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Soil
Diagram 4. Comparison between simplified and comprehensive bulk density testing.
In soil analysis for carbon stocks, the actual analysis of the soil core is a crucial step in calculating carbon stocks. A soil’s bulk density determination can be approached one of two ways: simply or comprehensively. Bulk Density Determination Standard Bulk Density Standard or “simplified” bulk density involves a straightforward calculation where the total dry...
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Diagram 1: Soil sampling using a standard soil probe.
Accurate soil carbon testing is essential for participating in carbon stock programs, and the requirements are fairly stringent and straightforward. Proper soil sampling for carbon can be achieved by taking into account depth and frequency as well as probe type and size. Sample Collection Approach: Depth and Frequency When sampling for bulk density, it’s important...
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Since the turn of the century, investigating the feasibility of sequestering carbon using soil as a sink has become a prime focus and an essential part of combating climate change. Carbon programs like Verra and BCarbon offer opportunities for landowners to earn “carbon credits” by increasing soil carbon stocks. Understanding carbon stocks is the first...
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One of the most common issues that arise in customer service at an agricultural testing laboratory is the dispute over different results for samples meant to represent the same whole. That whole could be a specific field, a stack of hay bales, a bin of mixed feed or plants within a field. This is where...
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Do you know the difference between P and P2O5 or K and K2O? Understanding fertilizer forms can be key in interpretation of the peer reviewed literature and making decisions based on your own reports. Reminder:  Fertilizer grade shows % N – % P2O5 – % K2O. The three percentages are always in this order. I...
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What does a bank and a commercial laboratory have in common with your cattle operation? The answer is family values. Dr. Ray Ward founded Ward Laboratories, Inc. on honesty, integrity, and the vision to rebuild and support rural communities. Mr. Jon Schmaderer, president of Tri-County Bank, expressed in an interview that their organization also shares...
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Carbon is probably one of the most well-known elements today. There is a global emphasis on carbon dioxide emissions and carbon capture. In terms of agriculture, much of this focus has centered on capturing carbon by increasing soil organic matter. Organic matter encompasses all organic materials present in soil (living microorganisms and undecayed residues). Roughly,...
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In February 2022, Ward Laboratories, Inc. introduced a new tool to measure soil health. The Soil Health Assessment (SHA) is made up of four analyses. There are two biological, one chemical and one physical measurement to evaluate soil health. Biological The first biological test is the 24-hour CO2 soil respiration measurement. We take 40 grams...
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Our recent partnership with GrowingDeer has introduced us to a whole new world outside of traditional agriculture, deer hunting and soil health!  I am learning about the relationship between hunting and soil health. Just like most things, you need to take it back to the source. How did this deer get into this place and...
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The Total Nutrient Digest (TND) analysis accounts for all minerals from sand, silt, clay and organic minerals in the soil. This total represents the plant available and non-available mineral nutrients. The textbook definition of a soil is that there is about 45% mineral content.  Therefore, about 750 tons of all different minerals. The TND analysis...
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For successful soil sampling, you must submit a quality sample into the lab.  Below are some points to consider before heading out to soil sample. Choosing a Soil Probe Soil probes are available with 12-inch or 18-inch buckets.  If you will be sampling in heavy clay soil, a 12-inch probe is recommended as sampling in...
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Trace Genomics and Ward Laboratories, Inc. Partnership
We have added industry-leading soil microbiome testing to our robust agricultural testing product offerings! Ward Laboratories, Inc. already offers soil health assays including: Soil Health Assessment Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) analysis Water holding capacity Enzymes Wet Aggregate Stability Similarly, through our partnership with Trace Genomics we offer soil microbiome analysis. This analysis allows our customers...
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Being aware of the potential risks of heavy metals in soils is important. In Omaha, 125 years of lead smelting at the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) resulted in elevated soil lead concentrations (around 400 ppm) near residential housing. Furthermore, a study conducted on an urban garden soil near a railroad station in Lincoln...
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When we make fertilizer recommendations for upcoming crops, it’s good to consider nitrogen credits from past crops. Leguminous species like soybean, alfalfa, and clover may provide a nitrogen credit for the next season’s crop. However, there are a few misconceptions about where the nitrogen credit comes from. Soybean Nitrogen Credits For this example, we’ll talk...
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Ward Laboratories uses soil test methods developed and calibrated by land grant universities.  Standard methods are published in several manuals.  We prefer to use standard methods that have performed well for many years. Soil pH & EC: We use a 1:1 water pH.  This means we measure 10 grams of soil and 10 mL of...
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Available Water Holding Capacity (AWC) of soil is the amount of water held in the soil for crop growth and yield. Field capacity is the amount of water a soil will hold against gravity at a water tension of 1/3 atmosphere. Permanent wilting point is the point where plants cannot obtain more water and remain...
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Starter fertilizer has become common place in today’s row crop production systems. This approach of applying fertility at planting takes many forms–with the seed, 2’’ by 2’’, 2” to the side on the surface or simply on the ground behind the press wheel. The goal is to provide vital nutrients to young plants to overcome...
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There are 5 principles of soil health as defined by the Natural Resources Conservation District. Armor the Soil (keep crop residue on the soil to prevent errosion) Minimal Soil Disturbance (No-Till) Plant Diversity (Grow more than just row crops, consider cover crop mixes) Keep a continual live root in the soil (again cover crops) But...
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The Role of BacteriaFeeding soil microbes includes feeding fungi and bacteria present within the soil. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are generally 4/100,000 of an inch wide and long. A teaspoon of healthy soil can contain between 100 million and 1 billion bacteria. Because of their abundance, bacteria play important roles in the way soil...
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I’d be willing to wager that if you are reading this blog, you’ve probably submitted either soil, water, feed, or another of the numerous things we test, to Ward Laboratories, INC.  Then, once you’ve received your results you’ve probably called in and been able to talk to either Dr. Nick, or Dr. Ray and had...
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