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.
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.
Soil biology and chemistry changes immediately it is taken from the field. This change is caused by activities of microorganisms. Temperature, solar light, and moisture can also change properties and composition of samples. Difference in properties of samples and those of soils in the field have been reported in many cases.
To prevent all the discrepancy that is likely to occur, it is important to have all samples analyzed as soon as they are extracted from the field. The recommendable time frame within which the analysis must be conducted after extraction is 24 hours. However, there are also storage methods that can be used to ensure that the samples remain fresh and unaffected by weather or activity of microorganisms. 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.
Soil biology and chemistry changes immediately it is taken from the field. This change is caused by activities of microorganisms. Temperature, solar light, and moisture can also change properties and composition of samples. Difference in properties of samples and those of soils in the field have been reported in many cases.
To prevent all the discrepancy that is likely to occur, it is important to have all samples analyzed as soon as they are extracted from the field. The recommendable time frame within which the analysis must be conducted after extraction is 24 hours. However, there are also storage methods that can be used to ensure that the samples remain fresh and unaffected by weather or activity of microorganisms. 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.
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