LaMotte MAGNESIUM MANGANESE SOIL TESTS MODULE C User Manual

MAGNESIUM & MANGANESE • MODULE C

COLOR CHART

FOR SOIL MICRONUTRIENTS KIT · CODE 5938-02

QUANTITY CONTENTS CODE

30 mL *Magnesium Test Solution #1 *5140-G
30 mL *Manganese-Magnesium Solution #2 *5145WT-G
10 g Manganese Buffer Reagent 6310-D
15 g *Manganese Periodate Reagent *6311-E
1 Filter Paper, 50/pk 0465-H
2 Spot Plates, double, plastic 0159
2 Test Tubes, 1-8 mL, plastic, w/caps 0755
2 Plastic Rods, stirring 0519
1 Spoon, 0.5 g 0698
1 Test Tube, plastic, fi ltrate 0749
1 Funnel, plastic 0459
1 Color Chart, Magnesium in Soil 1306
1 Color Chart, Manganese in Soil 1307-01
1 Pipet, plain, plastic 0364
1 Pipet, plain, glass w/cap 0371
2 Spoons, 0.05 g 0696

*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.

The Demineralizer Bottle will be the source of all the deionized water in these tests.
Read the

Demineralizer Bottle Instructions before proceeding.

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.

MAGNESIUM TEST

1. Use a transfer pipet (0364) to add ten drops of soil extract to a large depression on
a spot plate (0159).

2. Add one drop of *Magnesium Test Solution (5140). Stir with a stirring rod
(0519). Solution will turn pale yellow.

3. Add one drop of *Manganese-Magnesium Solution #2 (5145WT). Stir with
a stirring rod. Compare to color standards on Magnesium in Soil Color Chart
(1306). Continue adding *Manganese- Magnesium Test Solution #2 one drop at a
time until sample color matches a color standard. Record as ppm Magnesium.

NOTE: It usually requires 2 drops of *Manganese-Magnesium Test Solution #2
to cause color change.

INTERPRETATION OF MAGNESIUM TEST

Soils giving a very low test should be treated with dolomitic lime or fertilizers, such as
double-manure salts, which contain considerable magnesia. Soils giving high, or very
high, magnesium tests, with low calcium tests, should receive applications of gypsum
or high calcic lime, in order to prevent calcium defi ciency, due to over-balance of
magnesium.

MANGANESE TEST

1. Use a transfer pipet (0364) to add 10 drops of soil extract to the large depression
on a spot plate.

2. Use the 0.05 g spoon (0696) to add one measure of Manganese Buffer Reagent
(6310). Mix with a clean stirring rod (0519) until the powder dissolves.

3. Use the other 0.05 g spoon (0696) to add one measure of *Manganese Periodate
Reagent (6311). Mix with a clean stirring rod for 20 seconds.

NOTE: The *Manganese Periodate Reagent will not dissolve completely.

4. Match the color in the spot plate to a color standard on the Manganese in Soil
Color Chart (1307-01). Record as ppm Manganese.

NOTE: Immediately clean the spot plate to prevent staining.

INTERPRETATION OF MANGANESE TEST

Manganese occurs in small amounts in all soils, chiefl y in insoluble combinations.
In some calcareous soils and acid soils, which have been heavily limed, practically
no manganese is present in active forms, and some crops are unable to obtain even
the small amount necessary to meet their requirements. Poor growth and a yellow,
chlorotic condition results.

On the other hand, strongly acid soils may contain injurious concentrations of active
manganese compound. Under some conditions liming is a corrective measure.

Manganese is changed by oxidation to less active forms, or may be leached from
the soil. Hence, tests are of most signifi cance when made just prior to planting, or
during crop growth. A negative test at such time indicates the desirability of applying
manganese. T wenty-fi ve pounds of commercial manganese sulfate per acre is usually
adequate to correct any possible defi ciency. It is doubtful if manganese is needed if
any positive test whatever is developed. Medium, or low, tests are of little signifi cance,
except as indicating no manganese defi ciency. High, or very high tests are undesirable
and indicate a need for lime.

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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