Services

The lab offers a limited range of analytical services for samples submitted by mail or brought in person. All funds from this work are used to support the lab and student aides. Please send samples in well sealed containers to the address below:

Physical Geography & Geoarchaeology LaboratoryValparaiso UniversityC/O Jon-Paul McCool1809 Chapel DriveValparaiso, IN 46383

Include a written description of the desired analyses. If geomorphic interpretation is requested, please provide coordinates or an address with specific descriptions of the sampling area. It is recommended to contact us by email (jonpaul.mccool@valpo.edu) prior to sample submission, especially if sending multiple samples.

Pricing discounts available if scientific research collaboration is possible. Contact Jon-Paul McCool to discuss further.

Requests for field assessment and analysis or geoarchaeological investigation are handled by contract. Please contact Jon-Paul McCool to discuss further.

Services

Soil Organic Matter

Analysis of soil organic matter content using Loss-On-Ignition at 500°C. Results presented as both soil organic matter and soil organic carbon content.

Permanganate Oxidizable Carbon (POXc)

Analysis of the carbon within a soil considered to be 'active' or readily decomposable. Assessed via permanganate oxidation. Also known as the Weil Active Carbon test.

CO2 Burst Active Carbon Test

Analysis of the carbon within a soil considered to be 'active' or readily decomposable. Assessed via rewetting of a dried sample and measurement of the evolved Carbon Dioxide measured with a Solvita IRTH.

Soil Carbonate Analysis

Analysis of carbonate content using Loss-On-Ignition at 1000°C. This is an add-on analysis to Soil Organic Matter analysis.

Soil pH

<2 mm soil  fraction pH measured at a 1:1 soil:water suspension ratio to assess active soil acidity. Use of alternate ratio (1:2, 1:2.5, 1:5) available upon request for same cost.

Soil pH (CaCl solution)

<2 mm soil fraction pH measured using a 1:2 0.01 M CaCl2 solution according to USDA KSSL Method 4C1a2a2.

Soluble Salts

Measurement of electrical conductivity of supernatant of a 1:2 soil:water mixture. Provides overall estimate of salt content, but no information on specific salts.

Soil Runoff pH and soluble salts

Determination of pH and electrical conductivity on the 1:5 soil:water extract using USDA KSSL Extraction Method 4D2a2.

Basic Particle Size Analysis/Soil Texture

Determination of USDA soil texture classification by hydrometer method. Results list percentages for sand, silt, and clay and the textural class. Test is for mineral soils.Additional cost for Organic Matter removalAdditional cost for carbonate removal

Extended Particle Size Analysis

Determination of USDA textural classification using hydrometer analysis and dry sand sieving. U.S. Standard Sieves used: No. 10 (2 mm), 18 (1 mm), 35 (0.5 mm), 60 (0.25 mm), 140 (0.106 mm), and 270 (0.053mm). Results presented as list percentages for sand, silt, clay, percentages for sub-fractions of sand and silt, and results presented graphically for the grain size distribution.

Particle Size Distribution Analysis

Determination of soil/sediment particle size distribution by laser diffraction using the Horiba LA 960. For mineral soils only.Additional cost for Organic Matter removalAdditional cost for Carbonate removal

Magnetic Susceptibility

Bulk Material Susceptibility reading using MS2K sensor<2 mm Susceptibility reading using MS2K sensor<2 mm Susceptibility reading using MS2B sensor

XRF Pellet Preparation

Creation of a pressed pellet from bulk soil/sediment sample submitted.Creation of a size fraction specific pelletShipping costs not included. Be aware that material may not handle shipment well and no guarantee can be made for pellet integrity.

Clay Mineralogy Slide Preparation

Preparation of two slides for clay mineralogy determination using XRD. 

Geomorphic Landscape Interpretation

Production of a geomorphic map for a landscape using publicly available data. Results based on customer desires but can include rendered topography, contour lines, geomorphic landscape units, watershed boundaries, and soil characteristics.

Cost

$7





$15






$10





$5




$4





$8



$7




$10




$25




$5$10

$50








$50




$5$10

See below

$5$10$15

See below

$15
$30


$40



$100+

Cost dependent on area size and desired product