SERA-IEG
6-IEG-6
Nutrient Analysis of Soils, Plants, Water, and Waste Materials
Southern Extension and Research Activity Information Exchange Group 6
Annual Meeting, June 21-23, 2009, Texas A&M, College Station TX
In
Attendance:
1. Administrative:
--Rao Mylavarapu,
Chair
--Frank
Sikora, Vice-chair
--David
Hardy, Secretary
--David Kissel, Administrative Advisor, Extension
--Others Group Participants: Charles Mitchell, Gobi Huluka, Steve
Phillips, Cindy Herron, Morteza Mozaffari, Robert Miller, Leticia S. Sonon,
Keith Crouse, Larry Oldham, Manjula V. Nathan, Debbie Joines, Hugh Savoy, Tony Provin, J. Leon Young, Kathy
Moore, Hailin Zhang
2. Local host: Tony
Provin
3. State Representatives: See Participants Listing
4. Sponsorship:
a. Spectro Analytical – Bob Dussich
b. Elementar – Scott
Hughes & Nathan Wreyford
c. Lignin – Keith Hensley
d. Texas Scientific Products
June 22,
2009, Sunday
6:00PM
After
registration, Tony Provin welcomed the group that enjoyed a light dinner.
7:30PM
The
group was given an overview of instrumentation from Elementar represented by
Scott Hughes.
Bob
Dussich from Spectro Analytical followed with brief comments about ICP.
State
reports were given as follows:
State
Reports
Virginia-
Steve Heckendorn (via email)
Virginia
Tech Soil Testing Lab is now charging homeowners $10 (up from $7 as of July 1))
for a soil test.
Texas-
Tony Provin
Laboratory
relocation continues with current progress on the renovation of a 5500 sqft. structure on the edge of campus.
Field research- N and P correlation and calibration
activities. Extensive N with depth and cotton variety has
resulted in the development of new recommendations for shallow profile soil
sampling, reduction of N fertilizer rates (to be released in fall) and banding
of P fertilizer recommendations. Corn
and sorghum N and P fertilization studies continue.
Winter
legume studies were hampered by fall and winter drought; however observational
data for these plots and the addition of a new forage researcher should enhance
our future productivity. We have also
engaged in a survey of historic native pasture/prairie soil sampling to aid in
development of re-establishment recommendations. Additionally, soil profile/banding of
nutrients in forage hay systems is being studied.
The
laboratory was indirectly recognized, as it was a pivotal player in the
research and Extension activities supporting the award presented to Texas
AgriLife Extension Service (Texas Environmental Excellence Award for
Agriculture). The award, Texas’ highest
award was recognized by the Legislature presented by the Governor for work done
by Specialist and County Extension Faculty in reducing unneeded fertilizer
applications in the Lower Texas Rio Grande Valley.
The
laboratory added new instrumentation including: Spectro axial Arcos ICP; Brucker
MiniSpin 10 NMR; Metrohm Ion Chromatography system. A new Unity NIR is
currently being procured.
Samples
analyzed during calendar year 2008: 28120 soil; 1257 water; 5378 plant/forage; 1897
biosolid; and 9703 research samples.
Tennessee- Debbie Joines
The
Soil, Plant and Pest Center analyzes soil and forage
samples; offers plant disease and insect diagnosis for producers, homeowners
and researchers in all 95 counties of the state.
For calendar year
2008, sample totals were as follows:
·
Soil
– 27,285
·
Forage
– 1,294
·
Plant
Problem/Disease ID – 422
·
Insect
ID – 38
·
Golf
Course Problem – 54
Instrumentation
is as reported in 2008 however a new Orion ISE/pH meter and a Leica research
stereomicroscope system for plant and insect disease diagnosis were purchased. We were able to purchase a custom-built soil
dryer in fall 2008 which allows to cart in 400 samples to dry at a time. We have 1 full time lab technician, 1 full
time diagnostician, 2 full time administrative support personnel and support
for 3 student/part time employees.
A
new effort at calibration of P and K rates for corn production on low testing
soils began at both the Milan and Highland Rim Research and Education
Centers. Because recommendations to add
P and K are no longer made for high testing soils as of Jan. 2009, an effort to
verify and demonstrate a lack of response to both of these nutrients on high
testing soil was started at the locations listed above and will be used in
field days during 2010. Funding from the
Tennessee Department of Agriculture is making this work possible.
