• It is important to check which type of soil tests and method of interpretation your advisor is using � traditional or alternative approaches � where alternative tests are based on an ecological view
• Inevitably there is a degree of measurement uncertainty in laboratory analytical results, but the certification system imposes the need for this uncertainty to be held within acceptable limits
• This should lead to a reduction in variation between laboratories and allow more meaningful interpretation of results

• Therefore although there is some degree of uncertainty associated with a soil test, infield variability and inappropriate soil sampling techniques are likely to introduce larger variations and errors than the laboratory analyses
• Regular soil testing and analysis will aid in building up a site history which shows trends through time, but care must be taken in ensuring that analyses done from year to year are undertaken using the same methods for analysis, to reduce confusion associated with different analytical techniques or sample handling

• There are many laboratories specialising in different types of soil testing so it is important to clarify which test/s you want carried out
• It is important to ask when choosing a soil-testing laboratory whether they are a member of the Australian Soil Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC) and if this accreditation applies to all the tests they offer
• ASPAC accredited laboratories meet quality assurance standards for one or more of the tests carried out in their laboratory
• Equally important is asking whether the laboratory has accreditation with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). NATA is an association, which sets and maintains the high standards for the various analytical methods
• After choosing a Laboratory, remember to clarify whether they are ASPAC accredited for the particular test you want

• See the ASPAC Australia website to identify if your laboratory is ASPAC accredited
• If you don�t have access to the Internet then contact NATA on:
  • Phone 03 9329 1633 or
  • Fax: 03 9326 5148

Figure 1 � The ASPAC website
http://www.aspac-australasia.com
- to locate accredited labs

• How can I assess the health of my soil?
• How do I sample soil to ensure my soil chemical test results are reliable?
• What are the merits of tissue testing instead of soil testing?

• Choosing a soil testing laboratory - Soil Fertility Monitoring Tools � Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria


• Tools and systems for assessing soil health - Victorian Resources Online � Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Victoria

• Which laboratory - Page 2. Soil Chemistry� Soil Health Knowledge Bank

• Which laboratory. Page 2. Soil Chemistry �- Soil Health Knowledge Bank.

Page Updated: September 2013
Produced by AS Miner Geotechnical