Soil Testing

In the field of agriculture, soil testing is the analysis of soil samples for the amount of nutrient content and the composition of other substances that may include contaminants and toxins. In general, soil testing is done to measure the amount of fertility in the soil and to determine and indicate any present deficiencies.

Soil testing is usually done in research laboratories that offer various and extensive arrays of specific tests. The type of laboratory test site chosen will also affect the results and though there are many soil testing laboratories everywhere, you will initially have to carry out an independent research so as to determine which laboratory will carry out quality tests to achieve the best results. It will be a great advantage to the producer to find a local soil testing laboratory, since most of the employees there will have a better and more in-depth knowledge of the local soils.

The major nutrients that are tested include phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. Secondary nutrients include magnesium, sulfur and calcium, while minor nutrients include aluminum, zinc, manganese, boron, iron and molybdenum. The testing does not end there, as soil properties must also be tested. Physical properties such as soil moisture, electrical conductivity, soil acidity or alkalinity, and organic soil matter all must be noted. Contaminants such as hydrocarbons, toluene, benzene and xylene are also tested for.

Soil testing is a fairly easy way to manage horticulture soils as well as agronomy. It will indicate the key pH and nutrient levels in the soil as well as the amount of contaminants present and this will go a long way in helping the producer choose the correct fertilizer.

A pre-paid mail-in kit has been recently introduced. A new product on the market, it offers great benefits to farmers, the lawn industry and urban homeowners. The benefits include its reasonable price, ease of use and the quick manner in which soils can be transferred directly to a laboratory for analysis. Another benefit of this kit is that after the soil samples have been transferred to the laboratory, the raw data findings are translated into practical soil management reports.


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