South Carolina- Kathy Moore
·
The lab has worked with a
programming group to update the software called ClemSAM
(Clemson soil analysis management) for users which creates soil forms and bag
labels and transmits all sample information electronically directly into the
lab soil database. Results when ready
are transmitted electronically back into the users ClemSAM
program. ClemSAM
also allows the user to change the crop codes on their reports and generate new
recommendations. This software is being
used in addition to the currently used system which has been electronically
sending back results since 2001. Hopefully,
as time goes, ClemSAM will be used by more county
offices and clients. The software is
available for download at this web site:
http://mercury.esri.sc.edu/ClemSAM_Install/index.html
·
Equipment – a new 450 L microbulk argon tank (inside building) is being rented from
National Welders which supplies argon to 2 ICPs.
·
The lab will lose all state
funding (including salaries and fringe) for the next fiscal year (2009 –
2010). It is hoped that the lab revenue
and an increase in the fertilizer tax money will cover all expenses.
·
Samples totals:
Ø soil
– 45,019 (12% increase over last year)
Ø plant
– 3,990
Ø feed
– 1,356
Ø water
– 404
Ø waste
– 1,982
Ø compost
– 76
Ø other
– 6,881
Oklahoma- Hailin Zhang
Soil,
Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory
·
The
total number of samples analyzed was 59,962 in 2008. We tested 30,839 soil, 3,064 water, 4,277 forage, 1,070 waste, and 20,662
various research samples during the year.
·
We
have 2 Spectro Ciros ICP spectrometers, 2 Lachats and 2 LECO TruSpec C/N
Analyzer in service. One of the ICP was replaced with a new Spectra Arco
System.
·
Phosphorous
in Mehlich 3 extract was switched to ICP from colorimetric quantification.
However, the reported value is converted to the colorimetric equivalent in the
range where P fertilizer is recommended because field calibration was based on
colorimetric method initially.
North Carolina-
·
A new LIMS system is being
designed for the Agronomic Division labs to replace the old system used since 1994.
·
Soil Testing Section
Ø The
soil test lab completed a soil test feasibility study for the legislature but
it appears that no fee will be placed on soil testing.
Ø The
soil lab retired one of the first ICAP 61E this past year and it was replaced
with a Spectro Arcos, placed on-line in January, 2009.
Ø The
soil testing lab is working on a new format for homeowner soil test reports to
make it easier to understand and to update fertilizer recommendations.
Ø Research
efforts- P and K requirements for Leyland cypress in cooperation with Eric Hinesley-
NCSU; lime, P, and K requirement for Vinifera vitus in cooperation with
Ø Soil
Testing Section (FY-2008) processed: 353,848- Total samples as follows:
344,488- routine; 4630-diagnostic; 4205-research; 525-internal
·
Plant, Waste and Solution
Section (FY-2008) analyzed: 29,900-Total, a 9% decrease compared to FY2007.
Ø Of
the total samples 10
Ø Waste
samples totaled 16
Ø Solution
samples totaled 2
Ø The
PWS Section continued to develop the SOP for soilless media analysis using the
saturated media extract (SME) method. The new service was introduced to assist
greenhouse and nursery growers to optimize crop production. The nursery and greenhouse
industry is the number one crop commodity in North Carolina and number three
after swine and turkeys. The lab began analyzing soilless media samples for
clients in July 2008 (FY2009).
Ø The
Section also continued development of an SOP for soil carbon analysis by oxygen
combustion.
Mississippi- Larry Oldham
and Keith Crouse
The soil testing program noted the passing of
Dr. James D. Lancaster in early 2009. He developed the Mississippi Soil Test,
and the calibration/correlation research basis for MSU ES recommendations.
Within
the MSU system, the laboratory is an Extension Service function of the
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences under interim head Jac
Varco. A search is underway for a permanent head, as well as Vice President of
the MSU Ag Division. Sample numbers were
constant, but trended downward with significant private sector soil testing
operating in the state. Through Cotton Incorporated funding, Mike Cox and Larry
Oldham are examining the various new lime requirement procedures offered in the
south for applicability to the diverse soils of Mississippi. Keith Crouse is
continuing field verification of potassium recommendations. A new cropping
systems agronomist comes on board in September (August graduate from Nebraska
soil science) who has the flexibility to work on soil fertility issues in his
program.
