Annual/Termination Reports:

[08/01/2002] [02/09/2005] [11/05/2004] [07/11/2005] [06/07/2006] [06/07/2007]

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Accomplishments and Impacts: The work-group continues to be a forum for interaction of members concerning soil, plant, waste, and water analysis issues. Although laboratory procedures and equipment are reviewed, major emphases are placed on recommendations. Uniform regional recommendations are agreed upon where appropriate. This has significant impact on national efforts to protect the environment, improve water quality, and preserve natural resources.<br /> <br><br /> <br>The exchange group continues to emphasize electronic data transfer, which provides faster turn-around time and greater accuracy. Shared information on data collection, report generation and electronic transfer has significantly impacted the ability of participating laboratories to accomplish these tasks.<br /> <br><br /> <br>The mission statement for SERA-IEG-6 was reviewed and updated to reflect progressive views of farm wastes as by-products of agriculture. After administrative approval, the new statement will be posted on the web site.<br /> <br><br /> <br>During the coming year, efforts will be focused on completing bulletins in various stages of preparation. Members will continue to work collectively and individually to emphasize proper use of soil testing, plant, waste, and water analysis in protecting the environment and preserving soil and water resources.<br /> <br>

Publications

Hanlon, E. A., Procedures Used by State Soil Testing Laboratories in the Southern Region of the United States, Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin 190-C, 2001. http://bioengr.ag.utk.edu/soiltestlab/pubs/SR_bulletin190.pdf

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Participants

A list of SERA-IEG-6 members and participants in the 2004 meeting along with a record of the minutes from this meeting can be found at the following URL: http://www.clemson.edu/agsrvlb/sera6 - click on Participants.

" Project or Activity Leadership: Activity Leadership:
Chair  Ray Campbell, crcampb@bellsouth.net
Past Chair  Kathy Moore, kmr@clemson.edu
Chair-elect  Hugh Savoy, hsavoy@utk.edu
Secretary  Hailin Zhang, zhailin@okstate.edu
Research Administrative Advisor  Bob Westerman, rwester@okstate.edu
Extension Administrative Advisor  David Kissel, dkissel@arches.uga.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

http://www.clemson.edu/agsrvlb/sera6 (click on minutes)

Accomplishments

The work-group continues to be a forum for interaction of members concerning soil, plant, waste, and water analysis issues. Although laboratory procedures and equipment are reviewed, major emphases are placed on recommendations. Uniform regional recommendations are agreed upon where appropriate. This has significant impact on national efforts to protect the environment, improve water quality, and preserve natural resources. <br /> <br /> The 2004 Joint Meeting was hosted by NEC-1007 and facilitated a discussion and comparison of Code 590 and State regulations for nutrient management across the participating regions. SERA-IEG-6 stresses the importance of member involvement as rules are developed in the various States. <br /> <br /> During the coming year, efforts will be focused on completing bulletins in various stages of preparation. Efforts will also be made to place old publications such as Mehlichs work on Web site. Members will continue to work collectively and individually to emphasize proper use of soil testing, plant, waste, and water analysis in protecting the environment and preserving soil and water resources.<br /> <br /> The Oklahoma State University Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory will host the 2005 SERA-IEG-6 meeting.<br />

Publications

" Publications in Progress: Reviewers have Bulletin 190 and it should be approved and posted on Web by this fall; Regional Cotton Fertility Bulletin- In Progress, Charles Mitchell will write bulk of bulletin along with Carl Crozier and Glen Harris; Manure Testing Manual (Joint Project with NCR-13) Completed and Posted on Web site April of 2003; Final revision of M1 - M3 Conversion Fact Sheet was reviewed and approved at annual meeting; Quantification of Differences Between ICP and Colorimetric Phosphorus Determinations- Lab work has been completed. Final report will be prepared, No update at the 2004 Meeting; Deficiency Symptoms for Crops in the Southern Region of the United States- Web Site collection of photographs describing nutrient deficiency symptoms for important crops of the Southern Region. Goal is to organize and begin collection by 2005 meeting. <br /> <br /> " New Publications: A New Method for Measuring Lime Buffer Capacity  SERA-IEG-6*3, D. E. Kissel and P. F. Vendrel, University of Goergia; A New Method for Measuring Soil pH  SERA-IEG-6*4, D. E Kissel and P. F. Vendrell, University of Georgia; Debbie Joines, University of Tennessee and Paul Vendrell, University of Georgia will develop new Fact Sheet addressing special nutritional requirements of crops targeted for animal production.<br />

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Minutes
Joint meeting - SERA-IEG-6, NEC-1007, NCR-13
September 13-15, 2004

SERA-IEG-6 Participants  See 2004 participant list at www.clemson.edu/agsrvlb/sera6

Monday, September 13, 2004
1:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by NEC-1007 chair, Tom Morris, University of Connecticut. Tom welcomed the group and introduced the keynote speaker, Karl Glasener, Director of Science Policy, ASA-CSSA-SSSA. Dr. Glaseners topic was scientists and policy developments and talked about a goal of uniting the agricultural community. His contact information is kglasener@agronomy.com

Tom Morris presented a summary of a survey of the Nutrient Management Code 590 and state regulations for nutrient management. The frequency of soil testing and manure testing was discussed. The survey was prepared by Charles Mitchell, Auburn Univ., Antonio Mallarino, Iowa State Univ., Don Horneck, Oregon State Univ., Keith Reid, Ontario Ministry of Agric. Food and Rural Affairs, and Tom Morris.

Keith Reid presented a summary of Ontarios regulations. Code 590 doesnt apply  have individual province standards.

Robert Miller, Colorado State University discussed the PAP pilot program in the western states and related issues about nutrient management planning and soil testing.

The group disbanded and met at 6:00 p.m. for a banquet at Townsend Hall Commons, UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The social hour was sponsored by Spectro Analytical. Representatives: Mark Grey and Bob Dussich. The group was welcomed by Tom Sims, Associate Dean, UD College of Ag and Natural Resources. The dinner was followed by a presentation by George Chaloupka, Univ of Delaware, regarding the early years of the Delmarva Poultry Industry.

