How soil testing helps our modern farmers?

What exactly is soil testing?

A soil test is performed to determine several properties such as nutrient content, composition, acidity, pH level, and so on. Soil testing can serve a variety of objectives depending on the sector.

Soil testing is used in agriculture, for example, to assess soil moisture levels, check for probable contamination, improve crop output, and so on. Some soil tests are conducted in the field while others are conducted in laboratories. This article is about how soil testing can help our modern farmers improve their harvest.

Soil testing is critical in many industries for obvious reasons. Soil fertility accounts for 60% of crop yields in agriculture. As a result, ensuring high soil quality is as vital as other aspects of farming.

Let's Take a Closer Look at the Importance of Soil Testing:

1. Locates polluted soil

Soil testing procedures not only resolve farmer concerns, but they are also beneficial to the ecosystem. Many companies, businesses, and even residential and commercial structures release toxic chemicals into the land or water (which ultimately gets mixed with nearby soil). The soil loses its fertility and becomes an environmental hazard in such circumstances. Soil testing can be quite useful in avoiding such occurrences. Furthermore, numerous open spaces are exploited to dump rubbish and plastic without adequate garbage disposal. Soil testing can aid in the prevention of such areas. The process not only assists in determining which contaminating substances are present in the soil, but it also assists in determining what steps should be implemented.

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2. It increases soil productivity

Farming requires research before beginning. Everything from weather to soil efficiency must be examined to assure farm output. A soil test informs farmers about the quantity of nutrients currently present in the soil and how much more is required. It contributes to better consistency of nutrient availability across fields, resulting in more uniform crop development. It also aids in the examination of soil structure, texture, and colour, as well as the nutrient level and pH content. Farmers may use these test results to determine what can be done to enhance the soil quality on their properties.

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3. It indicates the quantity of fertiliser to be applied

Understanding the precise shortage in the soil can assist farmers in taking the necessary steps. Fertilizers are used to deliver more nutrients to plants, increase agricultural output, and make lawns greener. Inorganic fertilisers, such as potassium and phosphorus, are scarce resources. Such fertilisers can be avoided if the soil does not require them. Soil testing can be used to determine which fertilisers to use and how much to use. It also keeps over-fertilization at bay.

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4. Assists in construction

Soil testing evaluates the carrying capability of the soil as well as its structural stability. Soil testing is done at the start of building projects to minimise exposure to unanticipated threats.

5 reasons why you should test your soil:

1) Educate yourself on soil conditions and how to improve them

Fertile soils are required for optimum crop growth. To enhance soil fertility, it must first be measured. The chemical, physical, and biological qualities of soil affect its fertility. The texture, colour, and structure of the soil are evident. However, the chemical makeup of soil cannot be seen. This is what has to be quantified, which is why soil sampling is so important. Soil tests are performed to assess a soil's nutrient content and pH level. With this knowledge, the precise type and quantity of fertiliser required to enhance soil fertility may be determined.

2) It is the initial step in managing soil fertility

Farmers may boost agricultural output by maximising the efficiency of nutrients and water utilization with a comprehensive soil fertility management approach. Soil testing is the first step toward good soil fertility management. Soil testing provides useful information and assists you in improving the health of your soil.

3) Lower fertiliser costs

If you know the exact type and quantity of fertiliser your soil and crops require, you will not waste money on superfluous fertilisers. Furthermore, inorganic fertilisers in general, as well as nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium, are scarce resources. Their costs have risen over the years, and because this tendency is expected to continue, it is prudent to prepare for the impending adjustments now.

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4) Avoid overfertilization

Applying fertiliser without first determining your soil's nutrient requirements may result in over-fertilization. You may prevent applying too much fertiliser by evaluating your soils and acquiring fertiliser advice. This is beneficial to both your crops and the environment. Over-fertilization of crops results in fertiliser burn and yellowing foliage. It may also cause nutrient leaching, water contamination, and lasting harm to aquatic life in the surrounding area.

5) Avoid soil deterioration

Every farmer faces a challenge from soil deterioration. It is estimated that 24 billion tonnes of productive soil are lost each year owing to erosion caused by improper soil management. Soil testing, followed by the application of the appropriate fertilisers at the appropriate time, ensures optimal soil management. Aside from reducing the hazards of soil deterioration, it is a more efficient and financially appealing method.

About Kisaan Helpline

The major purpose of the Kisaan Helpline is to share and disseminate information collected via agricultural research, expertise, and experience around the agricultural sector in order to help in the growth of agriculture through the use of information technology. Our main goal is to consolidate all information on a single web platform, reach out to farmers, and empower and inform them. 160+ Crops via 25+ Agriculture Experts, Technologies, Crop Protection, Crop Nutrition, Fertilizers, Pest and Disease Management, New Agriculture Training, Krishi Digital Magazine (Agriculture Newspaper), Krishi Fairs (Agri Events), Agriculture News, Government Schemes, Market Rates (Mandi Bhav), etc.

Now that you know what we are all about, let’s help with finding out how we could help out modern farmers test their soil for enhancement of production. We give rural children, individual farmers, and organisations the opportunity to set up their own micro-laboratory to assess the health of the soil.

Among the parameters we evaluated were:

? Organic molecule

? Available nitrogen (N)

? Available phosphorus (P)

? Potassium (K) readily available

? Copper (Cu) is available.

? Available Manganese (Mn)

? Electrical conductivity

? Zinc (Zn) readily available

? Sulphur (S) available

? Boron (B) readily available

? Available iron (Fe)

? Test for Acidic Soil Gypsum Requirement for Alkaline Soil pH

Conclusion -

There is currently an interest in whether soil testing can be used to identify whether the application of fertilisers and/or waste products may pollute surface and ground waterways. Soil testing to determine the possibility of an environmental impact may be useful, but only if a complete strategy is implemented. Response criteria for other applications of soil testing have not been as thoroughly established, and links are frequently intuitive or dependent on a team of scientists' best professional opinion.

Although agronomic responses have been employed as surrogates for other secondary impacts, such as water quality deterioration, this approach is conservative and fails to account for the presence of infield soil processes, numerous loss-pathways, and nutrient-retaining activities beyond the field's border.

Soil testing is an important aspect of many industries. We advocate employing experienced and knowledgeable soil testing service providers because it involves a variety of methods and kinds. In-house soil testing should not be used since the test results indicate the quality of the soil. Green Solution offers a specialised soil testing team composed of competent and experienced individuals. Please contact us if you require any other information.