A collection of techniques or a single method of analyzing different properties of soil for a wide range of reasons is what is known as soil testing. The major reason farmers or other people do this process is determination of plant-available nutrients in the soil, although there are other several reasons. The process is growing in popularity and becoming increasingly available to several individuals and farmers. It is for this reason that its price has gone down. Here are facts regarding Southern California Soil Testing.
In agriculture, soil sample analysis is conducted to determine its content in terms of nutrients, composition as well as pH level and acidity level. Fertility of the soil sample can be determined easily through analysis. Fertility usually indicates growth potential of the ground, while indicating nutrient deficiencies and potential toxicities caused by excessive fertility. Whether or not trace nutrients are available can also be determined.
According to recommendations from top labs in the US, for each 40 acres of land, 10-20 samples need to be collected. This recommendation ensures that changes in properties of soils caused by chemicals or tap water among other factors do not affect results. Since composition and other qualities of soils change over time, it is best if samples are collected at different time intervals and at different depths.
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.
In agriculture, soil sample analysis is conducted to determine its content in terms of nutrients, composition as well as pH level and acidity level. Fertility of the soil sample can be determined easily through analysis. Fertility usually indicates growth potential of the ground, while indicating nutrient deficiencies and potential toxicities caused by excessive fertility. Whether or not trace nutrients are available can also be determined.
According to recommendations from top labs in the US, for each 40 acres of land, 10-20 samples need to be collected. This recommendation ensures that changes in properties of soils caused by chemicals or tap water among other factors do not affect results. Since composition and other qualities of soils change over time, it is best if samples are collected at different time intervals and at different depths.
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