Tuesday, September 14, 2004
8:00 a.m.
The joint group disbanded for individual group sessions.

The SERA-IEG-6 session was called to order by Ray Campbell. Ray introduced Bob Westerman, administrative advisor, who gave the administrative report. Dr. Westerman reported that the group project expires in 2007. He talked about activity with multi-state projects and reported the adoption of a uniform naming system for the group which will become Southern Coordinating Committee.

Some discussion included assigning Charles Mitchell, David Hardy, and Kathy Moore to work on getting the old publications on the web. David will also check into putting the plant sufficiency document in pdf format.

Morteza Mozaffari, University of Arkansas, reported on the restructuring of the University of Arkansass soil testing program. Changes included extraction method, reporting units, recommendations, reporting format, and report delivery. Plan to implement July 2005.

Hugh Savoy presented information regarding soil fertility problems observed in corn, wheat, soybean, and tobacco production. Also reported on boron fertilization studies in western Tennessee and nutrient deficiencies in animals with regards to forage quality.

Business Session
Status of Bulletins and Fact Sheets:

Hugh Savoy reported that reviewers have bulletin 190 and we should have approval this fall.
Charles Mitchell reported that he would write the bulk of the cotton bulletin along with Carl Crozier and Glen Harris.
Nancy Wolf reported that the manure bulletin is complete and on the web.
Nancy volunteered to prepare a fact sheet comparing the animal waste soluble phosphorus methods.
The M3 vs. M1 conversion fact sheet (Frank Sikora) has been submitted for review. It was recommended to incorporate reviews and proceed with publishing.
Hugh Savoy and David Hardy will coordinate the CEC survey and methods fact sheet.
No update on the fact sheet regarding quantification of differences of ICP vs. colorimetric phosphorus.
Ray Campbell will work on a report regarding the deficiency symptoms of crops in the southern region.

New Publications:

Paul Vendrell will put David Kissel's pH study in fact sheet formats for the web with Davids approval.
Debbie Joines and Paul Vendrell will work on an animal and plant production requirements fact sheet.

New Business:

A motion was made, seconded, and carried to accept two drafted resolutions regarding quality assurance programs and the mission of the group. The resolutions will be finalized through the group list serve discussion, posted to the web, and submitted to NAPT and MAP committees.

Election of New Secretary
Rao Mylavarapu was elected for a two year term as the incoming secretary.

A thanks was given to Ray Campbell for his work as an officer. The meeting was turned over to the new chair, Hugh Savoy.

Due to time limitations, the individual state reports were not given during the meeting, however reports submitted in writing will be included below.

The next annual meeting is to be held in Oklahoma.

The SERA-IEG-6 meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon

Following the individual meetings, the joint group took a field trip to the Delaware Department of Agriculture (Ag Compliance Laboratory and Nutrient Management Program) and the Perdue Farms Poultry Litter Pelletizing Plant.

Wednesday, September 15, 2004
8:00 a.m.

Tom Sims, University of Delaware, spoke on the phosphorus saturation ratio and establishing environmental thresholds for soil phosphorus. In conclusion, an approach that includes soil remediation should be adopted.

Quirine Ketterings, Cornell University, presented a comparison of Bray-1 and Mehlich-3 tests in high phosphorus soils.

Quirine also presented a talk on reducing laboratory variability of the Illinois soil N test using enclosed griddles.

Bill Jokela, University of Vermont, presented twelve years of diary manure nutrient analysis in Vermont: agronomic and environmental implications. The results indicate a decrease in P over time and an increase in Cu over time.

Antonio Mallarino, Iowa State University, reported on the field calibration of M-3 colorimetric and ICP analysis compared with Olsen and Bray tests.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon.
Minutes submitted by Kathy Moore



State Reports

Arkansas
Submitted by Morteza Mozaffari. In process of filling data entry and soil receiving positions. Changing from M3 1:7 extraction ratio to standard extraction ratio of 1:10, making change in fertilizer recommendations, change in reporting units from lbs/acre to ppm, and change in reporting format and delivery method  starting July 1, 2005. Developed procedures for measurements of soluble P, NO3, and NH4 by auto analyzer. Did a comparison study of soil test results and fertilizer recommendations for pH, EC, and extractable nutrients by the Marianna lab and a commercial lab. Plan to publish results. Revised program for fertilizer recommendations for rice to incorporate new cultivars. Marianna lab sample totals: soil  100,014 (18% grid samples), cotton petiole  5,318. Fayetteville lab sample totals: manure  1,420, forage  1,389, plant  9,124, soil  3,111, extracts  10,533.

Georgia
Submitted by Leticia Sonon. Effective July, 2004, farmers are charged $6/sample for routine soil test. Fees were also increased on other tests. Evaluating new methods for soil pH and lime requirement. Measurement pH in 0.01 M CaCl2 and determine soil pH buffering capacity by measuring the change in pH after adding Ca(OH)2. Plans to implement this fall. Ongoing research on water soluble phosphorus in poultry litter. New video, Well: What Do You Know, designed to educate rural well owners about proper construction, maintenance, and testing of private drinking water wells. FEW lab passed the onsite audit and provisionally certified to measure bacteria in public water systems. NIR calibrations for In-vitro Total Dry Matter Digestibility have been completed and presently being validated. Georgia Environmental Protection Division doubled in sample numbers since last year. Total samples: 101,548 soil, 1,606 manure, 9,550 water, 1,861 plant, 2,100 feed, 1,100 EPD contract, 450 other.

Kentucky
Submitted by Frank Sikora, D. Reid, and Paula Howe. The soil test web site at http://soils.rs.uky.edu/ contains information on services and calculators for determining fertilizer, lime, and manure application rates. In 2003, lab analyzed 30,349 agriculture, 5,875 home lawn and garden, 601 commercial horticulture, 54 greenhouse, 6,736 research, 20 atrazine residue in soil, 327 animal waste, 28 nutrient solution, and 662 special research solutions.

