Back

LABORATORY FOR TESTING SOILS, FERTILIZERS AND PLANT MATERIAL

Department of Agrochemistry

Department Activities

The Department performs laboratory testing of soils, mineral and organic fertilizers, soil improvers, substrates, and plant material. Test results are used to assess agrochemical properties, product quality control, plant nutrition optimization, support for registration procedures, and scientific research.

The work of the Department combines service and consultancy testing, development and application of analytical methods, conducting biological tests and trials, cooperation with industry, as well as supporting the educational and scientific research work of the Faculty. In addition, it participates in the implementation of scientific research projects.

The Department of Agrochemistry is accredited according to the requirements of the SRPS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, by the Accreditation Body of Serbia (ATS) under accreditation number 01-541 dated August 14, 2023.

The Department of Agrochemistry is authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management to perform laboratory and related professional tasks in the field of plant nutrition products and soil improvers as of September 19, 2022.

Scope of Testing

Soil:

  • Basic chemical properties: active and substitutional pH value, calcium carbonate content, humus, readily available phosphorus and potassium, total nitrogen, and mineral forms of nitrogen.
  • Mineral nitrogen in soil for nitrogen fertilization based on the N-min method.
  • Total and available content of secondary macro-elements and micro-elements: Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, and B.
  • Total and available content of potentially harmful elements: Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cd.

Fertilizers (inorganic and organic), soil improvers, substrates, and organic materials:

  • Physical properties: granulometric composition, moisture content, mechanical strength of granules, bulk density, and volumetric mass.
  • Nitrogen: ammoniacal, nitrate, amide, and total nitrogen.
  • Phosphorus: total, water-soluble, NAC-soluble, and water-soluble.
  • Potassium: total and water-soluble.
  • Total and water-soluble content of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, and B, as well as total content of Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cd.
  • Content of humic and fulvic acids, organic matter, and organic carbon.
  • For substrates, soil improvers, and organic fertilizers: pH value, electrical conductivity, mineral forms of nitrogen, available and total forms of phosphorus and potassium, as well as other nutrient elements.

Plant material:

  • Determination of nutrient elements: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, B, Mo, Cu, Mn, and Zn.
  • Results can be used to assess mineral plant nutrition and provide expert interpretation in the context of production.

Professional Services, Biological Tests and Equipment

Biological tests and trials:

  • The Department performs biological tests, i.e., trials for the purpose of assessing the efficacy and agronomic value of preparations and fertilizers from the category of other fertilizers and special products. Trials are planned and conducted according to an agreed protocol and the requirements of the registration procedure.
  • Development of methodology, setup, and monitoring of trials in field or other appropriate conditions.
  • Monitoring relevant indicators of plant growth, yield, quality, and mineral nutrition.
  • Processing of results and preparation of expert documentation within the scope of the contracted task.

Services and consulting:

  • Interpretation of test results and preparation of recommendations for the rational application of fertilizers.
  • Issuing fertilization recommendations for nitrogen based on the N-min method.
  • Preparation of quality reports for plant nutrition products and soil improvers for registration purposes.
  • Fertilizer quality control and expert support to manufacturers and distributors.
  • Soil quality assessment in terms of potentially harmful element content and possible environmental impact.
  • Development of methodology and setup of expert and scientific research trials.
  • CHNS analyzer Elementar Vario Macro Cube
  • Atomic absorption spectrophotometer Shimadzu AA-6300
  • UV/VIS spectrophotometer Shimadzu UV-2600
  • Flame photometer Jenway PFP7
  • Microwave digestion system Milestone Start D
  • Ultrapure water system Thermo Scientific Smart2Pure 3
  • Scheibler calcimeter with five workstations
  • Centrifuge Hermle Z306
  • Memmert UF110 drying oven and Nabertherm muffle furnace
  • Apparatus for determining mineral and total nitrogen

Head of Laboratory

Department Working Hours

Sample reception every working day from 07:00 to 15:00

Customer Surveys to Improve Laboratory Work

Working days from 07:00 to 15:00

Sample reception every working day from 08:00 to 14:00

Chemistry Pavilion, 4th floor, office H-42a – Reception office of the Department of Agrochemistry

Sample Submission:

Fill out the Testing Request form, including data on the client, type and markings of the samples, and requested tests.

Clearly label each sample with a mark corresponding to the one stated in the Request.

  1. Deliver the sample in person to the reception room of the Department of Agrochemistry during sample reception hours.
  2. Upon receipt, the Department reviews the request and agrees on the scope of testing, applicable methods, deadline, and price of the service.

Cooperation with Industry

The Department cooperates with agricultural producers, fertilizer and preparation manufacturers and distributors, consulting organizations, competent authorities, and research institutions. Cooperation includes laboratory testing, biological trials, expert interpretations of results, and support for product development and registration.

Educational and Scientific Research Work

In addition to service activities, the Department participates in the practical training of students, the implementation of final, master’s, and doctoral theses, as well as domestic and international scientific research and professional projects. Laboratory capacities enable the integration of teaching, research, and solving specific problems in the fields of soil fertility, plant nutrition, and fertilizer quality.

Downloads and Useful Links

Gallery

This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.