360 SOILSCAN RESULTS
PROJECTS with the 360 SOILSCAN
1. Comparing Lab results with 360 SOILSCAN (same sample) (Done-posted below)
2. Comparing Lab results comparing field-moist samples to laboratory results (air-dried and pulverized)
3. Comparing samples tested using weighed samples compared to samples tested using the "scoop".
4. Compare lab tile water tests to 360 SOILSCAN results.
1. Comparing Lab results with 360 SOILSCAN (same sample) (Done-posted below)
2. Comparing Lab results comparing field-moist samples to laboratory results (air-dried and pulverized)
3. Comparing samples tested using weighed samples compared to samples tested using the "scoop".
4. Compare lab tile water tests to 360 SOILSCAN results.
Sample Collection and Handling
Samples were collected and submitted to A&L Great Lakes Laboratory, Fort Wayne, IN the same day of collection. Samples arrived at the lab the next business day and were processed. Samples were first air dried at 104 degrees F and were then pulverized to make the samples homogeneous. Once the lab tests were performed (within 2 business days), soil remaining from each sample was boxed and sent back to Paris High School to be tested on the 360 SOILSCAN instrument. Students followed the sampling protocol as outlined and described in online videos by the distributor of the 360 SOILSCAN. The unit was calibrated prior to each testing period. Students only identified the samples by a number assigned to each by the testing laboratory.
Results Comparing Laboratory Results to 360 SOILSCAN Readings
Laboratory results and from the 360 SOILSCAN Unit results are represented in the following graphs. If the lab test result matched the 360 SOILSCAN reading, all the data would fall on the diagnoal dashed line.
Data forming a diagonal line above the red-dashed line
Data in a diagonal line created by the data above the dashed red line suggests a relationship between the two results but indicating the 360 SOILSCAN detected more nitrate-N than the testing laboratory.
Data forming a diagonal line below the red-dashed line
If the data resulted in making a line below the dashed red line it suggests a relationship between the two results, but indicating the 360 SOILSCAN detected less nitrate-N than the laboratory.
Data clustered above the red-dashed line
If the data appears more as a cluster of data points above the dashed red line it suggests the relationship between the two test results is not very strong and that the 360 SOILSCAN is detecting more nitrate-N than the testing laboratory.
Data clustered below the red-dashed line
If the data appears more as a cluster of data points below the dashed red line it suggests the relationship between the two test results is not very strong and that the 360 SOILSCAN is detecting less nitrate-N than the testing laboratory.
Cluster of data randomly scattered on the graph
Randomly scattered data suggests little or no relationship between the testing laboratory and the 360 SOILSCAN readings.
Samples were collected and submitted to A&L Great Lakes Laboratory, Fort Wayne, IN the same day of collection. Samples arrived at the lab the next business day and were processed. Samples were first air dried at 104 degrees F and were then pulverized to make the samples homogeneous. Once the lab tests were performed (within 2 business days), soil remaining from each sample was boxed and sent back to Paris High School to be tested on the 360 SOILSCAN instrument. Students followed the sampling protocol as outlined and described in online videos by the distributor of the 360 SOILSCAN. The unit was calibrated prior to each testing period. Students only identified the samples by a number assigned to each by the testing laboratory.
Results Comparing Laboratory Results to 360 SOILSCAN Readings
Laboratory results and from the 360 SOILSCAN Unit results are represented in the following graphs. If the lab test result matched the 360 SOILSCAN reading, all the data would fall on the diagnoal dashed line.
Data forming a diagonal line above the red-dashed line
Data in a diagonal line created by the data above the dashed red line suggests a relationship between the two results but indicating the 360 SOILSCAN detected more nitrate-N than the testing laboratory.
Data forming a diagonal line below the red-dashed line
If the data resulted in making a line below the dashed red line it suggests a relationship between the two results, but indicating the 360 SOILSCAN detected less nitrate-N than the laboratory.
Data clustered above the red-dashed line
If the data appears more as a cluster of data points above the dashed red line it suggests the relationship between the two test results is not very strong and that the 360 SOILSCAN is detecting more nitrate-N than the testing laboratory.
Data clustered below the red-dashed line
If the data appears more as a cluster of data points below the dashed red line it suggests the relationship between the two test results is not very strong and that the 360 SOILSCAN is detecting less nitrate-N than the testing laboratory.
Cluster of data randomly scattered on the graph
Randomly scattered data suggests little or no relationship between the testing laboratory and the 360 SOILSCAN readings.
RESULTS
11/10/2016 NITRATE-N COMPARISON (below). Data collected from the first sampling date. No N applied at this time. Total of 21 samples compared (3 replications x 7 treatments). Note samples include with and without cover crop treated plots making the total number of treatments 7 rather than just the 5 N management system treatments. A discussion of the results, and possible sources of error will be added sometime soon.

Complete Set of Graphs | |
File Size: | 67 kb |
File Type: |
11/17/2016 NITRATE-N COMPARISON (below). Data collected from the second sampling date. The first N application of 180 lbs. N was applied to the 100% Fall-Applied sites. Total of 21 samples compared (3 replications x 7 treatments). Note samples include with and without cover crop treated plots making the total number of treatments 7 rather than just the 5 N management system treatments. The SOILSCAN 360 only measures nitrate-N. Since the N applied was primarily ammonium-N, the graph does not reflect any ammonium-N in the upper 2 ft. of the soil profile.
12/6/2016 NITRATE-N COMPARISON (below). Data collected from the third sampling date. The first N application of 180 lbs. N was applied to the 100% Fall-Applied sites. Total of 21 samples compared (3 replications x 7 treatments). Note samples include with and without cover crop treated plots making the total number of treatments 7 rather than just the 5 N management system treatments. The SOILSCAN 360 only measures nitrate-N. Since the N applied was primarily ammonium-N, the graph does not reflect any ammonium-N in the upper 2 ft. of the soil profile.
1/3/2017 NITRATE-N COMPARISON (below). Data collected from the fourth sampling date. The first N application of 180 lbs. N was applied to the 100% Fall-Applied sites. Total of 21 samples compared (3 replications x 7 treatments). Note samples include with and without cover crop treated plots making the total number of treatments 7 rather than just the 5 N management system treatments. The SOILSCAN 360 only measures nitrate-N. Since the N applied was primarily ammonium-N, the graph does not reflect any ammonium-N in the upper 2 ft. of the soil profile.