Louisiana
Submitted by Jim Wang. Improvement of lab result reporting through e-mail by consolidating pages for multiple samples. Working to create a common webpage for producer to search for information. Added new C/N analyzer (LECO TruSpec CN)  now offer soil total organic C analysis. Purchased CEM MARS 5 microwave for tissue sample digestion. Evaluating Si determinations by different extraction and detection methods. Re-examining methods for sulfur and micro nutrients for sugarcane production. Research lab purchased Spectro ICP. Also used to support soil testing lab in down times.

North Carolina
Submitted by David Hardy. In fiscal year 2004, the soil testing lab analyzed 281,296 samples  up 18%. New Thermo 61E ICP purchased in Jan, 2004. New automated humic matter station purchased in Jan, 2004. Lab handles up to 2,700 samples daily. Data flags have been integrated into LIMS to screen data for quality. A total of 37,202 plant/animal waste/solution samples were analyzed during fiscal 2004 (41% plant, 54 % animal waste, and 4% solution). Receiving out-of-state strawberry plant samples. Digestion room renovated with two new fume hoods. Also, renovated exhaust system in the grinding room.

South Carolina
Submitted by Kathy Moore. Research lab with two technicians moved from on campus into Ag Service lab. Added new equipment including CN Elementar Macro. Increased load of plant tissue research samples. Lab was reorganized from Extension into Regulatory. Budget will be finalized for the move the first of next fiscal year. Analyzed 34,389 soil, 5,289 plant tissue, 1,677 feed, 364 water, 1,586 manure, and 6,390 solutions.

Tennessee
Submitted by Hugh Savoy. In 2003, 19,653 soil tests were conducted and recommendations made. Soil test numbers have been higher this year so far. No major changes to the laboratory program. The Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Science Department maintains responsibility for the laboratory program in Nashville. No major changes in soils faculty. The Extension soil management position that was lost will most likely stay lost. There appears to be no current plans for filling the soil fertility position vacated due to retirement.

Virginia
Submitted by Steve Heckendorn. By the end of the year, Virginia Tech will switch from using a water pH and texture, to the Mehlich buffer to determine a lime recommendation.

Accomplishments

State Reports <br /> <br /> Arkansas<br /> Submitted by Morteza Mozaffari. In process of filling data entry and soil receiving positions. Changing from M3 1:7 extraction ratio to standard extraction ratio of 1:10, making change in fertilizer recommendations, change in reporting units from lbs/acre to ppm, and change in reporting format and delivery method  starting July 1, 2005. Developed procedures for measurements of soluble P, NO3, and NH4 by auto analyzer. Did a comparison study of soil test results and fertilizer recommendations for pH, EC, and extractable nutrients by the Marianna lab and a commercial lab. Plan to publish results. Revised program for fertilizer recommendations for rice to incorporate new cultivars. Marianna lab sample totals: soil  100,014 (18% grid samples), cotton petiole  5,318. Fayetteville lab sample totals: manure  1,420, forage  1,389, plant  9,124, soil  3,111, extracts  10,533. <br /> <br /> Georgia<br /> Submitted by Leticia Sonon. Effective July, 2004, farmers are charged $6/sample for routine soil test. Fees were also increased on other tests. Evaluating new methods for soil pH and lime requirement. Measurement pH in 0.01 M CaCl2 and determine soil pH buffering capacity by measuring the change in pH after adding Ca(OH)2. Plans to implement this fall. Ongoing research on water soluble phosphorus in poultry litter. New video, Well: What Do You Know, designed to educate rural well owners about proper construction, maintenance, and testing of private drinking water wells. FEW lab passed the onsite audit and provisionally certified to measure bacteria in public water systems. NIR calibrations for In-vitro Total Dry Matter Digestibility have been completed and presently being validated. Georgia Environmental Protection Division doubled in sample numbers since last year. Total samples: 101,548 soil, 1,606 manure, 9,550 water, 1,861 plant, 2,100 feed, 1,100 EPD contract, 450 other. <br /> <br /> Kentucky <br /> Submitted by Frank Sikora, D. Reid, and Paula Howe. The soil test web site at http://soils.rs.uky.edu/ contains information on services and calculators for determining fertilizer, lime, and manure application rates. In 2003, lab analyzed 30,349 agriculture, 5,875 home lawn and garden, 601 commercial horticulture, 54 greenhouse, 6,736 research, 20 atrazine residue in soil, 327 animal waste, 28 nutrient solution, and 662 special research solutions. <br /> <br /> Louisiana<br /> Submitted by Jim Wang. Improvement of lab result reporting through e-mail by consolidating pages for multiple samples. Working to create a common webpage for producer to search for information. Added new C/N analyzer (LECO TruSpec CN)  now offer soil total organic C analysis. Purchased CEM MARS 5 microwave for tissue sample digestion. Evaluating Si determinations by different extraction and detection methods. Re-examining methods for sulfur and micro nutrients for sugarcane production. Research lab purchased Spectro ICP. Also used to support soil testing lab in down times. <br /> <br /> North Carolina<br /> Submitted by David Hardy. In fiscal year 2004, the soil testing lab analyzed 281,296 samples  up 18%. New Thermo 61E ICP purchased in Jan, 2004. New automated humic matter station purchased in Jan, 2004. Lab handles up to 2,700 samples daily. Data flags have been integrated into LIMS to screen data for quality. A total of 37,202 plant/animal waste/solution samples were analyzed during fiscal 2004 (41% plant, 54 % animal waste, and 4% solution). Receiving out-of-state strawberry plant samples. Digestion room renovated with two new fume hoods. Also, renovated exhaust system in the grinding room. <br /> <br /> South Carolina<br /> Submitted by Kathy Moore. Research lab with two technicians moved from on campus into Ag Service lab. Added new equipment including CN Elementar Macro. Increased load of plant tissue research samples. Lab was reorganized from Extension into Regulatory. Budget will be finalized for the move the first of next fiscal year. Analyzed 34,389 soil, 5,289 plant tissue, 1,677 feed, 364 water, 1,586 manure, and 6,390 solutions. <br /> <br /> Tennessee<br /> Submitted by Hugh Savoy. In 2003, 19,653 soil tests were conducted and recommendations made. Soil test numbers have been higher this year so far. No major changes to the laboratory program. The Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Science Department maintains responsibility for the laboratory program in Nashville. No major changes in soils faculty. The Extension soil management position that was lost will most likely stay lost. There appears to be no current plans for filling the soil fertility position vacated due to retirement. <br /> <br /> Virginia<br /> Submitted by Steve Heckendorn. By the end of the year, Virginia Tech will switch from using a water pH and texture, to the Mehlich buffer to determine a lime recommendation.<br /> <br />

Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

A list of SERA-IEG-6 members and participants in the 2005 meeting along with a record of the minutes from this meeting can be found at the following URL: http://www.clemson.edu/agsrvlb/sera6 - click on Participants.

