• krishidoot

When our plants or trees aren’t doing well, we often first try watering them or adding fertilizer to encourage growth. However, plant problems aren’t always related to what we see above ground. Sometimes, the issue is with the soil. Poor soil can seriously harm plant health and growth, and about 70-80% of plant problems are due to unhealthy soil conditions.

Soil testing is equivalent to the blood test of living being.

Soil testing is a one of the important ways to check the quality and health of soil by analysing its chemical, physical, and biological properties. It tells you about nutrient levels, pH balance, salinity level, organic carbon/matter content, soil texture, and any harmful substances in the soil. This information is very important for farmers, gardeners, environmentalists and builders to make smart choices about how to use land, which crops to grow, how much fertilizer to use, and how to fix environmental problems.

• Why Soil Testing Is Too Important Now a Days: -
• Better Nutrient Use: Soil testing shows how much nutrients are in the soil. This helps farmers use the right amount of fertilizer, saving money and reducing pollution from extra nutrients that could harm water sources. On the basis of soil testing reports farmers can manage nutrients balance by adopting 4 R strategy i.e. Right source of nutrients, Right amount/rate, Right place of application and Right time of fertilizers application and water irrigation.
• Improve quality and yield of Crops: By identifying nutrient deficiencies soil testing assists in enhancing crop productivity and quality. Adjusting nutrient levels based on test results and ensures that plants receive the necessary elements at required amount for healthy growth.


• Protecting the Environment: Soil tests can also find harmful substances like heavy metals or pesticides. Knowing this helps create plans to clean up and protect the environment and surrounding water resources  


• Saving Money: Soil testing helps farmers use the available resources more wisely by reducing unnecessary spending on fertilizers and other inputs.  


• How Soil Testing is Performed: -   

1. Sampling: Collect soil samples from different spots and depths in the area of farm. This ensures a representative mix of soil types and conditions.


2. Preparation: Clean the samples of soil by removing plant debris, roots, and stones, and then crush them into a fine powder and sieved through 2mm sieve. To ensure they are mixed well. 


3. Analysis: In the lab, different standard scientific tests are done by different improved analytical instruments to check soil pH (acidity or alkalinity), EC (Salinity level), calcium carbonate, available amount of nutrients i.e. Macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfer), and Micronutrients (Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Boron, and Mollybdenum etc), organic matter, soil texture (sand, silt, clay proportion), water holding capacity and any other specific tests needed (like heavy metals content).


4. Interpretation: The test results are put together in a report that explains the soil’s condition, nutrient levels and offers advice on how to manage the soil fertility and productivity. This often includes recommendations on which fertilizers to use and how much quantity to be used. 


5. Action and Follow-Up: Based on the report, farmers can adjust their fertilizer use, add soil amendments, or change land management practices. Follow-up tests can be done to see if changes are needed over tim
   
   
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   The best time to test your soil is a couple of weeks before you plan to new plantation or crop sowing and one week after harvest previous crops.

   Depth of Soil Sampling for Various Crops: -

   Sr. No.	Crops Name	Sampling Depth
   1	Seasonal Crops: – Wheat, Rice, Maize, Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Soybean, Tur, Groundnut etc.	15 - 20 cm
   2	Cash Crops: – Cotton, Sugarcane, Banana, Papaya etc.,	30 - 45 cm
   3	Perennial Crops: – Grapes, Pomegranate, Fig, Ber, Amla, Mango, Custard apple etc.	30, 60, 90, and 120 cm from different layers of soil.

    
   • Conclusion: - Soil testing is essential for effective land management, farming and environmental conservation. It offers valuable information about soil quality and composition, helping farmers, and makes smart choices that enhance productivity and preserve natural resources. Regular soil testing benefits both individual users and global sustainability efforts, promoting responsible land use practices.
   • What Is the Best Time of Year to Collect Soil Samples for Soil Testing: -