To submit a Near Infrared Reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) sample to the Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory at Oklahoma State University (OSU), follow these general steps:

 

Important Note: NIR forage analysis should only be used when forage type is clearly identified. This method is not recommended for mixed grasses or samples with unknown composition. 

 

Method for Submitting Samples to OSU Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory for NIRS Analysis

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Prepare your Samples 

 

Collect Samples

Follow proper sampling guidelines to ensure your samples are representative. Samples should be taken according to the “Collecting Forage Samples for Analysis” fact sheet PSS-2589. (Note: This process is same as for Wet Chemistry Forage Analysis).

 

Packaging

Place your samples in the forage bags. Staple the “SWFAL NIR test request form” to the forage tag. No plastic inside the sample bags. You may place the sample bag inside of a Ziploc bag if you are concerned with dry matter, otherwise, this is not necessary.

 

Labeling

Completely fill out the form and place the barcode in the barcode box. Write your customer code number and the sample number on the back of the tag in pencil or ball point pen.

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Complete the Sample Submission Form/Label 

 

Select Tests Requested

NIR will contain Dry Matter, Protein, ADF and NDF (Like wet chemistry test D). Lignin can also be requested. Nitrate Toxicity and Minerals will be analyzed using wet chemistry if requested.

 

Select Crop

You must select one crop only. Only the crops listed will be available for NIR analysis. All others will be analyzed using wet chemistry as done previously.

 

Incorrectly labeling a sample with a different crop code will result in inaccurate results. The lab is not responsible for data on inaccurately labeled samples. These cannot be changed after analysis. The sample will need to be rerun, and you will be charged for another analysis if a crop change is requested.

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Package and Ship Samples 

 

Packaging

After labeling and completing the submission form, carefully package the samples in a box with your other samples for that week and ship them to the lab as normal.

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Confirm Receipt and Follow Up 

 

Confirmation

After shipping, log on to the website and confirm all constituents look correct. (If they do not, contact the lab asap for correction.)

• Make sure the test requested matches your records along with the crop code. 
• This information can be found under “Samples in Process” after the samples are received by the lab.

 

Processing Time

NIR should typically be done within 24-48 hours business days of receiving the sample.

 

NIR analysis and Nitrate will be available as soon as possible. Mineral analysis will take a few days longer to complete, usually 4-7 business days.

 

Results

Once the analysis is complete, the results will be available for you to print/email on the website.

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Review and Interpret Results 

Upon receiving the results, review the data provided and contact the laboratory if you have any questions or need further explanation of the findings.

 

If you are unsure about interpreting the NIR analysis data, ask the lab for guidance or consultation with a local agronomist.

 

NIR is a way for us to offer you a quick turnaround time analysis of forage. It is not as precise as wet chemistry but will provide an accurate result.