Limestone Program & Fertilizer Analyses

The Experiment Station Chemical Laboratories (ESCL) perform a regulatory function to the State of Missouri by rendering Association of Official Analytical Chemists, International, (AOAC) approved analyses of limestone submitted to the Station by Fertilizer/Ag Lime Control Service and its official field inspection staff.

As directed within the Missouri Agricultural Liming Materials Law and Rules (Missouri Limestone Law) set forth the standards and guidelines related to liming materials' effective neutralization material (E.M.N.), calcium carbonate equivalent (C.C.E.), fineness factor, etc.

"The object and duty of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment
Station is to conduct original and other researches, investigations and experiments bearing directly on and contributing to the establishment and maintenance of a permanent and effective agricultural industry in the United States."

These same AOAC analytical methodologies are also available to individuals submitting unofficial fertilizer and limestone samples to the ESCL in order to test for their fertilizer or limestone value, to test water, sludge, etc., for fertilizer content. Testing of secondary containment areas for fertilizer contamination is also provided.

Fertilizer Analyses

Total Nitrogen, Available Phosphorus, Soluble Potassium
Nitrogen only (Kjeldahl method)
Available Phosphorus
Soluble Potassium
Moisture, with above analyses
Lagoon sample (includes dried poultry litter and sewage sludges) - Moisture, nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium

Secondary and Micronutrients

Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Sodium
Silicates in plant tissue
Sulfur
Boron
Chloride

Limestone Analyses

Calcium Carbonate Equivalent (CCE)
Magnesium (Mg)
CCE by Neutralization and Magnesium (Mg)
CCE plus sieve analysis profile, ENM* per ton
CCE, Magnesium and sieves profile, ENM and EMG** per ton

Sieve analysis profile only

*ENM = Effective Neutralizing Material

**EMG = Effective Magnesium Content