Soils

• Complete 1:2 water extract analysis with or without P-Bray
• 1:1,5 Water extract analysis (analysing water soluble elements in potting mediums)
• pH H2O and KCL
• Chemical (ammonium acetate extract) analysis (analysing the potentially available elements)
• Mechanical analysis(measuring the sand, silt and clay content of the soil)
• Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
• Saturated EC
• EDTA exchangeable elements
• Enzymes in soil

Water

• Water analysis (the same 17 elements that are being analysed on the 1:2 or 1,5 water extract are also analysed on water samples)
• Quantitative heavy metals
• Anions
• Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
• HPLC analysis of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) fractions of water
• Bacteriological

Mineralogic

• The PANalytical X’Pert Pro (XRD) instrument uses broad range identification to characterize the crystal structure of crystalline materials. Typical applications include qualitative phase identification and semi-quantitative and quantification analysis refinement using the Rietveld technique. The X’Pert Pro in combination with automatic identification software gives accurate and reliable results of unknown phases in minutes.
• The PANalytical Axios X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument gives accurate, quantitative multi-elemental results. Samples are analyzed using WROXI (Wide range Oxides) analysis and trace elemental analysis.

Accuracy

Selected soil tests are frequently subjected to quality control schemes from Wageningen. Of utmost importance is the fact that we also take part in a quality control scheme operated by our clients. All these measurements enable us to compare with the world’s best laboratories.

Soils

• In a homogeneous field 10 sub-samples per hectare should be taken to a depth of 0– 30 cm, mix thoroughly to obtain a composite sample.
• Place in a clean, labelled bag and send 500g to the laboratory.

Water

• A volume of 250ml is required. Fill the plastic bottle 100% (no air between the lid and the water).
• Irrigation water: Collect the sample just before the fertiliser is added.
• Send to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• For bacteriological testing, let the water run a while before collection in a bottle washed with soap and thoroughly rinsed with hot salt water.
• Store sample in a cool place.

Other Considerations

• Use clean bags and/or containers.
• Never expose samples to heat or direct sunlight.
• Use plastic bottles for water samples.
• Do not dry out soil and/or substrate samples.
• Take to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• Samples must be labelled clearly.

Usefull References

• Groundwater Sampling (WRC TT 303/07)