LaMotte Soil Texture User Manual

Garden Guide

Soil Test Kit

pH, N, P, K Code 5679-01/5934-01

Quantity Contents Code

120 mL/250 mL pH Indicator 5701
120 mL/250 mL *Nitrogen Extracting Solution *5702
10 g/30 g *Nitrogen Indicator Powder *5703
120 mL/250 mL *Phosphorus Extracting Solution *5704
15 mL/15 mL *Phosphorus Indicator Reagent *5705
30/50 *Phosphorus Test Tablets *5706A
120 mL/250 mL Potassium Extracting Solution 5707
30/50 Potassium Indicator Tablets 5708A
15 mL/2 x 15 mL Potassium Test Solution 5709
7/10 Test Tubes, 1-8 mL, plastic w/ caps 0755
1/1 Brush, test tube 0514
3/3 Pipets, transfer, plastic 0364
1/1 Spoon, 0.25 g, plastic 0695
1/1 Spoon, 0.5 g, plastic 0698
1/1 Color Chart, Nitrogen 1371
1/1 Color Chart, Phosphorus 1372
1/1 Color Chart, Potassium, End Point 1352
1/1 Color Chart, pH, Wide Range 1353
1/1 Garden Guide Manual 36250
1/1 Study of Soil Science 1530
1/1 LaMotte Soil Handbook 1504

*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.

Proper handling of chemical test equipment

This test equipment is designed to provide years of dependable service.
Following these suggestions will help increase equipment performance:

1. Carefully follow all instructions.

2. Do not handle tablets; dispense from cap to test tube.

3. Carefully wash and rinse all apparatus used.

4. Tighten reagent caps immediately after use. Do not interchange caps.

5. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

6. Avoid temperature extremes.

7. Anticipate your requirements for replacement reagents.

8. Keep all reagent containers out of reach of young children.

9. Reagents marked with an * are considered potential health hazards.
Read MSDS at www.lamotte.com before use.

Read the Garden Guide Manual

The accompanying Garden Guide Manual provides:

1. Instructions on the proper collection and preparation of soil samples.

2. Essential information for interpretation of test results.

3. Lime and fertilizer recommendations.

4. A soil test record form.

Reading the Color Charts

4.0

5.0

When matching a test color to a color chart, stand with
the light source behind the observer and hold the test
tube approximately one-half inch away from the color
chart. If the color of a test reaction falls between two
standard colors on a color chart, the mid-point between
the two standard values is taken as the test result. For
example, a pH test color reaction falling between the
standard colors for pH 4.0 and pH 5.0 represents a test
result of pH 4.5. In the other tests color reactions may
either match, fall between, or fall beyond the three
standard colors representing “Low,” Medium,” and
“High.”
possible: Very Low, Low, Medium Low, Medium,
Medium High, High, and Very High.

Therefore seven different test results are

pH Test

1

Fill test tube (0755)
to line 4 with pH
Indicator (5701).
Squeeze bottle
gently to control
amount dispensed.

23

Use 0.5g spoon
(0698) to add
three measures
of soil sample.

Cap and mix gently
for one minute.

45

Match color reaction with

Allow tube to
stand for 10
minutes to let
soil settle.

pH Color Chart (1353).

Record result as pH.

Phosphorus Test

Fill test tube
(0755) to line 6
with *Phosphorus
Extracting Solution
(5704).

231

Use 0.5g spoon
(0698) to add
three (3) measures
of soil sample.

Cap and mix gently
for one minute.