2005/04/27 Council Agenda Packet

. t o , e Soil and Plant Laboratory, Inc. www.soil andplantlaboratory.corn Northwest Office November 7, 2003 • Lab. No.51411 CITY OF EVERETT ENVIRONMENTAL LAB 3200 Cedar Street Everett, WA 98201 Attn: Chris Chesson NITRIFIBRE ANALYSES-RIVERSIDE (JOB NO. 17742) On accompanying data sheets are results of tests performed on a composite sample taken from a 12" depth. Data interpretations and comments follow. Available nutrient levels: The pH is considered slightly acid at 6.6 on the pH scale. Salinity (ECe) is a measurement of the total soluble salts and is considered slightly elevated at 4.2 dS/m. Available nitrogen is substantial in this product, with the majority present in the ammonium form (NH4-N). Available phosphorus is also elevated to a lesser degree. Potassium, calcium and magnesium are low for a material of this texture. In the minor element category, zinc is slightly elevated, with otherwise normal nutrient levels for a product of this texture. Both sodium and chloride represent very low fractions of the total salinity value and therefore do not represent any hazards to plants. Based on the available nutrient levels, use of this product will substantially improve availabilities of nitrogen and phosphorus and to a lesser extent, zinc and sulfate when applied to soils as an organic amendment. The high concentration of ammonium nitrogen found indicates that the product has not yet matured or aged. Under favorable temperature, aeration and moisture conditions, soil bacteria will convert ammonium nitrogen to the preferred nitrate form(NO3-N). Total nutrient levels: On a second data sheet, we have indicated the total and available amounts of essential elements per cubic yard and per ton at the 59.6% moisture content when received. For example, each cubic yard of this product contains 4.19 lbs. total nitrogen, of which 0.64 lbs. (15.25%) are available. The final column of percentages indicates the fraction of each element, which is present in the available form. In reviewing this final column of data, we note that all essential elements are primarily bound in the organic fraction, which means they will be subject to release over time as microorganisms continue to degrade the organic fraction. Physical properties: Virtually all particles passed the '''A" screen. The majority of particles fall between 9.51 mm and 2.38 mm, indicating this material to be moderately coarse textured. Each cubic yard of Nutrifibre will provide-114 lbs. actual organic matter. The organic matter present in this amendment will be moderately improved when blended with mineral soils. 75