Brief Summary of Minutes

Please refer to meeting minutes at the following URL: www.clemson.edu/agsrvlb/sera6

Accomplishments

The work-group continues to be a forum for interaction of members concerning soil, plant, waste, and water analysis issues. The group focuses on appropriate laboratory procedures and recommendations for use in the southern region. Standardization is encouraged whenever possible within the region. This has significant impact on national efforts to effectively and efficiently utilize our lime and fertilizer resources while protecting the environment and improving water quality.

Publications

Cooperative Research Projects/Bulletins: Bulletin 190 has been completed and submitted to the Directors. Upon approval it will be posted on the web site. Other bulletins completed during the year and already posted on the web site include: A New Method for Measuring Lime Buffer Capacity, Kissel and Vendrell; Conversion Equations for Soil Test Extractants: Mehlich 1 and Mehlich 3, Sikora et al.; A New Method for Measuring Soil pH, Kissel and Vendrell.<br /> <br /> Publications in Progress: Regional Cotton Fertility Bulletin- In Progress, Charles Mitchell will write bulk of bulletin along with Carl Crozier and Glen Harris; Deficiency Symptoms for Crops in the Southern Region of the United States- Web Site collection of photographs describing nutrient deficiency symptoms for important crops of the Southern Region. No update was given; a fact sheet on CEC is still in progress. Leticia Sonon has agreed to take over the lead in that effort. A fact sheet on copper deficiency in animals is in progress by Debbie Joines and Paul Vendrell. <br /> <br /> New Publications: An effort will be led by Frank Sikora to combine Bulletin 374 with the older 289. A Bulletin concerning water analyses will be developed by Paul Vendrell et al. David Kissel will lead an effort to develop a regional video on soil testing that can be customized by each participating state.<br />

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Administrative:;

Hugh Savoy, Chairman;

Hailin Zhang, Vice-Chair;

David Kissel, Administrative Advisor, and Extension;

Local host: Kathy Moore;

State Representatives: See Participants Listing;

Sponsorship:;

Lignin - Keith Hensley;
Spectro - Bob Dussich;
Magnolia Scientific - Mark Johnson;
Labfit - Bob Isaac;
US Borax - Jim Woodruff & Eldon Allen

Brief Summary of Minutes

June 4, 2005

-Registration and Social

June5, 2006, Monday

-Breakfast; Registration continued

8:00AM Opening Remarks by Hugh Savoy, Chair and the meeting was called to order.

The group had a moment of silence in remembrance of Dr. Jim Adams.

Dr. Savoy requested that each state review Procedure Bulletin 190 a final time to check the accuracy of their states information. The document is ready for the ISBN number and then will be posted to the web.

Dr. Neil Ogg, Associate Vice President, Public Service and Agriculture welcomed the group to Clemson. He described the history and importance of the fertilizer industry to Clemson University.

Dr. David Kissel reported that Dr. Westerman has a new assignment and it is unknown how he will work with the group in the future. A subcommittee should be set up to work on paperwork required for renewing SERA-6 activity for the next 5 years. The mission statement should be reviewed to be sure it is still addressing group mission.

Dr. Preston Jones from USDA-CREES addressed the group about the shift in funding from formula funding to grant support. This shift was not supported by the states and will not happen this year. Hatch funding is intact with slight increase. This program continues to be important to states especially the states with small agriculture program budgets. There are three aspects of the CREES program: NRI, the base program, and line items. Line items come through the legislative side and are the best way to fund applied research as this need is not met elsewhere. Dr. Jones stated that CSREES is funded through overhead and has the lowest operational overhead of any government agency.

The following presentations filled the remainder of the morning session:

Dr. Morteza Mozaraffari made a presentation entitled, Revision of the University of Arkansas Soil Testing Program and the Lessons Learned. The soils lab has added an online data entry/retrieval component to their lab. Extension personnel can print the reports and change crop codes at their home offices. Dr. Mozaraffari described the new data stream process and the decision process they went through to revise their system. He also included some lessons learned during this process  everything takes more time, respect colleagues priorities and interests, training and public education is a must, avoid outsourcing, and communication is the key for success.

Dr. Leticia Sonon gave a presentation on the Photometric Analyzer. This Aquachem 200  robotic discrete analyzer was explained and demonstrated in the presentation. The machine is capable of doing simultaneous analysis and reagents are dispensed automatically through a syringe. The system can run 200 samples/hour. She discussed the costs associated with the system and gave estimated cost/sample for several analytical procedures. She also presented some information on filter paper quality tests they ran and a comparison of costs. The group suggested that a fact sheet be written from her presentation.

Dr. David Kissel presented UGAs Experiences with Soil pH Test. The University of Georgia has changed their soil test to 0.01 M CaCl2. Their experience is that the procedure works very well. The standard deviation is half that of water. The greatest difficulty for clients has been the lower pH value reported. Initially they reported both the measured pH and the equivalent water pH (measured + 0.6) but found that this still caused confusion. They have since gone to reporting the CaCl2 value plus 0.6 on the reports. They have a statement on their website which explains how the pH was measured and reported.

