Kinsey-Albrecht Test
Soil chemical analyses have been used for many years. The Kinsey-Albrecht analysis is unique in that it focuses on the chemical elements of the soil for the soil balance. With this analysis, we do not only seek to feed the crops present but especially to rebalance the soil in order to have a good soil structure (which directly influences the biological quality) and a proper availability of nutrient elements. The ultimate goal is to restore a system that functions almost autonomously, which takes time.
In a biologically well-functioning soil, plant nutrition does not depend solely on the chemical characteristics of the soil.
Objective
Soil chemical analyses are the basis of the reflection. Soil analyses according to the Kinsey-Albrecht method aim to chemically rebalance the soil in the long term. Recommendations are primarily based on ratios between elements (notably Calcium / Magnesium) and on minimum necessary levels in the soil and for the crop in place and/or to come. Indeed, it is first necessary to have a soil with a minimum of air: a balanced Ca / Mg ratio. There is a direct effect on the physical and biological qualities of the soil:
- good physical qualities allow air and water to enter and exit the porous spaces, while storing what is necessary for the needs of plants and microorganisms: there is good circulation and good retention.
- air is essential for the presence of microorganisms and thus for the formation of micro and macro aggregates: aggregates that allow the maintenance of the structure even in case of rain and wind.
The analysis
The laboratory performing these analyses and recommendations is located in the United States.
The standard analysis includes:
- pH (water)
- Organic Matter (OM) content (humus content*)
- CEC
- Macro elements: N, S, P, Ca, Mg, K, Na
- Trace elements: B, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn
Supplements are possible:
In some cases, an additional test must be performed: the K-Displacement. If the soil meets certain criteria, notably in terms of pH, % Ca…, the classic analysis can give skewed results. It is then necessary to perform this K-Displacement test to obtain more accurate values (in CEC, Mg, Ca, K, Na). If this test is not performed, major deficiencies could go unnoticed.
*The laboratory measures colloidal humus: organic material has several stages of decomposition, forming increasingly smaller particles until colloidal humus is formed. This may explain the difference between OM measurements from French laboratories. Note the importance of always performing analyses with the same laboratory.
Results
Results are provided with recommendations, established by Kinsey Ag.
It may be requested to have a prioritization of recommendations to know which inputs are most important.
It can be specified on the information sheet, which must be provided with the samples, whether the inputs should be suitable for organic farming or if composts/manures are used.
Protocol
First contact the intermediary you wish to work with, so that they provide you with the precise protocol as well as the information sheet to be provided with the samples.
When to sample?
You can sample at any time of the year, the important thing is to always choose the same period over the years.
Avoid sampling just after an input of nitrogen and/or calcium.
Where to sample?
Choose homogeneous zones in terms of texture, drainage, management within your plot.
It is recommended to limit to plots or zones of 10 ha to be representative. Sample at several locations within your plot.
What to sample?
For no-till soils, sample to 10 cm depth.
Sending the sample
Thoroughly mix all samples from the same plot then take about 350 g. This represents 1 sample. Place the sample in a zip plastic bag and label it.
Do not place paper in the bag with the sample, as it may decompose and contaminate the sample.
Make sure to fill out the information sheet provided with the samples, especially information about inputs of calcium carbonate, dolomite, and gypsum.
Frequency
It is good to return to the same plot every 2 or 3 years to monitor evolution. This also allows spreading the analysis of all plots over 3 years.
During the year, it is possible and recommended to correct any crop deficiencies with sap analyses.
Points of attention
For soil analyses, as for most analyses, it is essential to always work with the same people and therefore ultimately the same laboratories. It is pointless to compare results from one laboratory to another: the sample sent is not the same, extraction protocols are not always the same, and interpretation also varies. Especially between European laboratories and the Kinsey-Albrecht method.
It is advised to work with intermediaries approved by Kinsey to ensure the use of the appropriate method and good follow-up. It is essential that these intermediaries work directly with Kinsey, who best masters the Kinsey-Albrecht method. The list of these intermediaries can be found here.
Cost
Between €100 - €200, as an example, at GASSLER SAS the standard analysis costs €127 including:
- Shipping to the laboratory
- pH (water)
- OM content (humus content*)
- CEC
- Macro elements: N, S, P, Ca, Mg, K, Na
- Trace elements: B, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo
- Recommendations
- Prioritization of elements to be applied
If the K displacement is necessary, the fee is €177.
Source
This article was written with the kind contribution of Marie-Thérèse Gässler from Gässler SAS.
