LaMotte SCL-15

The LaMotte Model SCL-15 is designed to provide the landowner, consultant, or fertilizer specialist with a method for achieving immediate and economical soil analyses in the field without sacrificing accuracy.

The Model SCL-15 is a self-contained, electronic soil analysis laboratory that provides accurate answers anywhere for fifteen soil factors, including available forms of macronutrients and critical micronutrients. The SMART® 3 Colorimeter instantly analyzes color reactions developed in nutrient tests. Display readings are multiplied by a conversion factor specific to each test to provide a result in parts per million (ppm) or pounds per acre (lb/acre) no further calculations are necessary. The simplified test procedures provide at least 20 tests for each soil nutrient.

Each accurately standardized system is furnished in an individual plastic module for quick distinction. All tests are performed in minutes on easy-to-prepare soil extracts, based on Mehlich I extraction. Includes A Study of Soil Science handbook now available as a download.

SPECIFICATIONS

Colorimeter Tests

Test Factor	Method	Range	# of Tests
Nitrate Nitrogen	Cadmium Reduction	0-300 lbs/acre	20
Nitrite Nitrogen	Diazotization	0-40 lbs/acre	20
Ammonia Nitrogen*	Nesslerization	0-200 lbs/acre	50
Phosphorus	Ascorbic Acid Reduction	0-99 lbs/acre	50
Potassium	Tetraphenyl-boron	0-500 lbs/acre	100
Sulfur	Barium Chloride	3-94 ppm	50
Copper	Diethyldi-thiocarbamate	0-30 ppm	100
Iron	Bipyridal	0-30 ppm	50
Manganese	Periodate	0-75 ppm	50
Zinc	Zincon	0-15 ppm	50

*See tables below for unit conversion factors

Direct Reading Titrator Tests

Test Factor	Range*	# of Tests
Calcium	0-4000 lbs/acre	50
Magnesium	0-2400 lbs/acre	50
Chlorides	0-1000 lbs/acre	50

*See tables below for unit conversion factors

Unit Conversion Factors

Results can be measured using a choice of units, explained here. Parts per million (ppm), pounds/acre, and Kg/hectare units can be converted to each other using these values:

Area	Soil Depth	Soil Weight
1 acre	6-7 inches	2 million lb
1 hectare	15-18 cm	2.25 million Kg

ppm	lb/acre	Kg/hectare
0.5	1	1.12
1	2	2.24
0.89	1.78	1

A number of variables must be considered when interpreting soil test results in addition to the values obtained. These variables include the composition of the soil, drainage, climate, previous fertilizer programs, and the type of plant to be grown. Samples must also be truly representative of the area being studied and must be carefully selected.