10:35 Break

10:50 AM Morning session resumed with Frank Sikoras presentation entitled, Replacement Buffers for SMP and Adams-Evans. Due to the toxic elements of the SMP and the Adams-Evans buffer, Dr. Sikora has been working on the development of safer buffers. He has developed a buffer that gives the same titration curve as the SMP buffer in the 8.0 to 5.5 range. After testing on Kentucky soils it was found to have excellent r2 values. Close to 70% of the soils requiring lime fell on the 1:1 line. The Sikora buffer is now being used by several labs. In addition, Dr. Sikora has been working with Kathy Moore to develop a buffer to replace the Adams-Evans buffer. This buffer, which is a combination of boric acid, MES & MOPS has shown to be an excellent replacement for the Adams-Evans buffer to date. A cost analysis of the buffers was presented in this presentation. This included just the chemicals not labor and disposal costs.

Dr. Gobena Huluka gave a presentation entitled, Kinetic Reactions of the Modified Adams-Evans Buffer Solution with Soils for Rapid Field Prediction of Lime. Dr. Huluka presented work at Auburn to determine the shortest equilibrium time needed to model the kinetics of the reactions. It was determined that a simple linear algorithm kinetic relation can be used to predict equilibrium buffer pH values. Calculations in the field can determine the recommended lime application. More testing will be needed since making lime recommendations involves many factors that can significantly affect and alter a pH/buffer/soil reaction.

Dr. Huluka submitted a draft factsheet entitled, A Modification to the Adams-Evans Soil Buffer Solution for review.

12:00 PM Lunch

1:10 PM The afternoon session was started with a presentation by Charles Mitchell entitled, Nutrients in Urban vs. Agricultural Soils. This was a presentation of data collected from several state labs by Dr. Mitchell. Soil test phosphorus in urban and agricultural soils was compared for seven states. Four states showed a U-shape curve for urban samples (largest number of samples was in the Low or Extremely High range). New construction was suggested as a possible explanation. The other three states had large number of urban soils testing high and very high. There is a trend across the southern US for urban-type soil samples to test higher in P than samples tested for agricultural use. Number of urban samples decreased when labs started charging for tests. Dr. Mitchell proposed releasing these findings as a fact sheet and submitted a draft for review.

1:50 PM Musser Fruit Tree Farm Tour

3:30 PM Agricultural Service Laboratory Tour  Kathy Moore

5:30 PM Dinner and Botanical Gardens

June 6, 2006

8:00 AM The mission statement was presented and comments taken for revision. It was suggested that the territories be added and to remove correlation/calibration/interpretation as this seems redundant. Hailin Zhang & Rao Mylavarapu will solicit additional comments.

The meeting site for next year will be Auburn, Alabama. The tentative dates for the meeting are June 3-5, 2007. Texas has delayed to 2008 due to impending building activities. The 2008 meeting will be a joint meeting with other regional groups.

Frank Sikora, University of Kentucky, was elected Secretary of the group replacing Rao as he assumes the position of Vice Chair.

Hugh Savoy thanked the group for the opportunity to serve as Chair and commented on the good record of cooperation and publications.

Current leadership:
Hailin Zhang - Chair, OSU
Rao Mylavarapu - Vice Chair, UF
Frank Sikora - Secretary, UK
Hugh Savoy - Past Chair, UT

Hailin Zhang thanked the sponsors and attendees.

Frank Sikora asked to add the PAP survey to the agenda.

Publications update:

Bulletin 190 - Hugh Savoy stated the Bulletin 190 will be finalized in the next 6 weeks and submitted for assignment of an ISBN no. and posting on our Web site. He asked that all states check the tables and be sure they are up to date within the next two weeks.

Cotton Publication - Charles Mitchell discussed the Cotton Publication. He intends to have a draft out before the next meeting for the Coastal Plains only. He suggested separate publications for the coastal and southern plains.

CEC Fact Sheet - All the states responded to a survey and results will be compiled for the CEC Fact Sheet.

Replacing SMP Buffer with Sikora Buffer for Determining Lime requirement of soil Fact Sheet - Frank Sikora has received the reviews back and will incorporate comments. He plans to have the Fact Sheet out in the next month.

A revision of a Bulletin, which includes the buffer procedures for the Southern Region combining all fact sheets, was proposed. Kathy Moore was asked to provide a Fact Sheet for the Moore-Sikora buffer. A review team for Gobena Hulukas draft fact sheet will be assembled.

ICP vs. Colorimetric Analysis of Phosphorus Fact Sheet  SERA -17 has produced a position paper on the same topic and will be reviewed. Data is available and fact sheet will progress.

Copper Deficiency symptoms in Cattle  Debbie Joines asked for more guidance on the direction this Fact sheet should take. They have data from 2003-2005 forage studies. Work will continue and may be reviewed by animal nutritionist.

Water Analyses  A survey will be done to determine who does water analysis/where are we now?

FAS  Forage Analysis Program  Tony Provin reported that FAS is developing new equations for warm season grasses. The first iteration should be ready soon and will be used to determine Relative Forage Quality.

Regional Video on Soil Sampling  A generic video will be produced with the ability to add each states unique parts (soil test form, etc.) The full length video will be 12-15 minutes. Several shorter clips will be developed which will fit into different forums.

A soil organic matter fact sheet was proposed. This would include soil quality issues.

9:15 AM NCR-13 report by Manjula Nathan. The Performance Assessment program was completed with report on results sent to executive committee. The Education committee will be conducting soil-testing workshops for industry as a joint state program. Extraction committee is revising procedures. They are looking at ICP versus colorimetric analyses. They are evaluating buffers and looking at bench life of modified Mehlich buffer. Interstate committee is working on regional recommendations for NPK.

David Hardy reported on the NAPT program. The official coordinator is Janice Kotuby. The program is up and running with 161 labs participating. Survey results indicated that the group did not want any regulatory program such as PAP. They wanted self-assessment only. They did not want the NAPT to be required for certification due to prohibitive cost for state labs.

9:30 AM State Reports

Virginia: Steve Heckendorn reporting  45,000 samples were analyzed during 2005. In September the lab started reporting lime recommendations based on the modified Mehlich buffer.

