Technical Services
Plant Analysis
Our comprehensive plant analysis service measures the amount of nutrients contained in the plant at the time of sampling and is the best indicator of trace elements currently available.
At Summit, we offer a comprehensive plant analysis service. Plant analysis measures the amount of nutrients contained in the plant at the time of sampling and is the best indicator of trace elements currently available. This service is also useful for:
- Predicting plant nutritional problems during the early growing season.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of the current fertilizer strategy.
- Determining what nutrients are available to grazing animals.
- Locating specific areas of the paddock where deficiencies of one or more nutrients may occur.
- Optimizing yields.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, you can rely on our team to deliver a world class plant testing service.
Benefits of a Summit Plant Analysis
- Independent laboratory testing
- Rapid turnaround times
- Wide range of nutrients measured
- Continued support from Area Managers trained in plant sampling techniques
Plant test reports available to view and download online via SummitConnect
Soil Analysis
Soil Sampling Guide
Nutrient
Symbol
Units Used
Adequate Range Expected
Comments
Phosphorus
P
ppm (mg/kg)
15 - 45
Dependent on crop/pasture type and soil type.
Potassium
K
ppm (mg/kg)
40 - 120
Lupins and Canola are less sensitive to K deficiency. Clover and Medic require higher soil levels.
Sulphur
S
ppm (mg/kg)
5 - 15
Dependent on soil type.
Nitrate
ppm (mg/kg)
up to 30
Very mobile in the soil. May be lost to leaching.
Ammonium
ppm (mg/kg)
up to 20
Stable in the soil as it is a cation, but converts to Nitrate readily.
Copper
Cu
ppm (mg/kg)
>0.3
Soil tests for Copper are a guide only.
Zinc
Zn
ppm (mg/kg)
0.12-0.5
Dependent on soil pH. The more alkaline the soil (higher pH) the higher the soil Zinc level needs to be.
Organic Carbon
O.C.
%
1.0 - 3.0
Dependent on soil type and rainfall.
Electrical Conductivity
EC(salt)
dS/m
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pH
>5.0
Aluminium
5.0
As pH declines (becomes more acidic) Aluminium levels can increase in some soil types. High Aluminium levels will affect root growth reducing their ability to explore large volumes of soil and therefore their access to nutrients and soil moisture. (Read the article on soil pH here)
PBI
PBI is a function of soil type. Generally as a soil contains more iron, clay and organic matter, the higher the PBI. (See article)
Nutrient
Symbol
Units Used
Nitrogen
N
%
Phosphorus
P
%
Potassium
K
%
Sulphur
%
Calcium
Ca
%
Magnesium
Mg
%
Copper
Cu
ppm
Zinc
ppm
Manganese
ppm
Boron
B
ppm
Sodium
Na
ppm
Iron
Fe
ppm
Nitrate
ppm
Chloride
Cl
%
Options
Molybdenum
Mo
ppm
