Soil test refers to one or many of the many soil analyses done to determine various factors about the soil. One of the most common type of this process is the test conducted to determine the level of concentration of various plant nutrients. This may be done to determine the recommendations of fertilizer needed for agriculture. Some kinds of soil testing are done for engineering, ecological, or geochemical investigations.
From an agricultural point of view, soil tests are tests conducted on soil samples for the determination of their characteristics. Nutrient content, composition, acidity, and pH level are among the characteristics that are determined by these tests. Through these tests, one can determine growth potential for crops to expect and its fertility. Growth potential reveals nutrient deficiencies and potential toxicities that come from too much fertility and inhibitions of nonessential trace minerals.
The test is done in a way as to mimic the way roots function in assimilating minerals. The law of the maximum is used to model the expected growth rate. According to recommendations provided by researchers, a test should comprise of between ten and twenty sample points for every forty acres of land. Chemicals and tap water often alter composition of soils, which makes it necessary to test them separately.
The test results obtained can be affected by various factors. These factors include timing and the depth at which the sample is obtained. That means that timing affects soil nutrients as well as components. At times, samples that are obtained from various locations can be mixed and then tested in what is called composite sampling. Composite sampling often leads to skewed results if enough caution is not taken during the analysis.
Changes in soil chemistry occur over time as a result of chemical and biological processes breaking or combining compounds. The removal of soil from its natural ecosystem and environment results to a change in these processes. Some of the environmental changes that occur include solar radiation, moisture, and temperature. That implies that the longer one waits to do the analysis of the samples obtained, the more inaccurate the results are likely to be.
The accuracy of results of the analysis can be improved if the analysis is performed within 24 hours of sampling. It is possible to slow down chemical changes that take place after sampling, but it is not possible to stop them completely. Freezing is one of the methods that can be used to stop the processes during transportation and storage of sample.
Another method of preserving the samples is to air dry them. Samples that are air dried can remain viable for several months. There are several other methods that have been invented for use in preserving soil samples prior to analysis.
In commercial labs, the tests done usually aim to establish presence or absence of specific compounds and/or minerals. One is advised to use local labs because of the extensive knowledge they have on local soils. This kind of knowledge enables them to conduct more targeted tests to reveal more helpful information. Major, minor, and secondary nutrients are the three key plant nutrients that are targeted in the tests.
From an agricultural point of view, soil tests are tests conducted on soil samples for the determination of their characteristics. Nutrient content, composition, acidity, and pH level are among the characteristics that are determined by these tests. Through these tests, one can determine growth potential for crops to expect and its fertility. Growth potential reveals nutrient deficiencies and potential toxicities that come from too much fertility and inhibitions of nonessential trace minerals.
The test is done in a way as to mimic the way roots function in assimilating minerals. The law of the maximum is used to model the expected growth rate. According to recommendations provided by researchers, a test should comprise of between ten and twenty sample points for every forty acres of land. Chemicals and tap water often alter composition of soils, which makes it necessary to test them separately.
The test results obtained can be affected by various factors. These factors include timing and the depth at which the sample is obtained. That means that timing affects soil nutrients as well as components. At times, samples that are obtained from various locations can be mixed and then tested in what is called composite sampling. Composite sampling often leads to skewed results if enough caution is not taken during the analysis.
Changes in soil chemistry occur over time as a result of chemical and biological processes breaking or combining compounds. The removal of soil from its natural ecosystem and environment results to a change in these processes. Some of the environmental changes that occur include solar radiation, moisture, and temperature. That implies that the longer one waits to do the analysis of the samples obtained, the more inaccurate the results are likely to be.
The accuracy of results of the analysis can be improved if the analysis is performed within 24 hours of sampling. It is possible to slow down chemical changes that take place after sampling, but it is not possible to stop them completely. Freezing is one of the methods that can be used to stop the processes during transportation and storage of sample.
Another method of preserving the samples is to air dry them. Samples that are air dried can remain viable for several months. There are several other methods that have been invented for use in preserving soil samples prior to analysis.
In commercial labs, the tests done usually aim to establish presence or absence of specific compounds and/or minerals. One is advised to use local labs because of the extensive knowledge they have on local soils. This kind of knowledge enables them to conduct more targeted tests to reveal more helpful information. Major, minor, and secondary nutrients are the three key plant nutrients that are targeted in the tests.
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