LaMotte IRON, ALUMINUM, SULFATE SOIL TESTS MODULE D User Manual

IRON, ALUMINUM, & SULFATE • MODULE D

COLOR CHART

FOR SOIL MICRONUTRIENTS KIT · CODE 5938-02

QUANTITY CONTENTS CODE

30 mL *Ferric Iron Test Solution *5116PS-G
10 g *Iron Reagent Powder *5275-D
30 mL *Aluminum Test Solution *5101-G
30 mL *Sulfate Test Solution *5171-G
1 Pipet, transfer, plastic 0364
1 Test Tube, plastic, fi ltrate 0749
1 Spoon. 0.5 g 0698
1 Funnel, plastic 0459
1 Filter Paper, 50/pk 0465-H
1 Test Tube, glass 0242
2 Test Tubes, 1-8 mL, plastic, w/caps 0755
1 Spot Plate, double. plastic 0159
2 Stirring Rods, plastic 0519
1 Spoon, 0.05g, plastic 0696
1 Color Chart, Active Aluminum in Soil 1301
1 Color Chart, Sulfate in Soil 1314
1 Color Chart, Ferric Iron in Soil 1348
2 Pipets, plain, plastic, w/caps 0392
2 Pipets, plain, plastic 0352

*WARNING: Reagents marked with an * are considered to be potential health hazards.
To view or print a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for these reagents go to
www.lamotte.com. To obtain a printed copy, contact LaMotte by e-mail, phone or fax.

To order individual reagents or test kit components, use the specifi ed code number.

WARNING! This set contains chemicals

that may be harmful if misued. Read

cautions on individual containers

carefully. Not to be used by children

except under adult supervision.

EXTRACTION PROCEDURE

1. Fill a test tube (0755) to line 7 with *Universal Extracting Solution (5173).

2. Use the 0.5 g spoon (0698) to add four level measures of soil to the test tube. Cap
and shake for one minute.

NOTE: When adding samples with high concentrations of carbonates to
*Universal Extracting Solution (5173), swirl tube to mix for 30 seconds before
capping to allow gases to escape.

3. Fold a piece of fi lter paper (0465) in half, then in half again. Press corners
together to form a cone. Place in funnel (0459). Pour extract solution into funnel,
collecting extract. This clear extract is used for the test.

IRON TEST

1. Use a transfer pipet (0364) to add four drops of clear fi ltrate to a large depression
on a spot plate (0159).

2. Use the 0.05g spoon (0696) to add one level measure of *Iron Reagent Powder
(5275). Stir with a stirring rod (0519).

3. Use pipet (0392) to add one drop of *Ferric Iron Test Solution (5116). Stir with a
stirring rod (0519).

4. Match sample color to a color standard on the Ferric Iron in Soil Color Chart
(1348). Record as pounds per acre Ferric Iron.

INTERPRETATION OF FERRIC IRON TEST

Most soils will contain iron in suffi cient quantities to satisfy the needs of most
plants. A defi ciency of iron is sometimes noted in alkaline soils, and is indicated by a
chlorotic condition of the plants. High tests may be obtained on acid soils.

ALUMINUM TEST

1. Use the transfer pipet (0364) to add two drops of clear fi ltrate to a large
depression on the spot plate (0159).

2. Use a plastic pipet (0352) to add two drops of *Universal Extracting Solution
(5173).

3. Use a second plastic pipet (0352) to add one drop of *Aluminum Test Solution
(5101). Stir with a stirring rod (0519). Wait one minute.

4. Match sample color to a color standard on the Active Aluminum Color Chart
(1301).

INTERPRETATION OF ALUMINUM TEST

Aluminum occurs in large amounts in all soils in the form of undecomposed minerals,
and in the inorganic colloidal materials. In neutral, slightly alkaline or slightly acid
soils, the element is in inert combinations that have no effect on plant growth. At
greater degrees of acidity, aluminum becomes active, capable of combining as soluble
salts, and thus exerting a toxic effect upon the growth of many plants, especially those
that are benefi ted by liming, when grown on acid soils. A high, or very high, test is a
certain index of an undesirable acid soil, upon which acid-sensitive crops are almost
certain to fail. A medium test is not so serious, especially with grasses, corn, oats,
potatoes and tobacco. A low, or negative, test is desirable, except for distinctly acid­tolerant plants.

SULFATE TEST

1. Use the transfer pipet (0364) to add fi ve drops of clear fi ltrate to turbidity vial
(0242).

2. Use capped pipet (0392) to add one drop of *Sulfate Test Solution (5171). Gently
swirl to mix.

3. Lay Sulfate Color Chart (1314) under neutral light. Hold turbidity vial one-half
inch above black strip in middle of chart. Look down through turbid sample.
Match sample turbidity to a turbidity standard. Record as ppm Sulfate.

INTERPRETATION OF SULFATE TEST

Plants obtain the sulfur which they require from the sulfates in the soils. Sulfates are
usually present in the soil, although a defi ciency may exist in some localities. Unless
present in excessive quantities, sulfates are not harmful to plants. High tests may
indicate recent addition of sulfur or sulfate compounds to soil.

LaMOTTE COMPANY

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®

PO Box 329 • Chestertown • Maryland • 21620 • USA

800-344-3100 • 410-778-3100 (Outside U.S.A.) • Fax [phone]

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