Keith
reported that the soil sample load was a record for two months during the
spring, but for the fiscal year the final numbers were about the same from last
year at 25,940 soil and 1,587 tissue samples.
We
are excited about the opportunity to host the next meeting of the group in
Starkville in June, 2010.
Louisiana- Jim Wang (by email)
The
LSU AgCenter Soil Testing and Plant Analysis
Laboratory analyzed 13,109 routine soils samples, 3,890 plant samples and 346
water samples in 2008, a slight increase of 4.8% in samples submitted for
routine soil tests.
A
Thomas Cain (DEENA) automated block digestor was
obtained for plant material. It automatically adds reagents and can
dilute to volume after digestion.
Additionally,
a Spectro ARCOS ICP was obtained with its operation after the first of this
year for all plant samples and most of the special analysis soil samples. The old
CIROS model now runs for routine soil sample analyses.
Georgia- Leticia
Sonon & Dave Kissel
·
Sample
Numbers from Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories (AESL)
comprised of three labs: Soil, Plant, and Water Lab (SPW); Feed and Environmental
Water Lab (FEW); and Pesticide and Hazardous Waste Lab (PHW). Soil numbers increased by about 5%. The sample numbers at AESL in the last two
years are shown in the Table 1 below.
|
Table 1. Number of samples analyzed at AESL
in the last two years. |
|||
|
Sample Type |
May 2007 - |
May 2008 - |
Difference |
|
April 2008 |
April 2009 |
||
|
Soils |
73,950 |
75,526 |
+ 1,576 |
|
Manures |
2,163 |
2,251 |
+ 88 |
|
Waters |
6,900 |
6,126 |
- 774 |
|
Plants |
6,178 |
4,737 |
- 1,441 |
|
Feed and Forages |
3,634 |
2,513 |
- 1,121 |
|
Microbiology |
1,175 |
1,374 |
+ 199 |
|
Georgia EPD contract |
2,968 |
2,068 |
- 900 |
|
Other |
1,357 |
1,305 |
- 52 |
|
TOTAL |
98,325 |
95,900 |
- 2,425 |
·
Personnel
Dr.
Uttam Saha will join UGA’s
Feeds and Environmental Lab as the Program Coordinator on August 1, 2009 to
replace the late Dr. Paul Vendrell. Dr. Saha is
currently connected with the University of Florida at Gainesville, FL.
·
New Laboratory
The
AESL has added a new laboratory, Trace
Level Analysis Lab, to handle analysis of elements at very low
concentrations in water, soil, manures, and any environmental samples. This lab
is equipped with new instrumentation including an axially viewed ICP ARCOS
(Spectro model FHE12 (ARCOS – EOP manufactured by Spectro 91 McKee Drive,
Mahwah, NJ 07430) and Cetac mercury analyzer is model
M-6100. It detects mercury vapor via CVAA, manufactured by CETAC
Technologies 14306 Industrial Road, Omaha, NE 68144
U.S.A.
·
Publications
Ø
Leticia Sonon and Julia Gaskin. 2009. Metal concentration
standards for land application of biosolids and other
by-products in Georgia. UGA Extension Bulletin #1353.
Ø David E. Kissel, Leticia Sonon, Paul Vendrell, and Robert Isaac. 2009. Salt concentration and
measurement of soil pH. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis,
40:179-187.
Ø Liu, Min, D.E. Kissel, L.S. Sonon, M.L.
Cabrera, and P.F. Vendrell. 2008. Effects of
biological nitrogen reactions on soil lime requirement determined by
incubation. Soil Soil. Sci
Soc Am J. Vol. 72 (3) 720-726.
Ø David E. Kissel and Leticia Sonon. 2008.
Soil Test Handbook for Georgia. Special Bulletin 62.
Ø Kissel, D.E., Mark Risse, Leticia Sonon and
Florida- Rao Mylavarapu
·
For
the new ANSERV Labs with four specific components, we have hired a new lab
manager, Mr. William d’Angelo, with over 28 years of
experience at USGS labs.
·
One
of the major tasks is to make the labs self-sufficient and pay the staff
salaries from lab revenues. About 40% of that task is completed and the rest is
planned in the next 2-3 years.
