Analytical programs & sampling
Our analyses programs for soil samples and sampling are described in detail on this page.
Initial Sampling / Basic Characterization
The initial sampling / basic characterization describes the current state of the soil and is therefore the basis for the derivation of measures to optimize soil fertility and plant nutrition.
Validity: 5 to 10 years
Among others, you will receive the following information:
- What is the current nutrient supply? Are the nutrients in balance? Can nutrients (e.g. phosphorus) be mobilized or is there a need for fertilization?
- In which acid buffer system is the soil currently located? Is there a need for liming?
- What is the humus content and its quality? What are the environmental conditions for soil organisms?
- Is the soil fit for climate change and soil fertility preserved in a sustainable manner? Is the potential of the site being exploited?
- Are the soil functions (e.g., ground protection, flood protection) fulfilled? Does the soil bear a hazardous potential (e.g., potentially toxic substances)?
Range of parameters:
Basic Parameters / Sorption Complex:
Soil texture (KH), coloration, turbidity, pHKCl, pHWater, lime content, electrical conductivity (eC), Corg (=soil organic matter content), C/N, C/P, C/S (soil organic matter quality), cation exchange capacity (CECactual, CECpotential), base saturation, substance ratios on the sorption complex (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, NH4, Fe, Mn, H, pot. acid).
Elements in the Water Extract:
Ca, Mg, K, Na, NH4-N, NO3-N, Al, Ba, P, Si, SO4, Cl, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, B, As, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Tl, V.
Elements in the Exchanger Extract:
Ca, Mg, K, Na, NH4-N, Al, Ba, P, Si, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, B, As, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Tl, V.
Elements in the Reserve Fraction:
Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, Ba, P, Si, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, B, As, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Ti, V.
5 Phosphorus Pools:
Water-soluble, exchangeable, acid-soluble and organic phosphorus as well as total contents.
Consultation (included in the price): We are happy to support you with any questions via telephone, email, and if necessary, on-site!
Presentation of results: The results of the analyses are presented clearly in the form of two comprehensive summary sheets. Furthermore, a detailed and informative report explains and describes the result (see exemplary analysis below).
Show exemplary analysis for Basic Characterization
price: net € 395,00
Resampling variant-A
Comparison of Soil Properties and Plant Nutrition
Recommended 3 to 5 years after Initial Sampling.
The resampling variant-A is only possible after Initial Sampling (Basic Characterization) and serves to monitor and evaluate the changes induced by the implemented amelioration. The resampling A program includes the same basic parameters and fractions as the Basic Characterization (see Initial Sampling), the results are presented on the basis of a comparative short report.
Range of parameters:
Basic parameters / Sorption complex:
Soil texture (KH), coloration, turbidity, pHKCl, pHWater, lime content, electrical conductivity (eC), Corg (=soil organic matter content), C/N, C/P, C/S (soil organic matter quality), cation exchange capacity (CECactual, CECpotential), base saturation, substance ratios on the sorption complex (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, NH4, Fe, Mn, H, pot. acid).
Elements in the water extract:
Ca, Mg, K, Na, NH4-N, NO3-N, Al, Ba, P, Si, SO4, Cl, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, B, As, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Tl, V.
Elements in the exchanger extract:
Ca, Mg, K, Na, NH4-N, Al, Ba, P, Si, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, B, As, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Tl, V.
Elements in the reserve fraction:
Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, Ba, P, Si, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, B, As, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Ti, V.
5 Phosphorus pools:
Water-soluble, exchangeable, acid-soluble and organic phosphorus as well as total contents.
Consultation (included in the price): We are happy to support you with any questions via telephone, email, and if necessary, on-site!
Show exemplary analysis for Resampling variant A
price: net € 305,00
Resampling variant-B
Comparison of Soil Properties
Recommended: 3 to 5 years after Initial Sampling.
The resampling variant-B is only possible after Initial Sampling (Basic Characterization) and serves to monitor and evaluate the changes induced by the implemented amelioration. The resampling A program includes the same basic parameters as the Basic Characterization (see Initial Sampling), the results are presented on the basis of the overview sheet “Soil Properties”.
Range of parameters:
Basic parameters / Sorption complex:
Soil texture (KH), coloration, turbidity, pHKCl, pHWater, lime content, electrical conductivity (eC), Corg (=soil organic matter content), C/N, C/S (soil organic matter quality), cation exchange capacity (CECactual, CECpotential), base saturation, substance ratios on the sorption complex (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, NH4, Fe, Mn, H, pot. acid).
