Question 1

any one use this kit to measure the N in soil? I tested with the kit, the color is totally white(0 N). Get similar result from fertilizer(slightly hi

Accepted Answer

The following methods are recommended by the USDA for using test strips to test N in soil (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/Nitrogen%20-%20Soil%20Health%20Guide_0.pdf):

Quick in-field hand test:
1. Soil nitrate N levels are highly variable, depending on management history, field location, and time of year. Factors include the rate of erosion, soil texture, organic matter content, and applications of manure or fertilizer. Using a soil probe, gather at least 10 small samples randomly from an area that represents a particular soil type and management history. The probe should extend to a depth of 8 inches or less for a surface layer sample and to a depth of as much as 3 feet for a subsurface layer sample. Place samples in a plastic container and mix. Surface layer and subsurface layer samples should be placed in separate containers. Do not include large stones and plant residue. Repeat step 1 for each sampling area.
2. Neutralize hands by rubbing moist soil across palms. Discard soil. Place a scoop of mixed soil in palm of hand and saturate with “clean” water (distilled water or rainwater).
3. Squeeze hand gently until a soil and water slurry forms.
4. Touch tip of nitrate test strip to soil and water slurry. Leave until the slurry is drawn up at least 1/8 to 3/16 inch on strip
5. After 1 to 2 minutes, measure nitrate by comparing the color of the wet test strip to the color chart on the test strip container. The color that most closely matches the test strip indicates the amount of nitrate in the saturated soil.
6. Bend or cut off end of strip to expose the tip for the nitrite test. Repeat steps 2 through 5 to determine the amount of nitrite in the saturated soil.

You can also try a 1:1 soil to water nitrate/nitrite test for classroom:
1. Gather samples as instructed in step 1 under “Quick in-field hand test.”
2. Fill scoop (29.5 ml) with mixed soil, tamping down during filling by carefully striking scoop on a hard, level surface. Put soil in vial. Add one scoopful (29.5 ml) of water to the vial, resulting in a 1:1 ratio of soil to water, on a volume basis.
3. Tightly cap the vial and shake 25 times. Let settle for 1 minute. Remove cap, and carefully decant 1/16 inch of the soil and water slurry into the cap.
4. Allow to settle for 2 to 3 minutes. Touch end of nitrate test strip to soil and water slurry. Leave until liquid is drawn up to least 1/8 to 3/16 inch beyond the area covered by the soil.
5. After 1 to 2 minutes, compare color of wet test strip to color chart on the test strip container. The color on the chart that most closely matches the color on the test strip indicates the amount of nitrate in the saturated soil.
6. Bend or cut off end of strip to expose the tip for the nitrite test. Repeat steps 2 through 5 to determine the amount of nitrite in the saturated soil.

Please let me know if you have any other questions and if there is anything else I can help you with!

-Scott Bartman | Bartovation

Question 2

Can I test a salt water pool with these?

Accepted Answer

I don't think it is accurate enough.  It starts at 10ppm and chlorine would interfere...

Question 3

Not clear about how to make solution – is there a recipe of # of grams of salt per volume of water? How to distinguish between nitrite and nitrate?

Accepted Answer

The solution is the liquid you are testing. Simply dip the strip into a liquid and follow the instructions to get an accurate reading. This strip has two test pads that will react with the solution, the one on the end will react to the nitrate, the one above it will react to nitrite.

Please let me know if you have any further questions!

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Nitrite 0-25 ppm, Nitrate 0-500 ppm Two Pad Test Strip [Vial of 50 Strips]

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