Maximum Yield USA January 2018 | Page 77

TESTING THE SAMPLE If growers opt to send their samples to an extension, or a service lab it recommends, do not delay. If possible, deliver the sample the same day it is collected or at least get it mailed the same day. If there needs to be a lag between sampling time and delivering or mailing, keep the sample closed and stored in a refrigerator to try and reduce the chance of contamination. If testing their own soil, growers should do so immediately after collecting the sample. When practical, it is advisable to have the testing materials ready to go prior to collecting the sample. Most DIY kits do not test the soil itself, but rather the water that runs through the soil. As such, distilled or deionized water needs to be used for irrigating the sample so that the pH is not affected. Make sure to collect this leachate in a clean container. At this point, some kits test the leached water directly, while some require various provided chemicals added to it (meaning growers must mix those in and let them stand for the prescribed amount of time). We innovate advanced LED light solutions to meet the needs of plants. S4W 2,9 µmol/J efficiency grow cycle 75