Consultation (included in the price): We are happy to support you with any questions via telephone, email, and if necessary, on-site!
Show exemplary analysis for Resampling variant B
price: net € 220,00
Grundbodenuntersuchung (CAL method)
Range of parameters:
Phosphorus and potassium (CAL method)
pH-value CaCl2
Presentation of results: test report
price: net € 25,00
Soil Sampling
The proper soil sampling is of particular importance in the analytical process, since the respective measures for improving or preserving soil fertility are derived on the basis of the analyzed soil samples. Only a representative sample can provide sound analytical results!
Sampling should therefore be well prepared and carried out as follows:
- Definition of pedological homogenous subareas (based on soil maps, yield mappings, aerial images, own experiences, etc.), Selection of subareas to sample (depending on area extension and question of interest, the priorities may be set).
- Specification of the sampling circle (about 10 m to 150 m in diameter). Documentation of the midpoint (e.g. by GPS, documentation on a map).
- Extracting a composite sample within the sampling circle (spade, sampling devices, sample driller, 10 to 15 individual samples). Caution: nickel-plated/chrome-plated/coated tools may affect the test results. The sampling depth is based on genetic soil horizons and not on fixed depth levels.
- Mixing (“Homogenizing”) the 10 to 15 individual samples in a clean bucket to create a representative composite sample, sort out “disturbing elements” (e.g. parts of plants, animals, etc.). Soil chunks should be reduced to smaller pieces before homogenisation. Filling of a sample bag with about 1.5 kg of homogenized sample material (you can order sample bags directly from us; unused freezer bags are also suitable).
- Labelling of the sample bag anThe Proper Timing of Soil Samplingd completing the assignment form.
The Proper Timing of Soil Sampling
- Dynamic equilibrium is established 6 to 8 weeks after the application of management measures (e.g. tillage, input of mineral/organic substances). The soil must not be too soggy, the moisture level should allow passage of the ground. Favourable moments for soil sampling are often before or after harvesting (before stubble breaking) and in spring (at least 6°C soil temperature for approx. 2 weeks).
Shipping
- Close the sample carefully and ship it along with the assignment form to the delivery address below. Shipping should not exceed 2 to 3 days. You’re also kindly welcomed to deliver the samples in person.
- Shipping Address/Delivery Address: TB Unterfrauner GmbH, Umseerstraße 39, 3040 Neulengbach OT Tausenblum, Austria.
- If it is not possible to ship the sample immediately, the sample should be stored as follows:
- Unsealed sample stored in a dust-free, dry room at room temperature (storage up to 1 month). Caution: pets and rodents may cause contamination of the sample.
- Sample sealed in the freezer (storage up to 3 months)
- If the soil sample cannot be shipped immediately, it must be stabilized for storage (approximately 1 month at room temperature in a dust-free and dry room, leaving it open (Caution: Pets and rodents could contaminate the sample) or approximately 3 months sealed in the freezer).
- The results are usually available no later than 3 weeks after receipt of the soil sample in the laboratory of TB Unterfrauner GmbH.
Resampling:
For the Resampling, please note additionally:
- Selection of the sampling area: the same sampling circle of the homogeneous subarea should be selected as for the Initial Sampling.
- Selection of sampling time: ideally, resampling should take place at a comparable moment/season to Initial Sampling (spring, summer, autumn).
- Selection of sampling depth: as for Initial Sampling.
Assignment Form „Soil Samples“
Essential information is gathered with the assignment form “Soil Samples“. It is important to fill out the form as accurately and completely as possible. Only by doing so, it is possible to consider and integrate the particular site, agricultural practices and the type of cultivation into the assessment and interpretation. For the subsequent sampling (Resampling A and B), please be sure to enter the BD-number of the Initial Sampling!
Send the assignment form together with the soil sample or deliver it in person to the following delivery address. Shipment should not exceed 2 to 3 days.
Farms/Companies which are not located in Austria may declare their VAT-ID-Number. In that case, the invoice is issued exclusive of VAT.
Delivery address:
TB Unterfrauner GmbH
Umseerstraße 39
3040 Neulengbach OT Tausenblum
Austria
