Soil Testing
A soil test is crucial for a number of reasons, including maximising crop production; protecting the environment from runoff and excess fertiliser leaching; assisting in the diagnosis of plant culture issues; enhancing the nutritional balance of the growing medium, and saving money and energy by using only the necessary amount of fertiliser. Analyses of the pre-plant medium give a hint as to possible nutritional deficits, pH imbalances, or too many soluble salts. This is crucial for farmers who prepare their own media. Media testing during the growing season is an essential technique for controlling crop nutrition and levels of soluble salts.
A solid nutrient management programme should start with a soil test to determine the pH and fertility level. Different tests are performed on soil samples from soilless mixtures compared to samples from field soil. Three procedures, the 1:2 dilution method, saturated media extract (SME), and leachate pour through, are frequently used to analyse soilless medium utilising water as an extracting solution. Each testing technique has a separate set of values that reflect it.
5 Justifications to Test Your Soil
1) Learn about the state of the soil and how to improve it.
Healthy crops require fertile soils to flourish. It must first be quantified in order to increase soil fertility. The chemistry, physics, and biology of the soil govern its fertility. It is possible to see the texture, colour, and structure of the soil. The chemical makeup of the soil, however, cannot be seen. The importance of soil sampling can be attributed to the requirement to measure this. Soil tests are used to ascertain a soil's pH level and nutrient content. With this knowledge, the precise kind and amount of fertiliser that must be used to increase soil fertility may be determined.
2) It is the initial stage in managing soil fertility.
Farmers may maximise the effectiveness of nutrients and water utilisation and enhance their agricultural production by using an appropriate soil fertility management approach. The first step in effective soil fertility management is soil testing. You may enhance the health of your soil by using the information that comes from soil testing.
3) Reduce fertiliser spending.
If you are aware of the precise type and quantity of fertiliser your soil and crops require, you won't squander money on unnecessary purchases. Additionally, supplies for inorganic fertilisers in general and minerals like phosphorus and potassium are limited. Since their costs have been rising over time and this tendency is expected to continue, it is wise to prepare for the upcoming adjustments now.
4) Avoid overfertilization.
Over-fertilization may result from fertiliser application without knowledge of your soil's real nutritional requirements. You may prevent applying too much fertiliser by evaluating your soils and getting fertiliser advice. This is beneficial for the environment and your crops. Over-fertilizing crops result in fertiliser burn and yellowing foliage. Additionally, it can cause nutrient leaching, water contamination, and permanent harm to the aquatic species in the area.
5) Avoid soil deterioration
Every farmer faces the problem of soil deterioration. According to estimates, 24 billion tonnes of rich soil are lost annually owing to erosion, which is brought on by improper soil management. Correct soil management is ensured by soil testing.
Digital Soil Testing Mini Lab
Fertilizer recommendation kit with a digital soil test (Digital Soil Testing Mini Lab). This soil testing equipment aids farmers in evaluating 14 soil factors and suggests crop-specific fertiliser doses for 100 crops in a short amount of time at a local facility, assisting them in achieving greater yields, boosting their revenue, and maintaining healthy soil. The metre is produced by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), Pusa, Delhi, under license.
Features:
• 14 soil parameters are tested using a digital soil testing mini lab.
• It prescribes the amount of fertilizer for 100 crops.
• The report of soil testing is printed using a free thermal printer.
• A soil testing report is sent to a computer and a mobile device through Bluetooth.
• It has an internal battery backup of six hours.
• Solar panel charging is possible.
• Test in a short amount of time.
• Everybody may use it after receiving free training.
• The Soil Health Card mission verifies all of the required criteria for the Soil Health Card mission.
Testing of Soils as a Business
Demand for appropriate information for excellent soil health was created by the ongoing degradation of land conditions, an imbalance in the use of chemical fertilizers, a decrease in organic carbon, and the expense of farmer difficulties.
Farmers' awareness of the need for healthy soil and their immediate desire for appropriate soil health certificates present a commercial opportunity.
Additionally, it helps farmers increase agricultural productivity and total profit.
Kisaan Helpline: Who Are We?
A dedicated full-stack data-driven technology platform for farmers called Kisaan Helpline seeks to improve farming and farmers' intelligence. Our research-based information provides farmers with improved options for 150 crops up to harvest.
We provide rural adolescents, individual farmers, and organisations the chance to set up their very own micro lab for a soil health assessment.
In order to enhance soil texture and provide better plant nutrition recommendations, we will install a small soil lab at the block level or the closest point to the farmer's reach. We will also advocate organic farming to preserve the soil.
Some of the services provided by us:
• The Web page description
• Designing an experiment Data gathering
• Statistics and data processing.
• The Findings and Discussion
• Monitoring nutrients during the crop growth season
• Estimating soil nutrients with a smartphone-based soil analysis: Uncertainties
If you have any questions about soil testing, please keep in touch with us for further information. For further information, check out the Kisaan Helpline.
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