One or several methods used to analyze different qualities of soils for different reasons is called soil testing or analysis. The main reasons why most people engage in this process is to find out the level of nutrients available to plants is present in the ground. The popularity of this method is growing very fast and accessibility to the service is also becoming more popular. As a result, more labs have been established and costs for doing the analysis have also gone down. This is worth knowing about Southern California Soil Testing.
For agricultural uses, analysis of soil sample is done to determine its contents including acidity level, available nutrients, pH level and other compositions. The analysis can easily reveal the fertility of the soil. The fertility level is an indicator of nutrient deficiencies, growth potential, and potential toxicities resulting from excessive fertility. The analysis also reveals the existence or lack of trace nutrients.
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.
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 agricultural uses, analysis of soil sample is done to determine its contents including acidity level, available nutrients, pH level and other compositions. The analysis can easily reveal the fertility of the soil. The fertility level is an indicator of nutrient deficiencies, growth potential, and potential toxicities resulting from excessive fertility. The analysis also reveals the existence or lack of trace nutrients.
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.
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.
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