Texas: Tony Provin reporting  The lab analyzed 29490 soil samples, 1851 water samples, 1640 biosolids, 5956 forage/plant samples, and 6942 research samples. The lab is working with Univ. of Ark, Univ. of Georgia, the Noble Foundation, and Foss North America to develop new warm season NIR calibration equations for forage analysis. The lab is developing alkaline persulfate digestion procedures for determination of low N levels in liquid samples (biosolids) with suspended solids. This procedure will allow elimination of TKN and waste disposal issues. They are expanding crop codes (estimate expansion from current 200 to 2000) to significantly improve customer yield resolutions and cultural practices. New equipment includes a 53 cubic foot drying oven and the lab is evaluating a soluble TOC/TN analyzer. The laboratory is in the planning process for building a new building and moving out of the academic corridor to the edge of campus.

Tennessee: Debbie Joines reporting  22,287 samples were analyzed in 2005. Forage testing has been very successfully outsourced to Sure-Tech Laboratories of Indianapolis, IN. In July, 2006 the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Center will merge with the soil and forage lab to form the Soil, Plant and Pest Center. Plant and pest services will move to a fee based program.

South Carolina: Kathy Moore reporting - Despite $1 soil fee increase sample volume stayed fairly constant through the busy season. A new Labfit pH Analyzer with syringe pumps for buffer was purchased. The Adams-Evans buffer was replaced with the Moore-Sikora buffer in January. A new soil sample mailer was developed and is in use. It may be purchased through the lab website. Total soil samples processed were 34,763.

Oklahoma: Hailin Zhang reporting - Sample volume increased significantly to 54,000 due to research sample increase. Animal waste analysis was added as a routine test and about 1200 samples were analyzed the first year.

North Carolina: David Hardy reporting  The Soil Testing Section analyzed 313,648 soil samples and supplied lime and fertilizer recommendations through 37,000 reports. Samples volume was up 11.5% over FY2004. An automatic humic matter station was made fully operational and bulk chemicals tanks and three reciprocating shakers were purchased. A segmented flow autoanalyzer for analyzing nitrate, phosphorus and sulfate was purchased which facilitates timelier nitrate analysis and makes it possible to carry out special analyses for research purposes.

Brenda Cleveland reporting - Sample load for FY06 (partial year through May 2006) was 31328 which included 13098 plant samples and 16462 waste samples. Three hoods with a scrubber for acid digestion were purchased. Cross training of personnel from the Soil Testing Section in PWS procedures and vice versa is ongoing. The lab is providing cotton petiole P and K on a test basis this summer.

Louisiana: Jim Wang reporting  The lab analyzed 18,241 routine samples, 6,524 plant samples, and 249 irrigation water samples. Producers submitted 89% of the samples. The LSU lab changed to the Mehlich 3 P test in September 2005. Flood impact test have been provided on agricultural soils since October 2005. The test determines EC and sodium adsorption ratio using 1:2 soil to water ratio.

Kentucky: Frank Sikora reporting  The lab started using the Sikora buffer replacing SMP on July 1, 2005. A Labfit instrument for water and buffer pH measurement has been used and running well since July, 2005. 46,530 soil samples were analyzed in 2005.

Georgia: Paul Vendrell reporting - Sample count for the lab showed an increase of about 3% relative to the previous year. Soil pH and lime requirement have been run by LBC method for over a year and the procedure works very well and is more efficient. A stable pH reading is reached more quickly and the standard deviation is lower compared to water measurement. UGs Drinking Water Team was formed to design and oversee extension educational programming to address critical needs in the area of drinking water and human health. Development of NIR testing is continuing in order to provide Relative Forage Quality. The Tri-state Hay contest was judged using RFQ (relative feed quality) on hay samples from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The NIR workgroup are working to produce calibration equations that include southern grown forages.

Florida: Susan Curry reporting  The Extension Soil Testing Lab processed around 12,000 samples. The Analytical Research Lab processed around 100,000 samples including QC samples, as it is a NELAP Certified Lab. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has implemented several BMPs, which are now entering the monitoring phase. Certified water quality analyses are required for most of its programs being implemented through IFAS researchers. A new Water Quality section is being created at the ARL in Gainesville and the Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade. Two ICPs and two Discrete Analyzers have been purchased for the sites.

Arkansas: Nancy Wolf reporting - The total number of samples analyzed was 26,101. The lab is running water-soluble phosphorus for manure and soil samples by request and use the method of a 1:10 ratio (Moore). They are running many of the samples at the newer 1:100 ratio as a comparison and for data purposes. A strawberry monitoring program was restarted this year with samples received from AR, OK, MO, and IL. Prices for all analyses were raised effective September 2005.

Alabama: Hamilton Bryant reporting  The Soil Testing Lab analyzed nearly 28,000 routine soil samples for fertilizer and lime recommendations. Two thirds of the samples were from producers. For farm samples, half were rated low enough in P for application of phosphorus-containing fertilizer to be recommended. The lab performed more than 13,600 special analyses including plant tissue samples, feed and forage analyses, etc. The lab occupied a newly constructed facility and implemented an online system for data management, development and delivery.

12:00 Noon Adjourn

Minutes submitted by Susan Curry

Accomplishments

Publications

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Report Information

Participants

Administrative:;

Hailin Zhang, Chairman;

Rao Mylavarapu, Vice-Chair;

Frank Sikora, Secretary ;

David Kissel, Administrative Advisor, Extension;

Local host: Charlie Mitchell;

State Representatives: See Participants Listing;

Sponsorship:;

Spectro - Bob Dussich;
Magnolia Scientific - Mark Johnson;
Labfit - Bob Isaac;
MapShots - Ted Macy

Brief Summary of Minutes

SERA-IEG-6
Nutrient Analysis of Soils, Plants, Water, and Waste Materials
Southern Extension and Research Activity Information Exchange Group 6
Annual Meeting, June 3-5, 2007, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

June 3, 2007, Sunday

-Registration and Social

-Interaction with representatives of sponsoring companies

June 4, 2007, Monday

8:00 AM. Charlie Mitchell invited everyone to the meeting. Dr. Richard Guthrie (Dean of the A.U. College of Agriculture and Director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station) and Dr. Gaines Smith (Director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System) provided welcoming comments.

