulfate, nitrate-N, carbonate, bicarbonate, pH, electricalconductivity, SAR, total dissolved solids(by calculation)

MVTL Laboratories, Inc.Routine suitability: $40

Irrigation suitability: $60Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, nitrate, sulfate,phosphate, pH, electrical conductivity,SAR, hardness, alkalinity

Western Testing Laboratory, Inc.Livestock suitability: $25

Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, nitrate, sulfate, pH,electrical conductivity, total dissolvedsolids

Irrigation suitability: $25Ca, Mg, K, Na, carbonate, bicarbonate,pH, electrical conductivity, SAR, totaldissolved solids

Methods of water analysis

Suspended solids are determinedgravimetrically. Adjusted SARs are calcu-lated from Ca, Mg, K and Na valuesdetermined from AA and ICP. Electricalconductivity is measured with a conductiv-ity bridge and pH is measured with anelectrode. Soluble salt concentration iscalculated in one of two ways—withelectrical conductivity measurements ordetermined from dissolved cations. Nitrateconcentrations are found with an electrode,cadmium reduction, then Auto-Analyzer,phenoldisulfonic acid and ion chromatog-raphy. Atomic adsorption and ICP spectro-photometry are used for heavy metalanalysis.

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Contact Personnel

Bob Deutsch or John LeeAgvise LaboratoriesP.O. Box 510, HWY 15Northwood, ND 58267-0510701-587-6010

Christina Hagen or Bruce KylloAstro-Chem Lab, Inc.P.O. Box 972Williston, ND 58802-0972701-572-7355

Ray ChorikiB&C Ag Consultants315 South 26th StreetP.O. Box 1184Billings, MT 59103406-259-5779

John StandishEnergy Laboratories, Inc.P.O. Box 30916Billings, MT 59107406-252-6325800-735-4489

Steve FrackHarris Laboratories, Inc.621 Rose StreetP.O. Box 80837Lincoln, NE 68501402-476-2811

WATER

Kathy SmitMaxim Technologies, Inc.600 South 25th StreetP.O. Box 30615Billings, MT 59107406-248-9161

John MenghiniMidwest Laboratories, Inc.13611 B StreetOmaha, NE 68144402-334-7770

Larry Wikoff — Soil and Plant AnalysisMVTL Laboratories, Inc.710 South 14th StreetP.O. Box 1104Grand Forks, ND 58201800-272-7645

Rod Reetz — Water qualityMVTL Laboratories, Inc.1411 South 12th StreetBismarck, ND 58504800-279-6885

Neal FalkSathe Analytical Laboratory, Inc.P.O. Box 1527Williston, ND 58801701-572-3632

Larry SwensonSoil Testing LaboratoryNorth Dakota State University

103 Waldron HallP.O. Box 5575Fargo, ND 58105-5575701-231-8942

Brent Thyssen or Dan NelsonSoiltest Farm Consultants, Inc.2925 Wapato DriveMoses Lake, WA 98837509-765-1622800-764-1622

Dale StukenholtzStukenholtz Laboratory, Inc.P.O. Box 353Addison Avenue EastTwin Falls, ID 83303208-734-3050800-759-3050

University of IdahoAnalytical Sciences LaboratoryHolm Research CenterMoscow, ID 83844-2201208-885-7081

Bob ThoroughmanWestern Testing Laboratory, Inc.1920 9th Avenue NorthP.O. Box 3165Great Falls, MT 59403406-761-1724888-862-1724


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The programs of the Montana State University Extension Service are available to all people regardless of race, creed, color, sex, disability or nationalorigin. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S.Department of Agriculture, Charles H. Rust, Interim Dean and Director, Montana State University Extension Service, Bozeman, Montana 59717.

© Copyright 1998, MSU Extension Service. While we encourage the use of this document for non-profit educational purposes, we reserve the right torestrict the unlawful reproduction of this document in print or electronic format.

To reproduce all or parts of this document, you must seek permission from the Ag/Extension Communications Coordinator, Communications Services,416 Culbertson Hall, Montana State University-Bozeman, Bozeman, MT 59717; (406) 994-5132; E-mail - APBTK @ Montana.edu.

4522000198 MS

This publication is based on Bulletin 1349 byJ. S. Jacobsen, T. G. Moore and J. W. Bauder


23

Soil, Plant and Water Analytical Laboratories

for Montana Agriculture

EB 150, Issued January 1998

Replaces Bulletin 1349

Soil, Plant, and Water Analytical Laboratories for Montana ... · Soil, Plant and Water Analytical Laboratories for Montana Agriculture 1 Table 6. Plant sampling guidelines and critical

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