This humus test kit is based on the teachings of the Luebke family from austria who have done tremendous work perfecting the art of composting. This test is done by mixing a soil or compost sample with a weak alkali solution, filtering the mixture, and then comparing the color of the extract against a series of standardized liquid-filled test tubes. The result is a relative number from 0-100. These standards allow the user to test humus levels far beyond those possible with the original LaMotte humus test. Humus standard set includes sealed tubes filled with liquid standards that correspond to humus values: 1 - 9, 10,20, 30,40,50,60 and 70.
Performing The Humus Test
It is essential to differentiate between humus & organic matter. Organic matter that has been humified has been put into a stable form, which is not as susceptible to being leached out as the non-humified organic matter.The humus figure determined by this method is not given in a percentage. The portion of humic acids that is soluble by EDTA powder is gently extracted, and then the extract is compared with a standardized color-scale. The color reading shows a relation between the humified and the not yet humified organic matter.GENERAL GUIDE: Check the humus readings in different areas and at different depths of your soil. You will be able to monitor the improvement of humus with proper humus management. When comparing the humus values for soil obtained in this test to the Organic Matter percentages, you should strive for a Humus to Organic Matter ratio of between 2:1 and 3:1. For finished compost samples, humus values should be between 50 - 80 and should not exceed 100.
Test Apparatus:
Humus Extract Solution (Weak Alkaline)
EDTA Humus Screening Powder
Test Tube with 14 ml Marking (# 0704)
0.5 gm Scoop
Soil Flocculating Solution
2.5 ml Orange Soil Measure Lamotte #0819
Filter Paper
Small Funnel
Comparator Sample Vial
Luebke Humus Standards & Comparator
Mortar and Pestle (not included)
Sieve (not included)
Tweezers (not included)
Directions on how to perform the test
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