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.
Several factors affect the results of a test. Among this factors are timing and depth of sampling. That implies that soil components and nutrients are affected by timing. Sometimes, samples obtained from different locations are combined before being tested in what is referred to as composite sampling. It is more likely to obtain skewed results in this analysis, which means that care must be taken when testing for the results to be accurate.
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.
To avoid getting inaccurate results, it is often best to have the tests done within a period of twenty-four hours after sampling. The chemical changes that occur after sampling can be slowed down, but they cannot be stopped completely. The processes can be stopped by freezing the samples while they are been transported or stored for analysis to be carried out later.
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 commercial labs, the tests done usually aim to establish presence or absence of specific compounds and/or minerals. One is advised to use local labs because of the extensive knowledge they have on local soils. This kind of knowledge enables them to conduct more targeted tests to reveal more helpful information. Major, minor, and secondary nutrients are the three key plant nutrients that are targeted in the tests.
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.
Several factors affect the results of a test. Among this factors are timing and depth of sampling. That implies that soil components and nutrients are affected by timing. Sometimes, samples obtained from different locations are combined before being tested in what is referred to as composite sampling. It is more likely to obtain skewed results in this analysis, which means that care must be taken when testing for the results to be accurate.
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.
To avoid getting inaccurate results, it is often best to have the tests done within a period of twenty-four hours after sampling. The chemical changes that occur after sampling can be slowed down, but they cannot be stopped completely. The processes can be stopped by freezing the samples while they are been transported or stored for analysis to be carried out later.
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 commercial labs, the tests done usually aim to establish presence or absence of specific compounds and/or minerals. One is advised to use local labs because of the extensive knowledge they have on local soils. This kind of knowledge enables them to conduct more targeted tests to reveal more helpful information. Major, minor, and secondary nutrients are the three key plant nutrients that are targeted in the tests.
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