·
The
extension lab is planning to switch the extractant procedure from Mehlich1 to
Mehlich3 for all acid-mineral soils by the end of the year.
·
New
test protocols and procedures for Bahiagrass pastures, commercial citrus
producers and sodgrass have been developed and
implemented.
·
A
new test for Phosphorus Capacity Index is being developed and will be made
available from July, 2009.
Arkansas- Morteza Mozaffari
·
Soil Analysis
Ø
The
total number of soil samples analyzed in 2008 was 120,408. Of this total,
110,328 were samples submitted by clientele and the remaining 10080 samples
were standard check soils analyzed for quality assurance. This was a new record
since the inception of soil testing program in Arkansas. The number of grid
soil samples analyzed in 2008 was 56,660 which is approximately 51% of all
samples received and indicates a 15% increase in the number of grid soil
samples compared to 2007.
Ø
The
Marianna Laboratory continues to participate in the North American Proficiency
Testing Program coordinated by the Soil Science Society of America. In 2008, results from quarterly soil samples
continue to show the soil test results from the Marianna laboratory for
Mehlich-3 extractable nutrients and soil pH are accurate and comparable to
other laboratories using similar testing procedures.
·
Plant Analysis
Ø
The
number of plant samples analyzed by the laboratory has decreased compared to
2007. The Marianna laboratory will
continue to provide analytical services for the Cotton Petiole Monitoring
Program. The laboratory tested 438 petiole samples in 2008. Additionally 1,547
plant samples were tested for total elemental concentration and total nitrogen
was measured on 3,073 plant samples.
Ø
Plant
samples intended for diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and research plant
samples are directed to the Fayetteville Agricultural Diagnostic Services
Laboratory for analysis.
·
Publications:
Ø
The
Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Fertility Studies 2008 has
been prepared and can be accessed on the internet at
http://arkansasagnews.uark.edu/3562.htm
·
Laboratory Analytical Methods, Instruments/Equipment, and
Research:
Ø
Organic
matter analysis by Weight Loss on Ignition was performed on 794 soil samples in
2008.
Ø
We
need new laboratory instruments for continuing the soil testing services and reducing
the turnaround time. One of the four existing ICPs was purchased in 1991 and
two were purchased in 1997 and 1998. It is becoming increasingly difficult,
costly and labor intensive to maintain and operate these old instruments. We
are concerned that one or more of these instruments will breakdown. When funds
become available we must consider purchasing a new instrument. The soil pH
robot system is more than 14 years old. The operating system running the
software pH robot is Windows 98 based and is well outdated and does not allow
us to install effective virus and hacker protection programs on the existing
system. The hardware operating the robot is also old and occasionally breaks
down which delays analysis and requires time and funds to repair.
·
Service to the Public
Ø
Educational
programs were developed and delivered at various events to increase public
awareness of the U of A Soil Testing Program. There is
a need to educate some of our clientele on proper preparation of soil test
request forms (CES 435 form) and proper packaging of soil samples. The outcomes
should reduce the turnaround time and our labor costs. Training on these issues as well as certain
aspects of the laboratory operations will be included in the future educational
efforts.
Arkansas
Laboratory in Fayetteville- Nancy Wolf (by email)
The U of AR Agriculture Diagnostic Service
Laboratory located in Fayetteville analyzes plant tissue, manures, forages,
research soils and plants as a fee based service.
For calendar year 2008, the total number of
samples analyzed was 27,626. A breakdown
of the major sample groups are forages-1,040, manure-1,343, plant tissue-10,236
research soils-3,415, and partially prepared research samples at 11,384. The
total number of samples is a 20% increase from last year. We have not increased individual analyses
fees so this increase in sample numbers has allowed us to continue covering
salary and operating costs for now.
We are still running analysis on manures in
the Euchi-Spavinaw Watershed and gathering data on
water soluble phosphorus using the 1:10 method as mandated by the courts involved in
the poultry litter lawsuit. We are also running some samples at the 1:100
extraction ratio to eventually switch to the more
nationally accepted method.
We have not purchased any new instruments.
