Importance of Soil Testing:
The first step in any safe crop production programme is to determine the exact nutrient and pH levels in your farm soil. Crops are usually grown on a wide range of soil types with varying fertiliser needs, depending on the soil health and quality. Many nutrients can cause an imbalance in the soil, affecting the ecosystem and contaminating water and the creatures that live beneath it. When it comes to soil types and nutrient material, each region is special.
Soil sampling and testing will reveal plant usable nutrients as well as other essential soil chemical factors for winter wheat production. Since nutrient levels in soil vary from year to year, soil sampling and checking should be done before planting any new crop. To implement a fertility management method, farmers must take the prescribed measures for soil testing and monitoring.
Soil analysis is an important tool for your farm because it identifies the inputs needed for productive and cost-effective production. A proper soil test can ensure that adequate fertiliser is applied to fulfil the crop's needs while still taking advantage of the nutrients already available in the soil. It may also be used to diagnose trouble areas and assess the amount of lime needed. Since the findings are just as good as the sample you take, the sampling procedure must be right. For farms that must complete a nutrient management plan, soil testing is also needed.
What is the pH of the soil?
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The pH of the soil is a scale from 0 to 14 that indicates its acidity or alkalinity. Zero denotes extreme acidity, while fourteen denotes extreme alkalinity, and seven denotes neutrality. In a farm, the pH of ideal soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. As the pH in the soil becomes unbalanced, it has a direct impact on the supply of nutrients. Limestone-based products are used on sour or acidic soils, whereas sulphur-based products are used on alkaline soils. It may take a few years to adjust the pH of a farm's soil, but it is critical to do so gradually for proper nutrient uptake and plant health.
How to Get Your Soil Tested?
Independent labs, community extension centres, and garden centres are also good places to get your farm's soil checked.
To get a sample of soil, follow these steps.
- Use a shovel, trowel, soil probe or some other appropriate tool, to a depth of 5 to 7 inches and take a sample.
- Clear the area of any grass, gravel, thatch, or debris.
- Gather approximately 1 pint of soil by taking 6 to 7 samples, carefully mixing them in a plastic bucket.
- Leave to dry for 24 hours on a dry piece of paper, such as a newspaper. The majority of laboratories prefer dry soil. However, there might be any moisture left.
The findings will notify the soil technicians of the recommendations that will remedy the situation, including any pH changes or fertiliser shortages, allowing for systematic approaches to fertilising the field.