Soil Testing, Everything You Need to know

Soil testing is the analysis of soil samples to determine the nutrient content, structure, acidity or other characteristics of the soil, such as pH level.

As soil nutrients vary in depth and soil components change over time, the depth and timing of a sample may affect the results. A soil test can determine soil fertility or the expected growth potential of the soil, indicating nutrient deficiencies, toxins from over-fertilization, and barriers to the presence of unwanted minerals. This test is used to mimic the function of the roots to assimilate the minerals.

Benefits of soil testing

Fertilizer application can be balanced
Unnecessary expenses can be avoided
The chemical, biological and physical structure of the soil can be maintained
Can increase productivity

Soil testing

Tests of compounds and minerals are mainly carried out in labs. The advantage with a local lab is that if tested in local labs, they will be familiar with the soil type in the sampled area.

Laboratory testing of nutrients into three categories:

Major Nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Secondary Nutrients: Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium, Minor Nutrients: Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Boron, Molybdenum, Chlorine

How to collect soil sample for testing?

Separate samples should be taken from each farm. Separate samples should be taken from different colored or different soils, different crops, different colored areas in the same field. Sample sampling, testing and more can be found directly in the video.