There are several different kinds of soil test that are performed to determine various soil factors. Different tests determine the presence of different factors, including plant nutrient concentration levels. The tests are needed for different reasons and one of them is to determine how much fertilizer of other nutrients are required in order for the soils to be suitable for agriculture. Soil testing may also be carried out for geochemical, ecological, or engineering investigation.
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 results of a test are often affected by several factors. Some of the most important ones include depth below the ground and timing. That implies that the timing of the test can affect the composition of nutrients and components of soils. A certain kind of soil test referred to as composite sampling is carried out by combining soils from multiple locations before analysis is done. However, in this kind of analysis, care must be taken to avoid skewing results.
Chemical and/or biological processes combine and break down compounds within the soils after being sampled causing chemical changes as time passes. These chemical changes occur due to the removal of samples from their natural environment and ecosystem. Environmental changes are caused by changes in moisture, solar radiation, and temperature. Thus, every minute that goes by after sampling without testing increases the chance of obtaining inaccurate results.
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.
The samples can also be preserved by air drying them. When samples are air dried, their viability can last for many months. Several other techniques for preserving soil samples have been invented to ensure accuracy of results.
In a commercial lab, various tests are conducted on the samples to target certain compounds and minerals. Local labs are usually informed about the chemistry of the soils in an area. Hence, they are likely to perform tests that more accurately reveal useful information. There are three main plant nutrients that are targeted in any test, that is, minor, secondary, and major nutrients.
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 results of a test are often affected by several factors. Some of the most important ones include depth below the ground and timing. That implies that the timing of the test can affect the composition of nutrients and components of soils. A certain kind of soil test referred to as composite sampling is carried out by combining soils from multiple locations before analysis is done. However, in this kind of analysis, care must be taken to avoid skewing results.
Chemical and/or biological processes combine and break down compounds within the soils after being sampled causing chemical changes as time passes. These chemical changes occur due to the removal of samples from their natural environment and ecosystem. Environmental changes are caused by changes in moisture, solar radiation, and temperature. Thus, every minute that goes by after sampling without testing increases the chance of obtaining inaccurate results.
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.
The samples can also be preserved by air drying them. When samples are air dried, their viability can last for many months. Several other techniques for preserving soil samples have been invented to ensure accuracy of results.
In a commercial lab, various tests are conducted on the samples to target certain compounds and minerals. Local labs are usually informed about the chemistry of the soils in an area. Hence, they are likely to perform tests that more accurately reveal useful information. There are three main plant nutrients that are targeted in any test, that is, minor, secondary, and major nutrients.
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