Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am conducting an experiment testing which plant is the best buffer for nitrogen and phosphorus run off. I need helo deciding a test kit to buy. the fertilizer i am using contains ammonium sulfate. There are lots of differnet kinds of kits out there and I need help. Thanks!

Kelly,
Cool project. Are you mainly interested in pH and the three main soil macronutrients (potassium, nitrogen and phosphorous)? If so, there seem to be a couple of kits that are used quite frequently, are easy to find, easy and safe to use, and not too expensive. Check out the following for examples:
http://www.biconet.com/testing/LaMGarden.html
A soil test kit called Rapitest also seems to be commonly used. It's available many places - perhaps even your local nursery. For info check out either of these sites:
http://www.heirloomseeds.com/soil.htm
or
https://www2.carolina.com/webapp/wcs/st ... =&crumbs=n
(This latter link is a biological supply company - check with your teacher, your school might have an account and it might be possible to get a discounted price.)

Hope this helps,
DH