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Hummel & Co. offers a full range of soil physical testing. All tests include an interpretation at no additional cost to you. Below is a guide for selecting the testing services to suit your needs. Click on the heading for current pricing information.

New Greens and Sand Based Sports Field Construction:

• Particle Size Analysis
  Sands or mixes used for greens and sand based sports fields must meet certain particle size specifications to perform properly. This test will determine the percentage of sand, silt, and clay in a mix, as well as the sand size distribution. The pH is included, as are the sand particle shape, the coefficient of uniformity, and the D85. The D85 is needed to determine compatibility or bridging with gravel.

• Mix Development/Complete Physical Analysis of Root Zone Mixes
  Regardless of your construction method, you need to know that the root zone mix is going to have physical properties desirable for turfgrass growth. Using the sand, organic matter source, and perhaps soil of your choice, we will develop and test different mixes to define the optimum mix ratio. A Complete Physical Analysis will be performed, testing properties such as infiltration rate, total porosity, aeration and capillary pore space, and bulk density. The results are usually compared to the USGA Recommendations or an architect’s specification for these properties. A recipe for reproducing the mix is provided. Complete physical testing is recommended for pre-blended mixes as well.

  Our complete physical analysis also includes a particle size analysis and organic matter content.

• Complete Physical Analysis with Water Release Curve
  This test goes a step beyond the standard USGA Physical Analysis. We not only determine the water holding capacity of a root zone mix, but we also determine how much water is available to the plant. This information may be most valuable when an organic matter source of unknown quality or an inorganic amendment is used.

• Gravel Particle Size Analysis
  A particle size distribution of the under drainage gravel is needed to make sure that the gravel will drain, and to make sure that it is sized properly to prevent root zone mix migration into the gravel. The D15 and coefficient of uniformity are reported.

  The LA Abrasion test is recommended where the stability of the gravel is in question.

• Organic Matter Quality
  The organic matter in your sand based root zone mix plays an important role in the performance of the mix. It is recommended that any organic matter source of unknown origin or quality have this test performed. Included are percent organic matter, percent ash, pH, water holding capacity, density, and organic matter yield.

  Fiber content is reflective of the age of peat; the lower the fiber content, the older the peat. It is closely related to water holding capacity of a peat. Analysis for fiber content, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and carbon to nitrogen ratio are also available.

  The maturity of a compost should be known before using it as a soil amendment. The Solvita Maturity Index is an indicator of compost maturity based on a test that determines carbon dioxide evolution and the presence of ammonia. We offer this quick and inexpensive test.

• Sand Size Analysis
  Routinely run as a part of our quality control testing, this is a quick, inexpensive test to determine if a sand or mix is suitable for considering for a sand based root zone mix.

• Quality Control Testing
  This is a quick test to determine if a root zone mix meets or conforms to an original approved mix. The test includes a particle size distribution and organic matter content of the mix. Results are often provided the same day if the sample is received before noon. Infiltration rates are offered as an option with the entire test being turned around within 24 hours in most cases.

Sand Bunkers

• Bunker Sand Analysis: The performance of bunker sands depends on several factors, including sand particle size and shape. The bunker sand analysis is a thorough series of tests to investigate these. The tests include particle size analysis, sand particle shape, crusting, color, infiltration rate, and a penetrometer test to determine the sands potential to produce buried balls.

Fairway Plating Sands

• Complete Physical Analysis with Low Tension Water Release Curve
  In areas subject to high rainfall events, fairways are sometimes plated with sand. Complete physical analyses, including a particle size analysis are needed to determine the suitability of sands for this purpose. A water release curve is performed to determine the minimum depth for that specific sand. We also will determine the capacity of the fairway sand to remove water for specific drain spacings.

Sports Field or Landscape Contruction - Topsoil or Modified Soil Testing

• Particle Size and Organic Matter Analysis: Topsoil quality is often defined by its texture and organic matter content. Selecting the particle size analysis and organic matter tests will provide this information. Nutrient testing is available through CLC Labs. Recommendations are often given on soil improvement with amendments.

• Proctor Testing
  Proctor testing is used to evaluate the compaction characteristics of the soil. This test determines the maximum density the soil can be compacted to, and at what moisture content the soil is most prone to compaction. Proctor testing is useful in determining how compacted a soil is in the field, and is useful in evaluating the effects of soil amendments on soil density and porosity. We offer two levels of proctor testing: the standard proctor test (ASTM D698) and a modified proctor test (ASTM D1557), the latter being a more severe compaction test.

• Complete Physical Analysis of Soil or Amended Soils:
  This group of tests includes a standard proctor test on a soil as received, or a soil that has been amended. A complete physical analysis is then performed on the soil or amended soil at 80 and 85% (or specified level) maximum compaction. The test includes the proctor test, particle size analysis, organic matter content, infiltration rate, total porosity, and aeration and capillary porosity. This is the best way to evaluate soils or amended soils for sports turf and landscape uses.

Green roof mixes are engineered root zone mixes designed to not only support plant growth, but to sometimes meet weight restrictions. Hummel & Co Inc. performs a variety of tests on green roof mixes, including saturated hydraulic conductivity, porosity and pore space distribution, water holding capacity, and densities at maximum water capacity, drained and dry. Samples are tested per FLL Guidelines and per ASTM E-2399. Particle size analysis, organic matter, pH, and electrical conductivity are available as well.

Services - Gmax Testing (Shock Attenuation of Synthetic Playing Surfaces)

Synthetic playing surfaces should be tested when new, and on a regular basis to determine surface hardness. In fact, many manufacturers require annual testing to enforce their warranties. Hummel & Co. Inc. is available to determine this per ASTM F355 and ASTM F1936.

Services - Diagnostic Soil Testing

Most golf course superintendents and sports turf managers know the chemical status of their soils. But do you know the physical properties? No doubt the physical properties of a soil or sand based mix will influence the performance of the turf. We offer full physical testing on undisturbed soil cores that you submit. This testing offers an accurate picture of the soil physical properties, as they actually exist in the green or sports field. Some common uses of this testing include:

Where greens or sports fields are not performing to expectations, we can determine if the problem is physical. In the case of new fields or greens, we can tell if they were built to specification, or if the problem is due to maintenance during grow-in. Where a superintendent or greens committee knows that the physical condition of the green is poor and needs to be replaced, we may be able to provide documentation that this is indeed the case. We rely on our extensive soils and turfgrass experience to offer you with all your options. Are you considering regrassing your greens, or do you need to replace the entire green. A physical test on undisturbed cores can provide you with the information to make the right decision.

Diagnostic testing by Hummel & Co. Inc. is a very thorough test. Reports include an interpretation of the data and recommendations.

It is very important that we receive good samples. Please read the sampling instructions carefully. Failure to provide us with the good samples may require your resubmission of the samples and delay getting results back to you.

Services - Consulting

We are available for various types of soil and turfgrass consulting, including on-site visits. Examples of where our consulting services have been used include:

• Specification review and assistance in the design of greens and sports fields
• Fertilizer management
• On-site assessment of turf and soil conditions, with an outline of all options for correction or management of the property.
• Expert testimony.
• Educational programs for employees or clients.

Call or E-mail us for information on prices and availability.