Soil Nutrient Analysis Lab (SNAL)
Contacts
General Contact
soiltest@uconn.edu
860.486.4274
Staff
Dawn Pettinelli
Manager
- 6 Sherman Place, Unit 5102
- dawn.pettinelli@uconn.edu
- 860.486.4274
Location
Campus Address
6 Sherman Place
Storrs Campus
Mailing Address
6 Sherman Place, Unit 5102
Storrs, CT 06269
Services and Rates
Plant Tissue Analysis
Not only can plant tissue testing be used to monitor the nutrient status of plants, but it can also help identify nutrient deficiencies and imbalances. Results would include total percent nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium along with the parts per million (on dry weight basis) of boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, zinc, aluminum and lead. Results will indicate whether each nutrient is within sufficiency or average ranges. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/analysis/
Standard Soil Nutrient Analysis (Modified Morgan)
Samples submitted for the Standard Nutrient Analysis are analyzed for plant available calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, aluminum and boron. The soil pH is determined and samples are screened for estimated total lead. Soil test results also include an estimation of the soil textural class and amount of soil organic matter. Limestone and fertilizer recommendations are made based on test results and the crop being grown. (Soils sent in the pre-paid soil test collection kits receive this test.) The standard nutrient analysis is appropriate for lawns, vegetables, flowers, woody ornamentals, fruits, agronomic crops and nursery crops (like Christmas trees) grown in mineral soil. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/price/
Saturated Media Extract (SME): For Soilless Greenhouse Media
This analysis is appropriate for soilless greenhouse media or mixes containing 20 percent or less mineral soil. Samples submitted for the Saturated Media Analysis are analyzed for plant available calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, boron, iron, manganese, and zinc. Quick diagnostic tests estimate nitrate-nitrogen and ammonium-nitrogen. Media pH and soluble salts are also determined. Recommendations can be requested by the University’s Extension Specialist for Greenhouse Crops. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/price/
Soil pH Only Analysis
The pH is determined and limestone recommendations are made if the soil pH needs to be increased while sulfur recommendations are given if the soil pH needs to be decreased. Soil pH testing is also included in the standard nutrient analysis. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/price/
Soluble Salts
The total soluble salts are determined using a 1:2, V:V electrical conductivity method. Interpretation is provided. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/price/
Organic Matter Content
This analysis gives the percent organic matter in soil or compost determined by the loss on ignition. Most plants do best in soils with organic matter contents between 4 and 8 percent. Finished composts usually range from 40 to 60 percent organic matter. Interpretation is provided but recommendations are not made. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/price/
Soil Textural Analysis
The total amounts of sand, silt and clay sized particles are determined using a hydrometer method. Soils are categorized according to USDA soil textural classifications. No recommendations are provided. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/price/
Pre-Sidedress Soil Nitrate Test (PSNT)
The PSNT measures plant available nitrate-nitrogen in the soil and is used by commercial silage corn, sweet corn and pumpkin growers. Turf growers may also find this test useful. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/price/
End-of-Season Cornstalk Test
Cornstalks collected in a prescribed manner at harvest are analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen. Results indicate whether below optimum, optimum or above optimum amounts of nitrogen were applied during the growing season. This test is often used in conjunction with the PSNT. For more detailed information: https://soiltesting.cahnr.uconn.edu/price/