Our ICP needed major repair parts but is up and running now. We are still using
an Elementar Rapid N for analysis of nitrogen on
plant tissue and an Elementar Variomax
for C/N analysis on soils, manures, and liquid manures. We are using a Skalar SanPlus for inorganic
nitrogen in soils and manures. The newest challenge is how to sell or surplus
old instrumentation of which I have two
Alabama- Gobi Huluka
and Charles Mitchell
Traditionally,
the number of routine soil tests correlate well with the total row crop acreage
in Alabama. Cotton and peanut growers
have been the most dependable users of our services. The acreage of cotton in 2008 (290,000 acres)
is less than half what it was 5 years ago.
Peanut acreage has dropped a little to 195,000 acres but is now spread
out across the state rather than being concentrated in the Southeastern
counties as it was for decades. Corn and
soybeans are traditional rotation crops and their acreage has never been
intensively sampled. Both corn (260,000
acres in 2008) and soybean (260,000 acres) acreage is up considerably. Casual observations suggest that a lot of
land will not be planted in 2009 because of both weather (heavy spring rains)
and economics. The Tennessee Valley
which traditionally planted over 300,000 acres of cotton is almost all corn and
soybeans in 2009. We anticipate that
these changes will impact the number of soil samples we test.
In
2008, we initiated soil sample information submission via the web. However, this system is being used only by
our largest customers. Most samples are
still logged in at the lab. More and
more samples results are being emailed directly to customers and the
flexibility of having reports in different formats has been quite useful to our
customers e.g., Excel spread sheets and xml for precision ag
samples, traditional text reports, and graphic reports primarily for vegetable
and lawn samples. County agents and
specialists appreciate being able to do soil test summaries by county and
statewide and searches via the web.
Lab
activities summary for the past year included:
·
The total number of routine
soil samples was about 26,000 and was about 1000 more than a year before and
about the same number of forage, water and litter samples as last year. Our
routine turnaround time is 24 hours under normal conditions.
·
We have significantly made
our services available online for payments, delivery options, lime and
fertilizer calculators, and working on improved website for our lab.
·
Our vario MACRO CHN analyzer from
Elementar that was purchased last year is doing well, but consumes more
consumables that are expensive.
·
We switched from analyzing P
colorimetrically to using ICP.
·
We conducted a very successful Soil Testing
Advisory Committee meeting in April with the presence of the dean of the
College of Agriculture Dr. Richard Guthrie charring the meeting. Departments,
extension, agricultural research experiment station and producer
representatives were present. The state of the soil testing lab was discussed
with Dr. Charles Mitchell leading the presentation with the history of the lab.
We are planning to have an annual meeting of the committee that will include
agricultural consultants and more producers. The main purpose of the committee
is to discuss major issues pertained to the soil analysis service the lab
provides and make necessary suggestions. A similar AU Advisor Committee for
Forage Analysis is also formed and scheduled to meet soon.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Welcome
8:00
AM. Tony Provin welcomed the group in the absence of Texas AgriLife Research
and Extension, Dr. Travis Miller.
Administrative Report
8:20
AM. David Kissel.
Kissel
thanked Tony Provin for an outstanding effort in putting together the 2009
meeting.
Kissel
mentioned that the Research Administrative Advisor, Dr. Steve Workman, from Biological
and Agricultural Engineering- UKY was unable to come but expressed interest and
should be at the meeting next year. The representative from USDA-CREES has not
attended since the Clemson meeting in 2006 which may reflect the budget
situation. Minutes have not been sent to the contacts but rather to the
regional offices
Technical Session
8:30AM
NAPT data-
accessibility and applicability in teaching and research- - Frank Sikora, UKY
and Bob Miller- Colorado State University
--Frank
presented an overview of the NAPT database that he developed in Access and
talked about the value of it. He is presently using it in teaching a graduate
level soil class. Currently the database has data from 1999-2006 entered. There
was mention of establishing a link from SERA-6’s website to this database. The
database is found at http://soils.rs.uky.edu/NAPT_database.php
--Bob
talked about proficiency data methods comparisons and the use of covariables to help define soil property relationships. He
also talked about method precision as related to concentration.
9:15 AM
QA/QC in Soil Testing
Labs –Leticia Sonon- University of Georgia and Hailin Zhang- University of
Oklahoma.
--Leticia
presented the details of QA/QC used by UGA soil testing lab. She covered SOPs,
role of QA/QC officer, sample handling, on-line submission, sample sorting,
sample separators for sample order, scooping, comparing data ratios to detect
set “swaps,” check soil values, and pH measurement of extracting solutions.
