Hummel & Co., Inc. Soil Testing Services, Turfgrass Soil Consulting, Serving the Golf Course, Sports Field and Landscape Industries.
2008 Price Schedule Print PDF file

"The term quality best describes our services."


  • Soil Physical Testing Services

  • Turfgrass Soil Consulting
  • Serving the Golf Course, Sports Field and Landscape Industries

    Particle Size Analysis $100.00
    Sand, silt and clay, sand size distribution, sand particle shape, pH, uniformity coefficient, D85, by pipette method (ASTM F-1632) or hydrometer method on request (D-422). Sample size: 1 quart.

    Organic Matter Quality $125.00
    To determine suitability of organic matter sources for root zone mixes. Includes ash, organic content, water content, water holding capacity, bulk density, pH, and organic yield (ASTM D-4531, D-2976, D-2980, D-2974). Sample size: 1 gallon.

    SolvitaTM Compost Maturity Test
    To determine maturity of compost. Sample size: 1 gallon. $40.00

    Complete Physical Analysis $365.00
    Complete physical analysis of a root zone mix. Includes particle size analysis, infiltration, total porosity, bulk density, aeration and capillary porosity, particle density, organic matter content, pH (ASTM F-1815, ASTM D5550, ASTM F1632, ASTM F1647, method 1). Sample size: 1 gallon.

    Mix Design
    USGA physical analysis on lab-designed and -prepared root zone mixes. Includes all tests as described in USGA Physical Analysis. Sample size: 1 gallon.
    Single mix $375.00
    Each additional mix, optimum mix ratio identified $160.00

    Organic Matter $30.00
    Percent organic matter on root zone by combustion (ASTM F-1647, method 1). Sample size: 1 pint.

    Gravel Particle Size $70.00
    Sieve analysis of gravel or other drainage stones, bridging with root zone (ASTM C-136). Sample size: 1 gallon.

    Quality Control $90.00
    Particle size (silt and clay combined), organic matter of root zone mix. Sample size: 1/2 gallon. With infiltration rate (24 hour turnaround). $160.00

    Perc Rate $70.00
    Saturated hydraulic conductivity rate on root zone mixes or bunker sands (ASTM F-1815). Sample size: 1/2 gallon.

    Sand Sieve Analysis $60.00
    Particle size distribution of sand. Used as a preliminary screening of sands for greens or sports field construction. Sample size: 1 quart.

    Topsoil Quality Test $145.00
    Includes soil textural analysis, organic matter and nutrient analysis. Sample size: 1/2 gallon.

    Ball Diamond Mix Test $100.00
    Includes partical size analysis, color. Sample size: 1 quart.

    Bunker Sand Analysis $160.00
    Particle size analysis, particle shape, fried egg lie, infiltration rate. Sample size: 1 full gallon.

    Soil, Physical Diagnosis, Undisturbed Samples $540.00
    Complete physical analysis on two layers within an undisturbed soil profile. Includes all tests described under USGA Physical Analysis. Sampling instructions are on back page. Please follow these explicitly. Cost is per green or section of sports field (ASTM F-1815 modified).
    Three to five samples (per green) $440. More than five samples, call for quote.

    USGA Physical Analysis with Full Water Release Curve $385.00
    Complete physical analysis of a root zone mix (no particle size analysis). Includes infiltration total porosity, bulk density, aeration and capillary porosity, organic matter content, and full water release curve. Points available: 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 60 cm, 1/10 bar, 1/3 bar, 1 bar, and 3 bars. Sample size: 1 gallon. (2-3 week turnaround)

    LA Abrasion Test $225.00
    To determine gravel hardness or degradation potential (ASTM C-131). Twenty-five pound sample required.

    Sulfate Soundness Test $200.00
    To determine degradation potential of gravel simulating freeze-thaw cycles (ASTM C-88).
    Sample size: 1 gallon.

    Nutrient Analysis (through CLC Labs) $30.00
    Includes pH, buffer pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, base saturation, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. Sample size: 1 pint.

    Gmax Testing of Synthetic Surfaces $500/field plus $40/hr travel time plus expenses
    Shock attenuation (surface hardness) on synthetic fields (ASTM F-355).

    The following series of tests have been added to our services to better evaluate the physical properties of soils (not sand-based mixes). These tests are beneficial in evaluating soils for athletic fields, fairway soils and any other installations using finer textured soils.

    Proctor Tests
    Used to evaluate the compaction characteristics of soils.
    Standard Compaction Effort (ASTM D698-91). $150.00
    Modified Compaction Effort (ASTM D1557-91). $200.00
    With permeability (infiltration rate) at specified compaction level. Sample size: 5 gallons. $60.00

    Complete Physical Analysis of Soil or Amended Soils $425.00
    Includes particle size analysis and organic matter analysis of soil and a proctor test (ASTM D698-91). Physical properties are determined at desired or specified proctor density, and include infiltration rate, bulk density, total porosity, and aeration and capillary porosity at field capacity.
    With complete water release curve (recommended, 2-week turnaround). Sample size: 5 gallons. $495.00

    Hummel & Co., Inc. is a full service lab. All results include interpretation at no additional cost to you. Faxing of results is free of charge. Site visits are available. Call for pricing information.

    Sampling Instructions for Construction Materials Gravel, sand or root zone mix samples should be taken from several locations within a stockpile. The outer 6 inches of the pile should be pulled back and a tube (PVC is adequate) inserted into the pile. Withdraw the sample and place it in a large container. A minimum of 6 samples should be removed from different sections and levels of the pile. Once all of the samples are taken, the composite sample should be spread on a tarp, mixed thoroughly, and split in half Discard half Split the remaining material in half, and discard half again. Continue doing this until a one gallon sample remains. Peat samples for organic matter quality should be a randomly selected bale. Bulk peat samples should be taken as described above. One gallon of material is needed for most of the tests we perform. Make sure that the container is sealed and labeled.

    Important Reminder

    Be sure to include information with the samples, such as contact person, address, phone, fax, and tests required. Failure to include this information may result in a significant delay in reporting back to you.

    Sampling Instructions for Undisturbed Soil Cores

    Important Note: For each green being tested, please take four (4) samples!

    Step 1: Cut 2” diameter PVC pipe into sections. The pipe must be 2” diameter to fit our equipment properly. Sections should be long enough to reach through the soil profile.


    Figure 1. Cut 2” PVC pipe into sections.

    Step 2: Bevel the edge on one end to provide a sharp surface to cut into the green.


    Figure 2. Bevel the edge on one end.

    Step 3: Drill two holes opposite each other at the end opposite the beveled edge. A metal rod can be inserted through these holes to provide handles for pulling the core out of the green,

    Step 4: Pound the beveled edge of the PVC pipe into the green far enough to include the entire soil profile; if there is a gravel and/or choker layer, it is desirable to go down deep enough to
    Fig 3. Pound PVC pipe into the ground, using the metal bar as a handle to remove the core.
    include this layer in the profile.

    Step 5: Pull the core out. Pack space in both ends with newspaper to prevent shifting of the profile. Securely tape both ends with duct tape. Pack taped cores securely for shipping.

    Step 6: Ship to: Hummel & Co., Inc.
    35 King Street
    Trumansburg, NY 14886
    (607) 387-5694

    Print the attached price list file, fill out and include the Sample Submission / Billing Authorization Form (printable pdf file)

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