Soil testing plays an important role in modern agriculture, but many students do not fully see the process between collecting a soil sample and receiving a laboratory report. A recent educational visit to Ward Laboratories in Kearney, Nebraska, gave students and interns from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Maharjan Soil Science Lab the opportunity to see that process firsthand.
The group visited Ward Laboratories on May 27-28, 2026, to learn how laboratory analysis and results support nutrient management, soil health, crop production and agricultural decision-making. The visit connected classroom knowledge and field research with the practical laboratory procedures used to generate reliable data for farmers, researchers, agronomists and agricultural industries.
“Observing modern analytical techniques and interacting with laboratory professionals enhanced our understanding of agricultural diagnostics,” said Bhagya Prasadini, a soil science student intern from Sri Lanka. “The knowledge gained will be valuable for future research, extension activities and professional careers in agriculture.”
During the visit, students had the opportunity to meet Ray Ward, founder of Ward Laboratories, who shared the history of the lab and his experience in soil science. The group learned how the laboratory began with a commitment to providing accurate analytical results and practical recommendations for producers.
“Ward Laboratories was born in a three-bay garage in June 1983, when Ward and his wife, Jolene, set up shop with two employees and a simple conviction: that farmers deserved accurate soil analysis and honest recommendations, nothing more and nothing less,” said Nimasha Wijerathne, a soil science student intern from Sri Lanka.
Students said hearing directly from Ward was an inspiring component of the visit, especially as he encouraged them to remain curious, ask questions, and understand how soil science connects to many parts of agriculture and environmental stewardship.
The tour began with the soil sample preparation process. Students observed how samples are labeled, dried, ground, sieved and prepared before analysis. Laboratory staff emphasized that careful sample handling is essential because accurate results depend on consistent preparation methods.
“Watching technicians work through hundreds of samples with quiet, methodical consistency, it becomes clear that this unglamorous stage is where analytical quality is protected long before testing begins,” Wijerathne said.
Students then toured several sections of the laboratory and learned about the wide range of soil fertility and soil health analyses conducted at Ward Laboratories. Staff explained testing procedures for major soil nutrients, including nitrate-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, and copper, along with soil pH, soluble salts and soil texture.
The group also learned about soil health measurements such as organic matter, organic carbon, soil respiration, aggregate stability, and other biological, chemical and physical indicators that help evaluate microbial activity, nutrient availability and overall soil function. Throughout the tour, students observed advanced instruments and automated systems used to process large numbers of samples efficiently while maintaining accuracy and quality control.
One highlight of the visit was observing the Malvern Mastersizer 3000, which uses laser diffraction technology to rapidly and accurately measure soil particle size distribution. For students familiar with traditional texture analysis methods in the classroom, the demonstration showed how advanced instrumentation improves efficiency and precision in laboratory analysis.
Students also learned more about nitrate analysis, an important tool for nutrient management in Nebraska cropping systems. Laboratory staff demonstrated extraction and testing procedures used to evaluate nitrate concentrations in soil samples. For students involved in nitrogen management research, the presentation highlighted how laboratory data directly influence fertilizer recommendations, crop productivity, input costs and environmental stewardship.
Another important element of the visit focused on how laboratory results are communicated to producers and researchers. Jonathan Kerman, soil science and agronomic advisor at Ward Laboratories, led an open discussion about soil test reports, recommendations and communication strategies.
“He explained how much care goes into the clarity of this information and how they communicate any data that is not initially understood,” said Sarah Trook, a Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) student and soil science intern at Maharjan Lab this summer. “Customer service is clearly a top priority for the Ward lab.”
For all the participating students, the visit was their first opportunity to observe a large-scale agricultural testing laboratory. They were impressed by the organization of the facility, professionalism of the staff, advanced equipment, and the attention given to accuracy and efficiency throughout the testing process.
“Overall, the visit to Ward Lab was an excellent learning experience,” said Muhammed Bittaye, soil science intern and WNCC student. “It allowed us to connect classroom concepts with real-world laboratory practices and gain a better understanding of agricultural testing.”
Educational experiences like this strengthen student training by linking research, laboratory analysis, extension and producer decision-making. The visit demonstrated that reliable agricultural decisions depend on careful work at every stage, from sample collection and preparation to analysis, interpretation and communication.
“When graduate students experience the laboratory work behind the data collection for their projects, it creates a stronger connection to the research and a greater sense of ownership,” said Nick Ward, president of Ward Laboratories. “That ownership can motivate students throughout their thesis or dissertation work that went into the data. Additionally, this tour can spur additional ideas and approaches to agriculture research.”
Ray Ward also emphasized the value of connecting students directly with the laboratory staff and processes behind agricultural testing.
“Allowing the students to visit with the technicians, I think helps the student to understand the analysis better,” Ray Ward said. “The other part of my interest in showing our laboratory is that the interaction between our technicians and the student visitors is important. I like to show the lab to people, so they have some idea of the instrumentation needed to get the tests done.”
The Maharjan Soil Science Lab extends its sincere appreciation to Ray Ward, Nick Ward, Jonathan Kerman, and the Ward Laboratories team for their hospitality and generously sharing their expertise, insights and experiences. This year marked the inaugural student fellowship collaboration between the UNL Maharjan Soil Science Lab and Ward Laboratories, providing a valuable opportunity for experiential learning and professional development. We anticipate that many more students will benefit from this unique experience in the coming years.
