Subject: Re: [SANET-MG] CO2 Extraction - Soil Testing

From: Joel Gruver <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 23:08:11 -0400

Hello folks,

A quick lit search of the National Ag library database (AGRICOLA) turned up
only one article by A D Lengyel in the last 20 years.

AU:  Lengyel,-A.D.
TI:  The use of soil and plant analysis in maximizing growth, production and
  freeze resistance of jojoba.
SO:   Proceedings : Seventh International Conference on Jojoba and Its Uses
/
  edited by A.R. Baldwin. Champaign, Ill. : American Oil Chemists' Society,
  1988. p. 112-116.

This proceedings does not appear to be in the NCSU library system.

**********************

If the CO2 extraction methodology used by the Texas Plant and Soil lab is
performed routinely, it surely is a rapid extraction process like other
routine soil test methodologies *and* very different than the slow processes
by which nutrients are acquired over a growing season by crop roots.

The important question is whether the quantity of nutrients obtained using
CO2 extraction is consistently predictive of crop response to nutrient
management. Extensive field testing (a range of crops and soils) is required
to determine the predictive value of extraction techniques. It is unusual
for private labs to be able to afford extensive field testing. As a result
private labs normally use extraction/interpretation methodologies that have
been field tested by public labs *or* they use methodologies that have not
been rigorously tested (from a research perspective).

Is any one familiar with the history of the Morgan extractant ?

Joel

Joel Gruver
Dept of Soil Science
NC State University
[email-masked]

>From: Steve Diver <[email-masked]>
>Reply-To: Sustainable Agriculture Network Discussion Group
><[email-masked]>
>To: [email-masked]
>Subject: Re: [SANET-MG] CO2 Extraction - Soil Testing
>Date: Sat, 9 Oct 2004 20:40:56 -0500
>
>Hi Steve B.,
>
>My exposure leads to the same sources.
>
>It originated in Arizona and the commercial lab
>that employs this method is TPSL.
>
>K. Chandler himself would be a good source, which you
>know from first-hand experience.
>
>A trip to an agricultural library might turn up something.
>There are a number of soil analysis manuals
>and handbooks, some older and some newer.
>
>What is helpful to know is that K. Chandler says
>that CO2 extraction mimics nutrient availability
>to plant roots, which is the same thing the lab advisors
>who were students of Carey Reams say about the
>Morgan Extract.
>
>Steve Diver
>
>
>Steve Bridges wrote:
>
>>Can anyone provide me with a description, or leads for more
>>information, on the CO2 Extraction Method of soil testing? And how
>>it compares with other extraction methods?
>>
>>
>>
>>This type of soil testing originated under Dr. Albin D. Lengyel, at
>>the University of Arizona during the 1970's. The only lab that I know
>>of that uses this type of soil extraction is the Texas Plant and Soil Lab.
>>
>>
>>
>>I've searched the web and come up empty handed. Any help would be
>>appreciated.
>>
>>Steve Bridges
>>
>
>
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---

From: Steve Diver <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2004 15:06:57 -0500

Hey Joel -

I looked into the Morgan soil test several years back and
went to the library to see the original agricultural experiment
station bulletins, as below.

It was an early soil test extract solution that resulted in a quick
test with color-coded results.  The bulletins have the original
color plates.  The LaMotte Soil Test Kit was based on the
Morgan Universal Soil Extract and they still sell soil test kits
to farmers as well as professional labs.

I think that Carey Reams adopted the Morgan soil test for
this reason.  He was a farm advisor who taught farmers how
to do their own quick tests and make adjustments during
the growing season, using soil and foliar amendments.   He also
likened the weak acetic acid buffer for available plant nutrients
to be be similar to organic acids from root exudates and
so forth.

As you know, the modern labs have a long list of specific
soil extracts for regional soil conditions and elemental analysis,
including Morgan, Modified Morgan, Mehlich, Olsen, etc.
Colorimeters and spectrophotometers provide detailed and
accurate results.

Morgan, M. F. 1939. The Universal Soil Testing System. Connecticut
Agr. Expt. Sta. Bull. 392.

Morgan, M.F. 1941. Chemical Soil Diagnosis by the Universal Soil
Testing System. Connecticut Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull. 450.

Lunt, H.A., C.L.W. Swanson, and H.G.M. Jacobson. 1950.
The Morgan Soil Testing System.  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Sta.
Bull. 541.

Interestingly, the eco-farming system still follows the advanced
methods that Carey Reams advocated.  In addition to soil
monitoring, they have adopted the three-pocket meter approach
to tissue sap monitoring, using the Brix, pH, and EC meters.

Perhaps you would like to check in with ATTRA and get
the resource list titled "An Eco-Farming Approach to Foliar
Fertilization," available in print only.

Regards,
Steve Diver