Benefits and Drawbacks of Soil Testing Identified

 

Soil Test

In order to maximise crop production, protect the environment from runoff and excess fertiliser leaching, aid in the diagnosis of plant culture issues, improve the nutritional balance of the growing media, and save money and energy by using only the necessary amount of fertiliser, a soil test is important for a number of reasons. Analysis of pre-plant medium reveals probable nutritional deficits, pH imbalances, or an abundance of soluble salts. For gardeners that prepare their own media, this is very crucial. Managing crop nutrition and levels of soluble salts during the growing season requires the use of media testing. You must understand how to take a media sample for analysis or collection in order to utilize this tool properly. There are many benefits of this process in order to gain more profit. 

When Should I Conduct Soil Tests?

In general, you should do a soil test every three to five years, or more frequently if you apply manure or are trying to significantly alter the soil's pH or nutrients.

When should a soil test be performed?

To obtain more precise trends in the soil fertility, sample fields at the same time each year. When sampling grasslands and perennial crops, it is better to do so in the late summer. When sampling cropland and vegetable output, it is best to do so in the fall.

Five reasons to test your soil

1) Gain knowledge of soil conditions and how to enhance them

Fertile soils are necessary for healthy crops to thrive. To improve soil fertility, it must first be measured. The fertility of the soil is controlled by its physics, chemistry, and biology. The soil's structure, colour, and texture may all be seen. However, it is impossible to see the chemical composition of soil. The necessity to quantify this might be ascribed to the significance of soil sampling. To determine a soil's pH and nutrient content, soil tests are utilised. With this information, it is possible to calculate the specific type and dosage of fertiliser needed to improve soil fertility.

2) It is the first phase in controlling soil fertility

Utilizing the right soil fertility management strategy will allow farmers to increase their agricultural production while maximising the efficiency of nutrients and water use. Soil testing is the first step in managing soil fertility effectively. By utilising the data obtained from soil testing, you may improve the health of your soil.

3) Cut back on fertiliser purchases

You won't waste money on unneeded purchases if you are aware of the specific type and amount of fertiliser your soil and crops require. Additionally, there are finite sources of minerals like phosphorus and potassium as well as inorganic fertilisers in general. It is advisable to plan ahead because their costs have been increasing over time, and this trend is anticipated to continue.

What does a soil test provide?

1. Your soil's pH level. This will indicate whether lime needs to be applied.

2. The phosphorus and potassium levels in the plant. This will let you know if your phosphorus and potassium levels are enough or if you need to add fertiliser to achieve your crop's output objectives.

3. The soil's calcium and magnesium content.

4. The amount of soil organic matter, if desired.

5. If asked, the soil test report will provide the suggested nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to apply in pounds per acre (depending on the soil testing facility).

What Time of Day Is Best for Soil Analysis?

The ideal time of year to conduct analysis and the appropriate length of time to do so should also be taken into account. For annual crops, for instance, soil samples ought to be done following harvest. A farmer is given ample time to arrange fertilisation management as a result. On the other hand, the dormant period is the ideal time for a soil examination of perennial crops. The decision to invest in soil quality and a greater yield or not will ultimately determine how frequently a farmer analyses his soil.

Having a healthy, balanced soil is essential for getting higher yields. Farmers should therefore regularly take soil samples to check for any changes that might have an impact on crop yield. It’s recommended to perform a soil analysis every 3-4 years. However, it would be ideal to practise soil analysis as often as possible, especially when growing annual crops in a crop rotation in which case, it is recommended to take soil analysis after every third crop in the rotation.

How does the Kisaan Helpline benefit us and who is it for?

A data-driven technological platform called Kisaan Helpline was created with the intention of improving farming and farmers' intelligence. For 150 crops up to harvest, our research-based knowledge offers farmers better choices.

We provide the possibility for rural youngsters, individual farmers, and organisations to set up their very own micro lab for an evaluation of the soil's health.

Among the parameters we evaluated were -

• Organic molecule

• Available nitrogen (N)

• Available phosphorous (P)

• Available potassium (K)

• Available copper (Cu)

• Available manganese (Mn)

• Electrical conductivity

• Available zinc (Zn)

• Available sulphur (S)

• Available boron (B)

• Available iron (Fe)

• Lime Requirement Test for Acidic Soil Gypsum Requirement Test for Alkaline Soil pH

Final Thoughts

An essentially untapped genetic resource that has just recently begun to divulge its mysteries is represented by soil. Despite new ideas and technological advancements, it is frequently difficult to determine the full scope of soil microbial diversity. There are many reports of new species and genes coming from soil. The structure of the soil prevents easy access to the bacterial cells that live there, soil DNA extraction techniques are not completely effective, adsorption of cells and DNA onto soil components results in genetic information losses, and the DNA exploitation techniques currently in use primarily give access to populations that predominate in soil.

We really hope that this blog about soil testing has taught you something new, and if you'd like to learn more about similar subjects, feel free to get in touch with us at any time. The Kisaan Helpline is happy to assist you in any manner!