About Soil Testing Definition Objectives And Advantages

1. About Soil Testing: Definition, Objectives And Advantages! Nowadays, in agriculture, soil testing is considered to be the most important and essential practice required in order to manage fertilizer application and crop production efficiently. This is because without conducting an on-site soil microbe test regularly, it can be quite difficult or even impossible to ensure the right amount of fertilizers needed by the crops and get a high-quality yield. In this blog, we will talk about some of the important things that you should know about soil testing and why is it really necessary. However, before we dive right into it, it is necessary to know what soil testing actually is. What is soil testing? Soil testing may be defined as the process by which elements such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, copper, zinc, magnesium, sodium, and manganese, are chemically gotten rid of from the soil and measured for their accurate content within the soil sample. Soil testing is known to be an important diagnostic tool used to determine the right amount of nutrients required by the plants and soil. Objectives of conducting soil microbial tests There are various objectives of soil testing, and some of them are talked about in detail below. To avoid using an excess of fertilizers and ensure the safety of the environment at the same time. To evaluate the suitability of the soil for the specific crops. Evaluation of the fertility and the nutrient status of the soil sample in order to get an idea of nutrient availability or supply. In order to get a recommendation on the amount of fertilizers and manure required depending on the soil test value and the specific crop that is going to be yielded. Prediction of the probability of getting a profitable response to the fertilizers used. Significant benefits of conducting an on-site soil microbe test The following are some of the important benefits associated with regular soil testing. As mentioned earlier, soil microbial tests allow us to make more informed fertilizer decisions for the betterment of the soil and crops, reducing the risks of soil erosion, degraded lands, and soil infertility. Soil testing is also beneficial as it monitors the health of the soil accurately such as its pH, OC, and EC, all of which tend to affect nutrient availability to crops. It also allows us to have improved knowledge of the soil types within the farm or garden so that we can easily maximize management options. Moreover, soil testing maximizes in-season responsiveness effectively.

2. By now, you must have sufficient knowledge about soil testing and hence, can make a well-informed decision whether to indulge in an on-site soil microbe test or not. Source: https://microbiometer.com