Dr. Fred Adams attended the meeting along with Clyde Evans. Dr. Adams provided a short presentation on the history of his development of the Adams-Evans buffer.

Dave Kissel provided the SERA6 administrative report. The group is up for its 5 year extension. The proposal for the extension will be evaluated by the administrative group in September. Mark Hussey is the other administrative representative to the group but this will likely change since Mark was promoted to a new position at Texas A&M.

8:50 AM. Hailin Zhang (current chair of SERA6) began moderating the technical presentations summarized below.

Near Infrared Spectral Reflectance for diagnostic soil/tissue testing
Rao Mylavarapu, UFL

--Rao presented work on use of NIR for providing routine soil tests. There were questions and discussion about what is actually measured with NIR and how it could detect nutrients without covalent bonding or discern OH stretching between water and soil organic matter.

Predicting Runoff of suspended solids and particulate P using soil turbidity and electrical conductivity measurements
Jim Wang, LSU

--Jim presented work on developing a simple laboratory test of measuring soil solid suspensions in order to predict soil erosion potential and P runoff in the field.

Soil pH and buffer pH methodology: water and SMP/Sikora buffer reaction time with soil and a laboratory survey
Frank Sikora, UK

--Frank presented thoughts on timing issues related to water and buffer pH. This issue of timing was discussed in regards to time buffer is mixed with soil and the required standing time for SMP (or Sikora) buffer with soil before pH measurement. The timing issue is important with adoption of new automated pH equipment. A laboratory survey on pH methodology was also proposed.

Assessing Cotton Potassium Fertility on Alabama Blackbelt Soils" Gobi Huluka and Charles Mitchell, Auburn U.
--Gobi presented field calibration research on potassium in the vertisols of the Blackbelt region in Alabama.

Status of soil test calibration in the South
Leticia S. Sonon, UGA and Hailin Zhang, OSU
--Leticia presented results of a survey assessing the status of soil test calibration in the EPA southern region. The survey was initiated from a CSREES water quality meeting a couple years ago. The goal is to develop a paper from the survey that will highlight the need for more soil fertility calibration research to support efficient nutrient use and minimize environmental loss of nutrients.

Managing nutrients with RAMP calibration strips
Hailin Zhang, OSU
--Hailin presented research on the use of RAMP calibration strips in the field for wheat and other crops. The calibration strips are developed by applying increased rates of N along a linear transect. The visual appearance of the crop is used as a tool to assess additional N needs during the growing season. Considerable discussion centered around whether the visual appearance of crop greenness was directly related to N needs to maximize yield.

12:00 NOON. Lunch.

1:00 PM. University of Georgia presented work they have conducted on marketing soil testing in their state.

Paul Vendrell presented soil test videos developed under funding from the CSREES Southern Region Water Quality Program and UGA Extension. A full-length video and 30 to 60 second shots were developed. The 30 to 60 second shots are planned to be aired on the public broadcasting network. The videos advertise the web address of www.soiltest123.com which directs people to a website with a map of the EPA southeastern region. A click on a state will direct the user to the state laboratory web site. The videos are available to each state for modification.

Leticia Sonon presented work on a mailer package that can be sent to individuals wanting a soil test. The soil test reports will be sent back to the county extension office. Kathy also presented Clemson experience with these mailer packages. Kathy reported selling 300 of the packages in the last year.

2:00 PM Charles Mitchell coordinated a panel discussion on challenges of data reporting for precision ag. programs

Shannon Norwood and Amy Winstead (Regional Extension Agents) provided a remote presentation of the abilities of Mapshots to work with the University soil test laboratories to provide soil test results to precision agriculture farmers in a format that is suitable for the computer software that is used. Five stated needs for these farmers were: 1. data available on the internet, 2. email notification on when data is available, 3. options on formats available for the data, 4. ability to upload sample information to the lab in electronic format, and 5. quick turnaround time. Ted Macy from Mapshots was present at the local meeting site and provided a presentation on the details of the software they use and what they need to identify each sample.

3:00 to 6:00 PM

Toured the new ALFA Ag Services laboratory and Charlie Mitchell provided a tour of long-term agronomic research plots.

June 5, 2007, Tuesday

General reports

The meeting next year will be the joint meeting with NCR-13 and NEC-67 and will be held in Nashville, TN. Discussions were held on the best time in June and the group settled on the third or forth week. After the meeting, Hailin discussed the meeting with the chair of the other regional committees and dates of June 22-25, 2008 were decided upon.

The meeting in 2009 will be hosted by Texas at College Station the second week of June or suitable dates close to that determined by Tony.

David Kissel announced a position opening at the University of Georgia on soil fertility calibration work with vegetables.

David Kissel also announced a laboratory workshop to be held at the University of Georgia in September that is being organized by Bob Miller.

Publication status reports

Charlie Mitchell passed out a draft of a cotton publication prepared for a southern cooperative series bulletin to summarize soil fertility research on coastal plain soils. Discussions were held on enlisting other authors to help with various sections of the publication. David Kissel volunteered for the pH and lime section. A completed draft is to be completed by the end of the year.

David Kissel reported no progress on the CEC Fact Sheet.

Frank Sikora reported the fact sheet on the SMP buffer replacement has been completed and is currently on the web.

Frank Sikora reported on a draft fact sheet on ICP vs colorimetric analysis for P in Mehlich 1 and 3 extracts from a cooperative study conducted a few years ago. Considerable discussion was held on what to prepare in the fact sheet for how laboratories proceeded with interpreting ICP results when making the move form colorimetry to ICP. This fact sheet is to be completed by next years meeting.

Debbie Joines presented work on a fact sheet on copper deficiency in cattle that is exacerbated by high sulfur in the forage. The fact sheet will be put together with current information and be finished by next year.

