Soil testing may refer to a single method or a collection of methods used to analyze various soil properties for various reasons. Even though there are many reasons why this process is done by farmers and other individuals, the most widespread reason is to determine the concentration of plant-available nutrients in soils. This process is becoming very common and widely available to an increasing number of farmers and other people. As a result, its cost is also going down. This is what Southern California Soil Testing services are all about.
In agriculture, soil sample analysis is conducted to determine its content in terms of nutrients, composition as well as pH level and acidity level. Fertility of the soil sample can be determined easily through analysis. Fertility usually indicates growth potential of the ground, while indicating nutrient deficiencies and potential toxicities caused by excessive fertility. Whether or not trace nutrients are available can also be determined.
According to recommendations from top labs in the US, for each 40 acres of land, 10-20 samples need to be collected. This recommendation ensures that changes in properties of soils caused by chemicals or tap water among other factors do not affect results. Since composition and other qualities of soils change over time, it is best if samples are collected at different time intervals and at different depths.
Prior to testing, mixing samples obtained from different multiple locations is also a common practice. The practice is referred to as composite sampling. This technique demands a lot of expertise and caution in order to prevent skewing results. In addition, the sampling requirements set by the government have to be met during the process. A reference map has to be consulted in order to help with determining the quantity of field samples gathered together with their location.
Soil biology and chemistry changes immediately it is taken from the field. This change is caused by activities of microorganisms. Temperature, solar light, and moisture can also change properties and composition of samples. Difference in properties of samples and those of soils in the field have been reported in many cases.
To prevent all the discrepancy that is likely to occur, it is important to have all samples analyzed as soon as they are extracted from the field. The recommendable time frame within which the analysis must be conducted after extraction is 24 hours. However, there are also storage methods that can be used to ensure that the samples remain fresh and unaffected by weather or activity of microorganisms. These methods include freezing and air drying.
Immediately the samples are extracted, they should be placed in a refrigerated device to keep them cold. This stops the activity of microorganisms. It also shields the samples from weather, ensuring that it remains unchanged. Transportation must also be done well to avoid causing unwanted effects on samples.
There are many commercial labs that offer testing services to individuals and organizations. One can send their samples to the labs and collect their results after a few days. It is recommendable to use local labs because they are familiar with the chemistry of local soils.
In agriculture, soil sample analysis is conducted to determine its content in terms of nutrients, composition as well as pH level and acidity level. Fertility of the soil sample can be determined easily through analysis. Fertility usually indicates growth potential of the ground, while indicating nutrient deficiencies and potential toxicities caused by excessive fertility. Whether or not trace nutrients are available can also be determined.
According to recommendations from top labs in the US, for each 40 acres of land, 10-20 samples need to be collected. This recommendation ensures that changes in properties of soils caused by chemicals or tap water among other factors do not affect results. Since composition and other qualities of soils change over time, it is best if samples are collected at different time intervals and at different depths.
Prior to testing, mixing samples obtained from different multiple locations is also a common practice. The practice is referred to as composite sampling. This technique demands a lot of expertise and caution in order to prevent skewing results. In addition, the sampling requirements set by the government have to be met during the process. A reference map has to be consulted in order to help with determining the quantity of field samples gathered together with their location.
Soil biology and chemistry changes immediately it is taken from the field. This change is caused by activities of microorganisms. Temperature, solar light, and moisture can also change properties and composition of samples. Difference in properties of samples and those of soils in the field have been reported in many cases.
To prevent all the discrepancy that is likely to occur, it is important to have all samples analyzed as soon as they are extracted from the field. The recommendable time frame within which the analysis must be conducted after extraction is 24 hours. However, there are also storage methods that can be used to ensure that the samples remain fresh and unaffected by weather or activity of microorganisms. These methods include freezing and air drying.
Immediately the samples are extracted, they should be placed in a refrigerated device to keep them cold. This stops the activity of microorganisms. It also shields the samples from weather, ensuring that it remains unchanged. Transportation must also be done well to avoid causing unwanted effects on samples.
There are many commercial labs that offer testing services to individuals and organizations. One can send their samples to the labs and collect their results after a few days. It is recommendable to use local labs because they are familiar with the chemistry of local soils.
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