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.
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.
Top labs in the US recommend that 20 to 10 samples need to be collected from every forty acres of land whose fertility is to be determined. They recommended this in consideration of the fact that the composition of the soils may be altered by presence of chemicals, and tap water among other factors. Also, it is equally crucial to collect samples from varying depths and at varying time intervals since components change. Availability of nutrients also varies with depth.
It is also common for samples from multiple locations to be mixed before they are tested. This is called composite sampling. This method requires a lot of caution and expertise to avoid skewing results a lot. Government sampling requirements must also be met when conducting this process. To determine the quantity of field samples collected and their locations, a reference map must be made.
Naturally, the biology and chemistry of the soil samples collected have a tendency of changing once separated from their natural ecosystem. The change is because the samples while in their natural ecosystem are affected by the actions of microorganisms which alter their properties. A major role to this effect is also caused by temperature cycles, moisture, and solar light. Cases of samples exhibiting properties totally different from those of the soils in the field they were collected from have been reported, especially if it took too long before analysis.
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.
All samples need to be stored in a refrigerated device the moment they are extracted. This is meant to stop microorganism activity. Refrigerated storage also keep weather elements from coming in contact with the samples. It is important to transport samples carefully to avoid causing undesirable effects to them.
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.
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.
Top labs in the US recommend that 20 to 10 samples need to be collected from every forty acres of land whose fertility is to be determined. They recommended this in consideration of the fact that the composition of the soils may be altered by presence of chemicals, and tap water among other factors. Also, it is equally crucial to collect samples from varying depths and at varying time intervals since components change. Availability of nutrients also varies with depth.
It is also common for samples from multiple locations to be mixed before they are tested. This is called composite sampling. This method requires a lot of caution and expertise to avoid skewing results a lot. Government sampling requirements must also be met when conducting this process. To determine the quantity of field samples collected and their locations, a reference map must be made.
Naturally, the biology and chemistry of the soil samples collected have a tendency of changing once separated from their natural ecosystem. The change is because the samples while in their natural ecosystem are affected by the actions of microorganisms which alter their properties. A major role to this effect is also caused by temperature cycles, moisture, and solar light. Cases of samples exhibiting properties totally different from those of the soils in the field they were collected from have been reported, especially if it took too long before analysis.
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.
All samples need to be stored in a refrigerated device the moment they are extracted. This is meant to stop microorganism activity. Refrigerated storage also keep weather elements from coming in contact with the samples. It is important to transport samples carefully to avoid causing undesirable effects to them.
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.
About the Author:
You can find a summary of the advantages you get when you use professional Southern California soil testing services at http://www.advancedgeotechnical.com/about today.
No comments:
Post a Comment