--Hailin
discussed accuracy and precision and presented information on soil sampling as
related to the number of cores submitted to represent an area. He suggested 15
to 20 cores are needed to optimally sample a given area to achieve good
results.
10:15- Soil Test Calibrations –
--David
gave an introduction to soil calibration mentioning fertilizer cost being a major
concern for growers today. Growers are questioning rates and want to know how
low they can go without compromising yield. Calibration data are typically decades
old and were developed from differing cultural & production practices
(tillage, varieties, plant populations, etc.) than used by growers today. For
many private labs, it is not understood as to where their recommendations come.
--Dave
presented information about K recommendations and a situation he was involved
in this spring when a grower was questioning rates for corn under irrigated
conditions. He presented data from SSSAJ 56:141-148 and J. Prod. Agric.9:88-94.
Based on these articles, he though that the GA recommendations were on target. Subsoil
nutrients were discussed as to their importance. He encouraged the group that
this is an area that needs work.
11:00AM
Comparison of Several
Rapid Methods of Determining Lime Requirement, East Texas Soil Perspective -Dlamini and Leon Young
--Leon
presented work from a thesis study in comparing rapid methods to determine lime
rates on Ultisols and Alfisols.
The Adams-Evans buffer had been used since 1980 and with the p-nitrophenol disposal issue, they were seeking alternatives.
11:45-12:45PM LUNCH – Sponsored by Spectro
Analytical Instruments
12:45PM
NCERA-13 Update –Manjula
Nathan
--Manjula
brought news from the North Central Region group and mentioned that the group
was shrinking with some labs closed due to lack of support. The Nebraska lab is
now closed and Minnesota lab is running only 4 days a week. She mentioned that
they were trying to revitalize the group by inviting newer individuals as well
as representatives from private lab and consulting groups. She also mentioned the NCR group met in Iowa
in Feb. and had a workshop; the North American soil testing manual was also
mentioned.
1:00PM
IPNI (International
Plant Nutrition Institute) Activities –Steve Phillips
--Steve
presented an overview of IPNI and talked about differences from the PPI days.
The IPNI is represented by 17 member companies with a focus on international
nutrient issues and world food security. IPNI scientist have responsibilities
in research projects, outreach (Better Crops, N. American Soil Test Summary),
and education (CCA training, etc). The web site of IPNI is http://www.ipni.net/
As
related to the SERA-6 group’s interest in calibration and potential funding,
Steve suggested Foundation for Agronomic Research “FAR.” http://www.farmresearch.com/
1:15PM
Extension
of Routine Soil Tests for Environmental Assessments –Rao Mylavarapu
--Rao
talked about revising protocols for P testing for bahiagrass in southern FL
pastures. Deficient P is being seen where low soil test P levels are found; low
tissue P is detected too. He also discussed the P Index tool and the interest
in including Al and Fe in the soil P Capacity Index.
1:30PM
Nutrient
Management for Biofuel Crops – Larry Oldham
--Larry
said that a number of states (Univ. of TN, Univ. of AR, etc.) had on-going work
as related to nutrient management for biofuel crops and the status was
temporarily in a holding pattern.
2:15-3:00PM BREAK & TRAVEL TO TAMU CAMPUS
3:00PM
The Changing Paradigm – Soil Fertility and Forage Production,
Dr. Larry Redmon
--Dr. Travis Miller
welcomed the group to TAMU campus.
Afterward,
Dr. Redmon presented an interesting talk about fertilizer prices and the
nutrient requirements of bermuda as related to keeping
it viable or maintaining it. He presented varying budgets and cost/return information
at different fertilizer prices and levels of production. The importance of
legumes in supplying N, changing the forage base to native forage grasses (bahia, bluestem, Kleingrass) was discussed. A strategy to
determine fertility requirements was to see what the native fertility was in
the prairie. Deep supplies of nutrients
were mentioned.
3:45PM
SWFTL Tour. Tony Provin
--Tony toured the
group through the Soil, Water and Forage Testing Laboratory.
Tuesday,
June 23
TECHNICAL
SESSION
8:00AM
Another
word from our sponsors including:
Texas
Scientific Products- Tony gave appreciation to this sponsor; no representative
attended the meeting.
--Keith
Hensley from Lignin talked about his latest developments in supporting soil
labs to become more efficient through automation.
