Pond Bottom Soil Analyses

Abstract

Soil testing laboratories can make most of the common soil analyses. They are operated by universities, government agencies, or private business and can be found in most countries. Analyses usually are done on a fee basis. Although analyses can be made in soil testing laboratories, aquaculturists must know how to collect and prepare samples for delivery to laboratories. Some aquacultural workers may want to make their own soil analyses. Researchers have access to analytical laboratories, and they can conduct soil physical and chemical analyses by methods found in Jackson,¹ Page et al.,² Klute,³ and Soil Survey Investigations Staff.⁴ Some common and important pond soil analyses, such as moisture content, texture, bulk density, organic matter, soil respiration, pH, and lime requirement, can be made with little equipment. Many extension workers, consultants, and farm managers may find it convenient to conduct these analyses themselves. Apparatus and reagents for these analyses can be purchased for a reasonable price, and the analytical expertise for conducting these analyses is not great. Soil analysis kits may be purchased for making some key soil analyses.