Soil testing:a valuable tool for efficient and economic crop production

摘要

Soil testing commonly refers to the analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics such as the acidity or pH level. A soil test can determine fertility, or the expected growth potential of the soil which indicates nutrient deficiencies, potential toxicities from excessive fertility and inhibitions from the presence of non-essential trace elements in the soil systems. Objective(s) of the soil testing are to determine the available nutrient status and soil reaction; to appraise the soil fertility status of a country or a state or a district and prepare soil fertility map which will be useful for various on aspects (delineating, sufficiency and deficiency areas of nutrients; soil fertility pattern over the periods etc); to prepare a basis for fertilizer and soil amendments recommendation; and to prepare soil health card (SHCs) for farmers.