Our Services
Laverstoke Park has equipped a fully comprehensive analytical chemistry laboratory. The laboratory has been primarily designed for soil and food analysis with the agricultural community in mind. The services of the laboratory are aimed to provide consultants, farmers, horticulturists, amenity managers and the food industry with reliable, analytical data to make sound decisions on management practices. Laboratory facilities include several high tech mass spectrometers including ICP-MS, LC-MS and GC-MS in addition to traditional analytical instrumentation.
ICP-MS - Used for elemental determination in various sample matrices to part per trillion concentrations.
GC-MS - Analysis of flavors and volatile species in samples, allowing for pesticide and food/beverage analysis.
LC-MS - Versatile powerful technique allows for the analysis of specific compounds within complex samples.
Soil chemistry: Total, Albrecht and Reams Analyses
We provide a range of soil analyses including pH, UK soil indices, organic matter, total extractions and the Albrecht and Reams methods. The total extractions provide insight into the total levels or long term supply of soil nutrients. The Albrecht method yields information on the exchangeable fraction (medium term supply) of soil nutrients, while the Reams method uses a weak extractant which mimics that of root exudates and highlights the soluble or plant available fraction of essential nutrients (short term supply). We also provide analytical services made to order and can cater for any specific requirements you may have.
Food Chemistry
We can also test for a diverse range of compounds and elements from several sample types, including plant tissue, fruit, vegetables, food products and beverages. Analyses we offer include:
- • Analysis of major and minor elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P etc)
- • Potentially Toxic Elements and other heavy metals (As, Hg, Cd, Ni, etc)
- • Anions and Cation Analysis (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, sulphate, phosphate etc)
- • Pesticide, herbicide, and insecticide residues in food and soils for possible contamination
- • Phytochemical compounds in food
Figure above: SPME-HS-GC-MS chromatogram of Laverstoke Park Farm Organic Ale, several phytochemical compounds were identified.
Combining the information from our comprehensive chemistry analysis with our biological testing services, can provide growers with valuable information and insight into both the chemical and biological fertility of their soils which is the foundation of a sustainable farm.
For more information on our Analytical Chemistry services, please contact the Chemistry Lab Manager on 01256 772668 or by email at chemlab@laverstokepark.co.uk
Food Chemistry
We can also test for a diverse range of compounds and elements from several sample types, including plant tissue, fruit, vegetables, food products and beverages. Analyses we offer include:
- Analysis of major and minor elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P etc)
- Potentially Toxic Elements and other heavy metals (As, Hg, Cd, Ni, etc)
- Anions and Cation Analysis (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, sulphate, phosphate etc)
- Flavour compounds in food(s)
Figure above: SPME-HS-GC-MS chromatogram of Laverstoke Park Farm Organic Ale, several phytochemical compounds were identified.
For more information on our Chemistry services, please contact the Chemistry Lab Manager on 01256 772668 or by email at chemlab@laverstokepark.co.uk