Paul Vendrell presented results of a survey on water analyses conducted by the laboratories in the group. Analysis of irrigation water is what most everyone conducts. Discussions were held on the need for fact sheets to cover methodology and interpretation of water analyses. A team was developed with Paul as chair including Jim Wang, Gobi Huluka, Rao Mylavarapu, Tony Provin, and Hailin Zhang. This initiative on water analysis was mentioned to be included in the update of our 5 year plan.

The series 190 bulletin summarizing soil test procedures used at the various southeastern laboratories is currently in draft version on the web. The bulletin is will be revised as needed.

Other Needs

Tony Provin mentioned needs to look at urban soil inputs on soil quality.

David Hardy indicated a need for more quantitative recommendations on sulfur or alum additions for decreasing soil pH. Leticia Sonon mentioned some research she is conducting in this area. David and Leticia will work on a fact sheet in this area.

Kathy Moore mentioned a fact sheet was ready for review on the Moore-Sikora buffer that can be used in place the Adams-Evans buffer for lime recommendation. Debbie Joines and Larry Oldham agreed to review the fact sheet.

Charlie Mitchell mentioned a need to update the organic matter fact sheet. Information can be included on quick tests for organic matter and the importance of organic matter in crop production. Volunteers for developing a fact sheet on this were Charlie Mitchell, Rao Mylavarapu, Tony Provin, Jim Wang, and David Hardy.

NCR-13 update

Manjula Nathan presented an update on NCR-13 activities. The committee is developing a new methods manual where separate methods will be presented for ICP and colorimetric analysis of P in Mehlich3.

NAPT report

Manjula Nathan reported on the NAPT committee. She gave an update on the PAP program which is a program to submit double-blind samples to laboratories. The program was developed from a request from the NRCS to have a means of checking on the performance of a laboratory. Several voiced concerns about the NAPT program which are summarized below.

1. The program should be administered by an individual whose full-time responsibility is the NAPT program. Having a program administered part-time dilutes the effectiveness of the program.

2. Long response time on emails sent to the program administrator.

3. The program administrator should be more active in attending the SERA-6 meeting.

4. There is strong sentiment that the PAP program is the wrong direction for a voluntary proficiency testing program to take. There are concerns this program is moving toward regulatory control of laboratories.

State Reports

Texas (Tony Provin)
28,295 soils, 1869 biosolids (manure), 4830 waters tested. New Elementar was purchased for TOC analysis. A new 10 probe automated pH instrument has been purchased.

Tennessee (Hugh Savoy and Debbie Joines)
N rates for corn are being reevaluated. Research is continuing on variable lime application. The soil lab was reorganized. The lab now has plant disease diagnostic responsibility. The new ICP is running good since October.

South Carolina (Kathy Moore)
Dr. JB Jones has been enlisted by Kathy to update soil fertility recommendations in the state. Soil test kits are still available for purchase. Sample numbers are similar to last year.

Oklahoma (Hailin Zhang)
There has been an increase in research and routine testing. About 60,000 samples have been tested last year. A new test of biodiesel fuel on the ICP is being developed. There is currently a search for a department head.

North Carolina (David Hardy and Brenda Cleveland)
Brenda reported on the plants, waste and solution analyses. 18,000 waste samples were analyzed last year which included mostly swine wastes. 15,000 plants samples. 2,000 water samples. Sufficient K ranges in cotton tissue has been redone based on growth stage.
David reported on the soils lab. 306,000 soils tested in 2006. Turn around time was improved to 4 to 5 weeks. A new drying oven was purchased that allows soils to be dried overnight. Research being conducted in S in small grains, grape fertility, and PSNT in piedmont for corn.

Mississippi (Larry Oldham and Keith Crouse)
Sample numbers are down. There was concern about arsenic washed up onto soil from the hurricane. Levels of arsenic were found not to be high enough to be a problem. There is a position open for a soybean, cotton, and forage specialist. The NRCS 590 was revised in Mississippi. There continues to be intense AFO/CAFO issues in the state. The poultry industry is down.

Louisiana (Jim Wang, Rodney Henderson, J. Stevens)
17,020 soil samples, 5,671 plant samples, 210 water samples tested in 2006. The database management software was modified to create new reports with nutrient elements not reported in the past. The work was done with requests from the consultant industry. Soil turbidity and electrical conductivity measurements have been evaluated as a potential test to predict P runoff. Research also conducted on plant uptake efficiency indices to screen different crop varieties.

Kentucky (Frank Sikora)
Change in lime recommendations will occur on July 1. Instead of recommending lime with an assumed quality of 67%, lime will be recommended based on 100% quality and calculations will be performed to determined ag lime rates based on quality of the lime. The change is being made because of the varying quality of lime throughout the state. Bill Thom has become the permanent director for the Division of Regulatory Services. A new LabFit pH instrument has been ordered for the Lexington lab.

Florida (Rao Mylavarapu)
A new Perkin Elmer ICP was purchased. A position is open for a full-time manager of the laboratory. The position will be a non-tenured Ph.D. position. Research is being conducted on P requirement of bahiagrass. International projects are underway on water management in India and another project in Costa Rica.

Arkansas (Morteza Mozaffari)
95,325 soil samples tested in 2006. About 21% of these samples were from grid sampling. Beginning in 2006, soil electrical conductivity was measured by request only. A new soil test input form and soil test report form went into effect in 2006.

Georgia (Leticia Sonon)
A total of 89,386 samples have been tested from May 2006 through April 2007. Soil test videos have been completed and are available for other states to use. Research is being conducted in areas of analyzing charcoal in area of producing biofuel from biomass, soluble P in poultry litter for use in a P index, mitigating ammonia release from poultry litter. The Georgia Drinking Water Team has been active in developing extension programming to educate homeowners on wells and quality of drinking water. Cameras are available from this effort to be extended into wells for visual inspection of well quality.

Alabama (Charlie Mitchell and Hamilton Bryant)
There is a shortage of working personnel in the lab. Number of samples tested is about the same. New facilities are very much appreciated by the staff.

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