The Science of Soil: The Importance of Soil Testing Laboratories in Agriculture

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 fertilizer. Analyses of pre-plant media give a hint as to possible nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, or too many soluble salts. This is crucial for growers who prepare their own media. An essential tool for controlling crop nutrition and levels of soluble salts is media testing during the growing season. You must understand how to take a media sample to send for analysis or for in-house use in order to use this tool effectively.

What are the goals of testing soil?

1. To assess the soil's fertility and nutrient status in order to produce a measure of the supply or availability of nutrients in a particular soil.

2. Identifying issues with alkalinity, salinity, and acidity

3. To make a recommendation regarding the quantity of manure and fertiliser based on the results of the soil test and the type of crop.

4. To protect the environment and prevent the overuse of fertiliser.

5. When crops are harvested, a sizable amount of nutrients are taken out of the soil, which over time results in a loss of fertility. So, it makes sense to test the soil.

6. Determining whether the soil is suitable for the crop.

7. Restoring soil fertility is essential for crop productivity, financial success, and long-term sustainability.

8. Crop needs, soil availability, fertiliser use effectiveness, the contribution of manures, etc. must all be taken into account when planning a fertilisation programme.

9. For the crop and site-specific balanced fertilisation programme to sustain productivity, periodic evaluation of the inherent soil fertility status is crucial.

10. To predict the likelihood of receiving a positive response from fertilisers.

What advantages do soil tests offer?

Soil analysis helps farmers make better-informed decisions about fertiliser, lowering soil risks like erosion, soil infertility, and degraded lands, and improving long-term farm profitability.

1. Reveals the location of soil nutrients in the soil profile as well as the amount of soil macronutrients that are available to plants.

2. Identifies nutrients that might limit yield.

3. Monitors soil health characteristics such as pH, EC, and OC, which affect crop nutrient availability and, as a result, yield and profitability.

4. Provides a foundation for variable rate application (VRT) based on crop and soil conditions.

5. Supports decisions regarding the quantity, timing, location, and type of fertiliser.

6. Increased understanding of the farm's soil types to maximise management options.

7. Maximises responsiveness during the season.

As a result, it also offers a farm management tool that could be advantageous to the farmer in terms of higher yields, lower operating costs, better environmental risk management, as well as improved crop maturity and quality, higher tolerance to disease and pest damage, and increased growth.

Motives for Soil Testing

Testing the soil's quality before constructing your dream home is absolutely necessary to determine the bearing capacity, if we're talking about the construction industry. The building's weight ought to be supported by the soil.

In the farming and cultivation sector, testing the soil and examining the results will give you a much better idea of the fertilisers to use for optimum yield and how to enhance the soil's quality.

You will save a lot of money because you won't waste money on fertilisers the soil doesn't need once you understand the quality of the soil.

Overfertilization of the soil is a real problem that must be avoided. It might cause permanent harm and water pollution. It will be better for the environment and the crops if you avoid overusing fertilisers by being aware of the nutrient needs of the soil you want to test.

Exactly why should farmers test their soil?

1) It provides information to the farmer on how to improve the farm's soil as well as its current state

The soil's biological, chemical, and physical characteristics determine its fertility. The eye can see characteristics like structure, soil texture, and color. However, it is challenging to determine the soil's chemical makeup. Soil diagnosis is necessary, and for this reason soil sampling is important. The pH and level of nutrients in the soil are determined through soil tests. With this knowledge, farmers can determine the amount and precise type of fertiliser that is required for application to improve the soil on their farm.

2) Fertilizer costs are reduced as a result of soil testing

There will be no waste of these farm inputs because we will know the precise deficiency that the soil is experiencing. Farmers are prevented from wasting money on unnecessary additional fertiliser application by the quantity and type of fertilisers that crops and soil require. Additionally, inorganic fertilisers' nutrients, like potassium and phosphorus, are scarce resources. Because of their limited, or rather finite, supply, it is necessary to use these resources carefully in order to avoid a future shortage.

3) Limited overfertilization is the result of soil testing

Overfertilization results from fertiliser application to soil without first determining the precise and actual nutrients it requires. Overuse of fertiliser may harm both the environment and crops by causing burns from the fertiliser. Farmers are prevented from applying an excessive amount of fertilizer, and the associated environmental harm is minimised by conducting soil testing beforehand and receiving informed fertiliser recommendations. Overfertilization may cause nutrient leaching, water pollution, and irreparable harm to aquatic life. All of these detrimental environmental effects can be avoided with just a simple soil test.

4) Farmers can quickly prevent soil erosion

According to research, erosion, which is brought on by improper soil management, results in the loss of more than 24 billion metric tonnes of fertile soil annually. Additionally, an estimated 1.5 billion people's livelihoods and health are directly impacted by land degradation. The process of restoring the soil is expensive, challenging, and time-consuming. As a result, it is simpler to improve soil management through soil testing, and applying the proper amounts of fertilisers is effective and cost-effective.

5) Farmers who work in fertile soils can help feed the world's expanding population

The value of soil testing has been understood since the beginning. In farming, it's crucial to take note of different soil types and variations in soil properties. The types of crops that can be grown and the amount of yield that the farm can produce depend on the soil's chemistry, moisture content, and texture.

What are the advantages of soil testing for the environment?

The environment can also benefit from soil sampling. The land where you grow your crops can become worn out with repeated use. The main effects of soil testing on environmental advantages are as follows:

1) Fewer losses from leaching or runoff into waterways result from more effective use of plant nutrients.

2) Crops that receive inadequate nutrition leave less plant residue to keep the soil in place. Plant waste contributes to soil development and protects it from wind and water erosion.

3) The right nutrient levels can increase yields and possibly lessen the need to farm marginal land intensively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kisaan Helpline is a useful mobile app that offers Indian farmers crucial assistance and knowledge. The app aids farmers in making educated decisions about their business operations, improves crop yields, and boosts profitability with features like crop management guidance, real-time weather updates, market prices, agricultural schemes, and professional advice.

The app is made to be simple to use and available in a variety of languages, making it convenient for farmers all over India. For farmers, particularly those in isolated locations who might not have access to other informational and supportive resources, the Kisaan Helpline is a crucial tool.

Overall, Kisaan Helpline is essential for advancing Indian farmers' welfare and assisting them in adopting sustainable agricultural practices.