* REDLAA authorized laboratory
+(593) 2 2490575 - 2494148
0979296335 - 0984034148
Quito - Ecuador
Participant of
Irrigation Water and Fertigation Water Sampling
Irrigation water
Water analysis is an important tool for production, since it allows us to know the quality of the water and the availability of the nutrients that the irrigation water provides. The quality of the irrigation water affects mainly two factors: the crop yield and, in the long term, the physical conditions of the soil.
In many cases, the chemical characteristics of water change over time, so it is recommended to perform a water analysis periodically.
How to collect the sample?
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The container should be made of glass or plastic, preferably with a screw cap. It is important that it does not contain any residue.
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It is recommended to wash the container several times with water similar to that to be sent as a sample. Agrochemical containers should not be used.
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The container must be filled to the brim, as aeration can cause slight variations in the pH of the sample.
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Reservoir Water: If the analysis of the water from a reservoir is required, it must be sampled at at least 5 different points. These subsamples will be mixed to obtain the final sample that will be sent to the laboratory, approximately 500 ml.
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Spring water: In the case of spring waters or ditches, several points must be sampled at medium depth. These subsamples will be mixed to obtain the final sample that will be sent to the laboratory, approximately 500 ml.
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Well Water: In wells, the pump must be turned on and wait several minutes before collecting the sample.
Fertigation Water / Drip Water / Droppers or Drip
It is recommended to analyze fertilized water samples periodically and in case of particular situations such as: sudden changes in the crop, failures in the injection system, changes in the concentrations of commercial fertilizers, calculation errors in the formulation, etc.
How to collect the sample?
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The container should be made of glass or plastic, preferably with a screw cap. It is recommended to wash the container several times with water, it is important that it does not contain any residue. Agrochemical containers should not be used.
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The volume of the sample to be shipped to the laboratory must be 200 ml minimum. It is recommended that the container be filled to the brim, as aeration may cause slight variations in sample pH.
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To obtain a representative sample of the fertigation water that reaches a specific area (block, valve, shed, etc.) in the plantation, at least eight subsamples of the fertilized water are taken directly below the drippers. These subsamples are pooled into a single sample that will be sent to the laboratory.
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Samples should not be taken from droppers that are located at the beginning and end of a bed or from droppers that are visibly plugged.
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The sample should be shipped to the laboratory preferably on the same day as the sample collection. Sun exposure and high temperatures should be avoided.
Make sure to identify each sample with the corresponding information: Name or Social reason, ID or RUC, Address, Telephone and Email, Name and Telephone of the contact person, Type of crop, Identification of the sample, Date of sample collection, Type of analysis required.