Anion storage capacity: (Also referred to as the phosphate retention test)
Measures the ability of the soil to store phosphate and sulphate. Soils with higher anion storage capacities will require larger amounts of fertiliser phosphate and sulphate to raise soil test levels or to overcome deficiencies. Recommended once for each block or paddock.
Reserve Potassium (TBK):
Measures the amount of reserve potassium available in some soils. Recommended every three to five years on sedimentary soils only.
Anaerobic mineralisable nitrogen: (Also referred to as the available nitrogen test)
Estimates the likely mineralisation of organic nitrogen providing an estimate of soil nitrogen supply. Recommended where land is to be cultivated and cropped.
Organic matter:
Organic matter in soil has an important role in the supply of nutrients, improving soil structure, reducing the risk of erosion, increasing the water holding capacity of soils and providing a food source for earthworms and microbes. It generally declines under cropping and increases under pasture. Recommended once every 4 – 5 years.
Exchangeable aluminium:
One reason for poor plant growth in New Zealand on acid soils (those soils where pH< 5.6) can be aluminium toxicity. This test measures the exchangeable aluminium and confirms toxicity problems.
Hot water soluable boron:
Provides a measure of available boron in the soil. Recommended where crops have a high boron requirement such as avocados and olives or when changing to crops which are sensitive to boron toxicity.
Trace Element Testing:
ARL offers a number of options for soil trace element testing. ARL recommends plant tissue testing in conjunction with animal liver/blood tests for determining trace element deficiencies in pasture.
For further information or to make arrangements for testing please contact our Ravensdown Customer Centre on 0800 100 123 or contact ARL directly on 0800 100 668.
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