Lamotte Model El - Turf and Garden Soil Test Kit - 5679-01

I loved the self contained nature of the kit and the handy tools. I thought I could test 7 areas at once. 3 of the tests require 2 test tubes so only 3 tests at a time if you follow their instructions exactly. Provide 7 more test tubes. I learned my impression of my soil quality was way off and this provides me much better ways to address each section of my gardens. I know that the tests are working because of an atypical area testing much differently (better). Instructions include starting the day before to let soil samples dry, and it took me a longer than expected time to sift my composite samples of soil. Provide plenty of time in an area that won't get rain but isn't indoors for this. I think the info is scattered through good booklets but not as easy to reference between as if it were provided in a tabbed booklet. But I appreciated I got hard copies instead of searching a website. I loved that I could do the four tests in one afternoon (lots of rinsing and using the tiny brush to clean test tubes, be near a sink). I loved that it was so self contained I can store it easily. I will have enough to retest key areas this year but I will not have enough extracting solutions to cover all areas next spring and I read the refills are costly. But the kit is great to use, store in the shed, and get it out again in good shape next time, compact and informative. Keep in mind to have plenty of space and a colander or something with larger bowls so you can sift soil samples so you need space. I used sticky notes to label my samples and the log sheets are examples, very narrow, you might want to use an electronic spreadsheet to have room to note things clearly. You don't want to mix up your samples after so carefully collecting and sifting them.

I initially had an issue when the kit arrived that the color charts for deciphering results were not included. Through Amazon I contacted the seller and they immediately responded and I had the charts within a few days. Kudos, great customer service. The kit comes with soil guides and info books as well as a detailed inventory sheet and directions. The case and parts are of quality for what it is and the parts inside are as well. Most important is that the kit packs back up nicely after use. I grow in small pots and make my own soils from aggregates that are not typical for gardening. Majority of soils being volcanic knowing the PH range is of importance as well as having some info of NPK. So far I have only tested my "basic" soil mix. The directions were very easy to use, there are part numbers on each piece and chemical in the kit and they are spelled out in the directions. Hardest part was getting soil prepped for testing. I used a mortar and pestle to make a fine powder out of soil samples. The results will inform aggregate additions and how I will/need to fertilize my plants. My plants seem to be happy, but being able to dial in what they need will take them to next level. Included in the books are charts that decipher what the results would mean on a bigger scale as far as what and how much needs to be added to soil to get it an acceptable range for whatever is being grown. I need to do some math to figure out how to translate the charts for growing in very small containers as the charts deal with parts per acre. I now have a great kit to test any changes I make. Awesome kit that with a little work and research can help if you're looking to optimize soil for what you're growing. ****I would suggest doing phosphorus test first, event though it is last in the directions. You will likely have to make two batches of test mix to obtain enough soil fluid for the test. Doing it first, the test tubes can be cleaned and drying while you do other tests.

Consistently required double usage of the Phosphorus test to get enough separation.

I've purchased several soil analysis kits and they were all cheap, inexpensive and difficult to read and their readings were very error prone. The most accurate method to analyze your soil is to send a bunch of soil samples to your local Agricultural University, which takes weeks for their results. I found this Lamotte Model El - Turf and Garden Soil Test Kit to be highly accurate and useful to determine the NPK amount my lawns and gardens require for maximum health and growth. I would recommend this product.

I've compared test results against a meter and another testing kit. This is the easiest to use, most reliable I've seen yet. No issues with the equipment or quality of the system. As I use up the materials that came with the kit, I will buy replacement reagents instead of trying any other. Equipment is durable and will last with care.

My kit was missing some of the parts it was supposed to come with. I contacted Lamotte, and was told I would be shipped the replacement parts. 3 weeks later, no parts. What am I supposed to do with this kit? Amazon says it is not eligible to return, and to contact the manufacturer.....who won't help me. I used to buy on Amazon because I knew they vetted vendors, and even if they didn't I was covered by their return guarantee. Amazon shopping is quickly degrading into a "wild west" sort of scenario. Update: The parts showed up, and they were postmarked a day after I contacted the manufacturer, so I can't fault them. My comments stand on Amazon's bad service however. Thanks to Lamotte for a great product, and great support.

It did well for Nitrogen and Potassium. Not so good for pH or Phosphorus. Every so often I try home kit to see if one of them will work. Most don't do well for any reading, at least this one does okay for two of them. Now you may say that my soil was bad for pH or Phosphates, but the plants did fantastic in the areas tested. I wound up giving the neighbors my excess tomatoes, for example. Also you may say that I used a lot of fertilizer. Nope, I give each plant a little twice a season. I still have a bunch left over and will give it another shot next season.

Takes a while to preform all the test but appears to work exactly as advertised. I would certainly buy this product again. You can buy refills for more testing. Plenty of material though for lots of test. Booklet on test process is step by step and simple to read.

Product is good. Had an opportunity to test our soil and works great

The kit works well but I wish could get larger volumes of the testing solutions. This is the 2nd kit I have bought as there is no option to just buy a refill of the various testing solutions.