A collection of techniques or a single method of analyzing different properties of soil for a wide range of reasons is what is known as soil testing. The major reason farmers or other people do this process is determination of plant-available nutrients in the soil, although there are other several reasons. The process is growing in popularity and becoming increasingly available to several individuals and farmers. It is for this reason that its price has gone down. Here are facts regarding Southern California Soil Testing.
For purposes of agriculture, soil analysis is conducted to establish the level of pH, nutrient availability, and acidity among other properties. Through these analyses, fertility of a place is easy to determine. Fertility level indicates potential toxicities resulting from excessive fertility. It also indicates growth potential and nutrient deficiencies. The lack of or the existence of trace nutrients can also be determined through analysis of samples.
According to recommendations of top labs in the United States, 10 to 20 samples need to be taken from every 40 acres of land whose fertility needs to be tested. This is because composition of soils can be changed by factors such as presence of tap water and chemicals. It is also important to take samples from different depths and at different time intervals components change. Similarly, nutrient availability differs with depth.
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.
The chemistry and biology of soil samples tend to change after the samples have been extracted from their natural ecosystem. This is because in its natural ecosystem, the samples are acted upon by microorganisms that change their properties. Similarly, weather elements such as moisture, solar light, temperature cycles also play a major role. Situations have been reported where samples that were kept for too long before analysis exhibited very different properties from soils in the field.
To minimized chances of discrepancies between samples and the actual conditions in the field, samples need to be analyzed the soonest they are collected. They should not be stored for more than 24 hours unless they are stored in a special way. There are several methods of keeping samples from undergoing change after being extracted. 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.
Analysis services are accessible from the many commercial labs that exist. These labs serve organizations as well as individuals. After sending samples, one needs to wait for a few days to receive results. Since local labs understand the chemistry of soils around the area, it is preferable to send samples to them.
For purposes of agriculture, soil analysis is conducted to establish the level of pH, nutrient availability, and acidity among other properties. Through these analyses, fertility of a place is easy to determine. Fertility level indicates potential toxicities resulting from excessive fertility. It also indicates growth potential and nutrient deficiencies. The lack of or the existence of trace nutrients can also be determined through analysis of samples.
According to recommendations of top labs in the United States, 10 to 20 samples need to be taken from every 40 acres of land whose fertility needs to be tested. This is because composition of soils can be changed by factors such as presence of tap water and chemicals. It is also important to take samples from different depths and at different time intervals components change. Similarly, nutrient availability differs with depth.
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.
The chemistry and biology of soil samples tend to change after the samples have been extracted from their natural ecosystem. This is because in its natural ecosystem, the samples are acted upon by microorganisms that change their properties. Similarly, weather elements such as moisture, solar light, temperature cycles also play a major role. Situations have been reported where samples that were kept for too long before analysis exhibited very different properties from soils in the field.
To minimized chances of discrepancies between samples and the actual conditions in the field, samples need to be analyzed the soonest they are collected. They should not be stored for more than 24 hours unless they are stored in a special way. There are several methods of keeping samples from undergoing change after being extracted. 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.
Analysis services are accessible from the many commercial labs that exist. These labs serve organizations as well as individuals. After sending samples, one needs to wait for a few days to receive results. Since local labs understand the chemistry of soils around the area, it is preferable to send samples to them.
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