ISHS Acta Horticulturae 99: Symposium on Substrates in Horticulture other than Soils In Situ
COMPARISON OF METHODS OF ANALYSIS FOR LOAMLESS COMPOSTS |
| Author: | E.W. Johnson |
| Abstract:
Various methods have been suggested for assessing the nutrient content of loamless composts. Indeed, there are nearly as many methods as there are researchers of the techniques. The Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS) has, until 1 January 1979, used the method of analysis used for many years for soil analysis, using a 2 mm air dried sample. It was recognised that this was unsatisfactory for some loamless mixtures and certain nutrients, and it was decided to look for an alternative method using a fresh undried sample for analysis. Three methods of analysis were compared, that used by Messrs Fisons Levington Research Station, a Dutch method used by the States of Guernsey and the ADAS soil method. Three regional centres and the States of Guernsey analysed the same sixty samples of various loamless mixtures by at least two of the methods and in duplicate. Correlations are given for a range of nutrients between the methods of analysis and a tentative interpretation of the Levington method now in use in all ADAS laboratories is presented. | |
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