The Soil, Plant & Water Analysis Laboratory at Stephen F. Austin was established in 1952 to meet the soil, plant, and water analysis needs of the East Texas community. The Lab also functions in support of the educational program in the Agriculture Department and is used for research sample analysis by a number of departments across campus. A variety of services are provided to meet the needs of growers and others involved with agriculture in the East Texas area and beyond. Some of these services include:

Soil analysis
  • Regular soil test

Soil is analyzed for nitrate nitrogen, and extractable phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur. The level of each nutrient is reported along with the concentration. In addition, electrical conductivity is measured to determine the level of soluble salts. Soil pH and a buffer pH are measured to determine a lime requirement.

  • Complete soil test

Includes the above test plus the concentration of iron, copper, zinc and manganese. Boron level can be determined for an additional charge.

  • Saturated paste extract

Designed particularly for potting media. Analyzed for nitrate-N, pH, soluble salts, calcium, magnesium and sodium.

  • Other soil tests

Other soil test procedures include soil texture determination, detailed salinity analysis, CEC and total S, P or N.

Forage and plant tissue analysis
  • Regular forage analysis

Analysis for percent moisture, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and an estimated TDN. A protein only test can be conducted at a reduced price.

  • Complete forage analysis

Includes the above test plus analysis for concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper and sulfur.

  • Leaf tissue analysis

Primarily for non-forage plants. Analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper, zinc and boron.

  • Nitrate analysis

Determines nitrate levels for producers concerned about potential nitrate toxicity in a forage.

  • Near infrared reflectance spectrometry

Provides a rapid determination of percent moisture, crude protein, ADF, NDF, TDN and relative feed value for grass and legume forages.

Water Analysis
  • Standard water analysis

Primarily for irrigation water. Includes determination of pH, electrical conductivity (salts), carbonates, bicarbonates, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, sulfate, chloride, phosphate and nitrate.

Other tests routinely conducted by the Lab include lime quality analysis and poultry litter analysis for both feed and fertilizer use.

A detailed report is returned to the customer at the completion of each of the above mentioned analyses. For additional information about the above tests or the other capabilities of the Lab, call (936) 468-4500, or email dchessman@sfasu.edu , or write P.O. Box 9020 SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962-9020.

Just click on one the pdf files below. In order to view the files, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available free at: http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html 

Need a Forage Analysis Form?

Forage Analysis Form pdf format ~ Print out and fill out, include as much information as possible.

Need a Soil Analysis Form?

Soil Analysis Form pdf format ~ Print out and fill out, include as much information as possible.

How to take a soil sample pdf format ~ Step by step instructions on collecting soil samples for analysis.

 

Why do we need to soil test?

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Last Revised 09/14/04