Soilless Greenhouse Media, Saturated Media Extract

Order Instructions

• Multiple samples with the same analysis (e.g. Standard + organic matter %)
  
  1. Enter in matching order across all fields (comma-separated): sample IDs, list of materials, brand, crops. 
  2. Specify quantity in the "ADD TO CART" field.
• To receive a printed copy of your results by mail
  Add the "Soil lab Shipping & Handling" ($2) product to your cart.
• Include the Order ID (from receipt), print or handwritten on paper, in your package.
• Sending your samples to the lab
  • Mail: Paige Laboratory, Room 120, 161 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003 
  • Drop-off: use the gray dropbox mounted to the back exterior of the building. 

Greenhouse Media Sampling Instructions

It is very important that you take the necessary steps to obtain a representative sample.

1. Sampling:

1. Potting or transplanting media pile: Collect samples from at least 10 locationsin the pile, combine and thoroughlymix.
2. Potted plants: Collect media samples from root depth of at least 10 pots. Combine and thoroughly mix.
3. Ground beds or bench crops: Collect cores from top to bottom of media from at least 10 locations, combine and thoroughly mix.

2. Place about 2 cups of your well mixed media sample in a heavy zip-lock bag labeled with your Sample ID and completed submission form. Samples should be submitted “as is” and do not requiring drying.

Samples should be delivered to the lab a quickly as possible to prevent spoilage.

Hand deliver or mail the sample, submission form to:

Paige Laboratory, Room 120,
161 Holdsworth Way
Amherst, MA 01003 

Greenhouse Media Test Descriptions & Fees

• Standard Media Test: $30.00
  Includes pH of water saturated media, electrical conductivity, and nutrient content (nitrate-N, ammonium-N, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, and boron) of saturated media extract.

Optional Testing

• • Organic Matter Percentage: $6.00
    Measurement of soil organic matter by loss on ignition at 360 degrees C
  • Additional Elements: $5.00
    Extractable sulfur (S) and sodium (Na) of water saturated media (may be added on to Standard Media Test only)
• Media pH and Soluble Salts Only: $15.00
  Provides pH and electrical conductivity of the water saturated media

Optional Testing

• • Organic Matter Percentage: $6.00
    Measurement of soil organic matter by loss on ignition at 360 degrees C
    Note: For irrigation water or nutrient solutions used in hydroponics, deduct $5.00 from total fee. 

soiltest@umass.edu

soiltest.umass.edu