How Do I Use a Soil Test Kit

1. How Do I Use a Soil Test Kit? Introduction Are you a gardener or a farmer, and no matter how much fertilizers, good quality seeds, and effort you put in, your plants aren’t thriving as per your expectations? Well, the problem might not be in your actions but your soil. But it also may happen that you are not doing your hard work in the right way. Maybe you are doing wrong work repeatedly, so that’s why you are not getting success. Maybe a problem with soil? But if you are sure that you are doing the proper work and are not getting the result, the problem will be in the soil. So, you have to work and examine your soil. Don’t worry if you can’t do it. We are here to teach you things in some easy ways. So, read the whole article carefully till the end. Otherwise, you may miss the crucial points. Soil needs some special care to help you get desirable results. It can be quickly done by testing your soil. Yes, testing your soil! Soil testing will help you to find out the lack or excess of essentials in your soil. Soil texture and fertility vary from region to region. Their pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium level are also different. This can be done by using Soil Testing Kits. What are Soil Testing Kits? Soil testing kits mainly use a chemical solution mixed with soil and water, causing a change in the color of the soil according to the amount of nutrients present. The kit has small containers and other nutrients color-coded comparison charts and capsules containing chemical solutions for different purposes. It enables you to measure the amount of the nutrients mentioned earlier and pH values. Testing kits can be purchased online and are easy to use. Steps to use Soil Testing Kits Gather the soil 6 to 12 inches below the topsoil Remove any stones, twigs, leaves, etc., from the soil. Take one small container from the kit. Add less than a teaspoon of soil, mix it with the capsule for pH determination and add water up to the mark. Shake vigorously and let it settle till it starts developing color. After a minute or two, compare it with the chart provided in the kit and note down the results. You have to follow the same steps to determine the level of other nutrients. , take the container to add soil, tablet content, and water. Shake it and let it settle. Once it completely changes its color, compare it with the chart and note down the results.

2. Noting down the results of the soil test will help you determine the amendments needed in your soil. You can add or reduce the nutrient content in your fertilizer to maintain a healthy pH and plant-friendly soil. Conclusion Remember, fertilizer is helpful when needed. Know what your soil needs and whatnot. With proper watering, an apt amount of nutrients, and balanced pH, the plants will be healthy and happy. Source: https://microbiometer.com/