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Soil Laboratory



At E-TEK, we are dedicated to delivering precise and insightful soil testing services. Our facility specializes in soil erosion testing for optimizing landform designs in mine residue facility rehabilitation.

About

Soils:
  • Mine waste erosion stability assessments and physical characterization.

  • Baseline soil surveys and soil mapping.

  • Soil analysis.

  • Material characterization.

  • Soil amelioration recommendations and programs.

  • Soil resource assessments and management plans.

 
Particle Size Distribution (PSD)

We offer precise particle size distribution analysis across various fraction sizes to help you understand the texture and composition of your soil samples.

  • Fraction Sizes: 80mm, 40mm, 20mm, 10mm, 4.75mm, 2mm, 1mm, 600μm, 425μm, 212μm, 150μm, 75μm

  • Clay and Silt Fractions (Hydrometer Method): Our hydrometer analysis provides accurate measurements of the clay and silt fractions in soil, informing soil texture classification and management practices.

  • PSD Semi-log Graphs: Utilizing years of particle size distribution data, we generate detailed semi-logarithmic graphs. These graphs provide a comprehensive analysis by deriving critical parameters from the PSD data, offering valuable insights into soil characteristics.

 
Water Content Analysis
  • Field Capacity (FC): We measure the field capacity of soil, indicating the amount of water retained after excess water has drained away and the rate of downward movement has decreased.

  • Plant Available Water (PAW): Our analysis determines the amount of water available for plant uptake between the field capacity and the permanent wilting point.

  • Saturated Moisture Content: We measure the maximum amount of water that soil can hold when completely saturated, providing critical data for irrigation and drainage planning.

  • Rockwater Absorption: We assess the soil’s rockwater absorption capacity to understand its drainage properties and suitability for various land uses.

 
pH Analysis
  • pH (H2O): We measure the soil pH in a 1:2.5 water solution to determine its acidity or alkalinity (or any other solution ratio required).

  • pH (KCl): We also measure soil pH in a potassium chloride solution for a more buffered reading of soil acidity.

 
Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP)

Our ORP testing indicates the soil’s ability to oxidize or reduce, which is crucial for understanding soil chemical reactivity and geochemical equilibrium.

  • Electrical Conductivity (EC): We measure the electrical conductivity of soil in a saturated paste (or any other solution as required), providing an indication of the soil's salinity levels.

  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Our TDS measurement determines the concentration of dissolved salts in the soil, which can affect plant growth, soil structure, and soil-microbe sensitivity.

  • Linear Shrinkage: We measure the linear shrinkage of soil, which is essential for predicting soil behavior under varying moisture conditions.

 
Soil and Aggregate Stability
  • Aggregate Stability: We evaluate the stability of soil aggregates, which is crucial for understanding soil erosion potential and structural integrity.

  • Slaking: Our soil and rock slaking test assesses the tendency of soil aggregates and different rock types to break down when wetted, indicating stability and erosion risk.

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