soil test

We provide soil testing services for clients around the world through Brookside Labs, and have an active research program in the area of turfgrass nutrition, soil and plant analysis, and sampling methods.

Minimum levels for sustainable nutrition—MLSN—is a modern method for interpreting soil tests for turfgrass.

A project that investigated soil nutrient levels of good-performing turf all over the world.

Measure exact topdressing effect, and requirement, by checking total organic matter by depth.

I’ve collected a lot of soil samples for total organic matter testing by depth. That’s what I call OM246 testing. My preferred method for this is to use a straight (no taper at the tip) cylinder to pull the core.

Dried, ground, and sieved soil samples on a laboratory bench ready for scooping and further extraction and testing. A correspondent wrote with an inquiry about MLSN.

I put together a couple videos that discuss total organic material testing. First, this one, which shows some samples I’ve collected. From my office, to the post office, I discuss what is going to happen with them at the laboratory.

Thanks to everyone who completed the soil sampling procedures survey. These are the results from the 79 responses, and I include some commentary about how I would do it. 1. Do you take a composite sample?

I know how I do it. As I’ve been thinking about it, and as I’ve asked a few people, I realize there may be a lot of variation in how turfgrass managers are collecting and preparing samples.

I’ve been making estimates of N mineralization from soil organic matter for the past few years using the method described by Gilmour and Mauromoustakos in Nitrogen mineralization from soil organic matter: a sequential model.