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 From the News Desk...Down and dirtyby John ReitmanAs Frank Sikora, Ph.D., of the University of Kentucky puts it the school’s division of regulatory services is charting new territory when it comes to how it conducts laboratory tests to measure pH content in soil samples. The university announced on Dec. 9 that beginning Jan. 1 it will eschew the traditional practice of mixing water with soil samples in favor of a high-salt content mixture of potassium chloride, said Sikora, UK’s soil testing coordinator. The new procedure, he said, is designed to ensure more accurate pH readings. The change in procedure was made to compensate for salt levels in the soil that can vary greatly throughout the year, Sikora said. During drought-like conditions, free salts can accumulate in soils and alter pH readings. The presence of salt can lead to artificially low pH readings using the traditional, water-based method of analysis, according to Sikora. “That can get confusing during our dry fall,” he said. “We are removing the variability of free salts in the soil by adding a solution with a high concentration of salts. “This is cutting-edge.” Misleading pH readings have presented a problem for laboratory scientists and turf managers for some time, Sikora said. He said he spent about a year testing his method and analyzing the data before implementing it. “We’ve been collecting the data, and looked at the problem and how to make modifications for about a year,” he said. “But it’s been a problem for much longer than that.” Once the soil test is completed, lab technicians will use a calculation to convert the results from the potassium chloride test into the more familiar test to avoid confusion among growers. Other university laboratories such as those at the universities of Georgia and Missouri also use salt-based solutions, but nothing as potent as Sikora’s brew. “I am,” he said laughing, “definitely sticking my neck out.” |
In other news... Bayer consolidates professional, consumer divisions Jacqueline Applegate to oversee both segments; Josh Weeks to retire in November. Posted: 09/09/2010 Read more » July heat keeps many golfers at home Rounds played at private clubs, daily fee facilities drops 5 percent. Posted: 09/08/2010 Read more » Study examines spring pre-stress fertility programs Research finds no correlation between biostimulant applications before spring core cultivation and recovery. Posted: 09/02/2010 Read more » Aquatrols, TurfNet present Water Week The series of five Webinars is aimed at helping superintendents manage water and soils more efficiently. Posted: 09/01/2010 Read more » News and people briefs Registration opens soon for Irrigation Show, Briggs & Stratton elects new chairman, FMC taps new director for professional solutions division Posted: 09/01/2010 Read more » Complete news index » |
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