The
sponsors were thanked for their continued support.
8:30 AM
Regional Survey on
Water Analysis –Gobi Huluka
--Gobi
talked about the reasons that we test water and that 6 labs had participated in
the recent survey. Each lab somewhat delivers a tailored service with needs
being the reason for such differences.
There
was discussion among the group about moving water analysis forward; this comes
partly as a response from CES agents’ interest in water testing and education. A Water Testing Subcommittee would be
formed composed of representation from GA (Leticia), Al (Gobi), OK (Hailin),
and FL (Rao). Leticia will lead / chair the group.
9:00AM
Publications
--Debbie
Joines discussed the publication-DRAFT: Mineral Status of Forage in TN. She
gave an overview. Cattle develop rough coats because of inadequate nutrition
(Cu deficiency) that appears to be S related. Air emissions are the source of
S. Sulfur interacts with Cu utilization in cattle. A level of S > 0.25% in
forage is viewed as antagonistic; the max. tolerance
concentration is 0.40% S. A Cu level of 10 ppm in forage is desirable but
levels < 7 ppm have been found. She also discussed luxury consumption of K
and effects on Mg uptake.
Forage
testing is recommended to evaluate nutrition. Supplements with Cu can be given.
There
was discussion about the need for this fact sheet. Charlie Mitchell and Kathy
Moore would review the fact sheet drafted by Debbie and Tony would provide a
link on the SERA site so states could acquire.
--Charlie
Mitchell passed out the Soil Testing & Recommendations for Cotton on
Coastal Plains Soils- DRAFT and gave background on the project.
Information
from TX and OK should be removed since the states are not in the C. Plains.
Charlie
asked for reviews of the publication to be complete by mid-July and especially
encourage co-authors to review. All states should respond to Charlie.
--Rao
mentioned the need to have the REFERENCE SUFFICIENCY RANGES
FOR PLANT ANALYSIS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF THE UNITED STATES SCSB 394 placed
on the web as a PDF file. David responded that he would ask the communication
specialist with NCDA to look into this.
--Dave Kissel discussed the need for a publication on
calibration. There was concern over representing soil test P & K levels in
pounds per acre instead of these representing an index measure of nutrient
level. It was questioned if any work existed on Mehlich 3 extractable levels
and plant uptake. Calibration and correlation were mentioned. A Soil Test
Calibration Subcommittee would be formed consisting of membership from AL, GA,
TN, TX, MS, NC, FL, and OK. Kissel would lead the effort.
--Hugh Savoy mentioned the Bulletin 190 and the need for
a publication number. Kissel suggested taking this to the sub-regional office
in NC.
9:30AM
‘Internal
Support for State Labs’ -White paper
--Dave
Kissel led the discussion. There was a general agreement that the white paper
was very good. FL already forwarded to the Extension Deans and County/District
Extension Directors in the state. It was decided that the authors of the white
paper work on bringing the document to a final form and then forward it to the
SERA-6 Research Administrative Advisor for comments and onward transmission to
the Director-at-large at the Southern Region Director’s office.
10:15AM
NAPT
Update -Provin
--Tony
gave a brief update from the NAPT. The program was trying to acquire more soils
across the U.S., so if you have a soil to send, the program will pay for
shipping.
10:25AM
Proposal for a new
methods publication for the Southeastern USA –Frank Sikora
--Sikora
sent out a proposal to the group about the need for developing a Methods manual
for the Southern Region to replace the original 1983 and supplemental 1992
publications. Discussion about the national procedures manual being led by
other groups also ensued but it was decided that a new updated publication for
the southern region is required. So a subcommittee was formed with volunteer
members from- FL, MS, AL, AR, SC, LA, GA and TX (Leon and Tony), which would
meet four times (Aug, Nov, Feb, June) a year. Sikora will send out reminders
and topics.
11:00AM
Next Meeting
-Mississippi
--Oldham
accepted to host the 2010 annual meeting in Starkville. He explained the
possible modes of travel to Starkville. Of the two possible sets of dates
available, June 13, 14 and 15 were preferred by the group. More information
will be forthcoming from Oldham.
--
The Water testing subgroup opted to meet alongside of the meeting in
Mississippi in 2010 for half-a-day or a day.
12:00NOON Adjourn