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HOW TO USE PRS™-PROBES
Protocol
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- Make slot in soil using a soil knife.
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For burials under 24hr, add de-ionized water.
Wet soil in vicinity of PRS™-probe to field capacity using water bottle or backpack sprayer.
- Insert regenerated PRS™-probes.
- Ensure complete contact.
Depending on the soil type and conditions, PRS™-probes can be directly inserted into the soil; however, if the soil is heavy, dry, hard, and/or rocky, then preparing a hole prior to insertion is recommended to avoid breaking the PRS™-probe. After inserting a PRS™-probe, use either a spade or soil knife and apply a ‘back-cut’ to ensure good contact between the PRS™-probe and soil. Finally, close the back-cut holes by firmly pressing the soil with your heel, which prevents water accumulation and further ensures complete contact between the PRS™-probe and soil.
- Leave in soil for pre-determined length of time.
See PRS™ Operations Manual: short-duration versus long-duration burials.
- Remove from soil and wash with ion-free water.
Clean PRS™-probes should have NO SOIL on membrane or plastic or in any cracks or corners.
- Place in Ziploc bag.
Shake excess H2O off of PRS™ prior to placing in bag and label appropriately.
- Re-wash in lab if not completely clean.
There should be no sign of soil in the bag or on the PRS™-probe. Transfer to a clean bag if necessary.
- Pack the probes in the Styrofoam-lined box provided along with a couple of ice packs to keep probes cool in transit, and ship back to Western Ag for analyses.
Note: Please refer to the Plant Root Simulator™ Operations Manual (provided with agreements over 50 complete analyses) for more detailed explanations and procedures.
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