What is tested in soil testing?

After taking the soil sample, select the appropriate test to obtain the desired information. The routine test determines the soil pH, salinity, nitrates (NO3-N), and levels of the primary nutrients (P – phosphorus, K – potassium, Ca – calcium, Mg – magnesium, Na – sodium, and S – sulfur) available to plants.

What is the main objective of soil testing?

The Soil Sampling Process The primary objective of soil sampling is to provide a representative sample of the fertility within the field. Based on the variability throughout the field, the number of acres per sample will vary.

What is the basic procedure of taking a soil test?

Take soil from 10 to 15 different places in the field, lawn or garden. Sample to a depth of 6 inches. Remove plant residue from the surface and use a spade, soil auger or soil sampling tube as illustrated. Place the soil in a clean bucket or container, mix thoroughly and take approximately 1 pint to send to the lab.

What is soil processing?

Soil processing is perhaps the simplest form of treatment but is also a vital precursor to many ex-situ soil remediation treatment processes. It can also be used to separate and segregate certain soil fractions (e.g., fines) from made ground where perhaps a large portion of the contaminant mass may be present.

Why do we need soil testing?

A soil test is important for several reasons: to optimize crop production, to protect the environment from contamination by runoff and leaching of excess fertilizers, to aid in the diagnosis of plant culture problems, to improve the nutritional balance of the growing media and to save money and conserve energy by …

What are the types of tests for soil?

The tests on soil are as follows.

• Moisture content test.
• Atterberg limits tests.
• Specific gravity of soil.
• Dry density of soil.
• Compaction test (Proctor’s test)

Why is soil testing important?

What is the process of taking soil is called?

The process of loosening and turning of soil is called Tilling or ploughing. It is done by using a plough. The practice of cultivating plants and livestock along with crop production is called agriculture. The annual practice of growing crops and harvesting it is called agricultural practice.

What are the two important soil processes?

Parent materials. Soil minerals form the basis of soil. They are produced from rocks (parent material) through the processes of weathering and natural erosion. Water, wind, temperature change, gravity, chemical interaction, living organisms and pressure differences all help break down parent material.

What is the process of soil formation called?

The soil formation process is termed ‘pedogenesis’. Climatic conditions are important factors affecting both the form and rate of physical and chemical weathering of the parent material.