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Soil Testing
Soil testing is crucial in agriculture and construction, providing insights into soil composition and fertility to guide decision-making. Soil contamination occurs when harmful substances exceed critical levels, often due to industrial activities, agricultural chemicals, or improper waste disposal, posing threats to living organisms. Consistent testing is vital for monitoring soil health and addressing concerns related to contamination.
What causes soil pollution?
Industrial wastes such as poisonous gases and chemicals, agricultural pesticides, fertilizers and pesticides are the most common causes of soil pollution. Defective precipitation system and its management and maintenance. Spills of sanitary sewage. Acid rain, when industrial fumes mix with rain. Cars spew fuel that has been washed away by the rain and seeps into the nearby ground. Unsanitary waste treatment techniques characterized by the discharge of sewage into large landfills and nearby streams or rivers.
What are the effect of soil pollution?
Decrease in soil fertility and thereby decrease in soil yield. How can you expect a healthy crop from contaminated soil? Loss of soil and its natural nutrients. Plants would also not thrive in such soil, which in turn would lead to soil erosion. Bad smells from industrial chemicals and gases can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, etc. for many people. The production of toxic dust is another possible consequence of soil pollution.
The importance of soil analysis in the laboratory
Soil analysis can be used to determine the inputs needed for efficient and economical production. This gives ideas for determining the use of fertilizers. It is also important to identify the causes of nutrient-related plant growth problems.
| Parameter | Measurement Unit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Texture | - | Determines the proportion of sand, silt, and clay for assessing water retention and drainage. |
| pH | pH | Indicates soil acidity or alkalinity, affecting nutrient availability. |
| Organic Matter Content | % | Measures the presence of organic materials critical for soil fertility. |
| Macronutrients (N, P, K) | mg/kg | Evaluates essential nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for plant growth. |
| Micronutrients | mg/kg | Assesses trace elements like iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. |
| Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) | cmol(c)/kg | Reflects the soil's ability to retain and exchange cations, influencing nutrient availability. |
| Electrical Conductivity (EC) | dS/m | Measures soil salinity, helping assess potential plant stress. |
| Moisture Content | % | Indicates the amount of water present in the soil, impacting plant growth and stability. |
| Soil Color | - | Provides insights into soil composition and organic matter. |
| Bulk Density | g/cm³ | Measures soil compaction and porosity. |
| Soil Microbial Activity | - | Assesses the activity of microorganisms, crucial for nutrient cycling. |
| Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) | % | Evaluates sodium levels, indicating soil structure and permeability. |
| Total Solids | % | Measures the total solid content in the soil sample. |
| Total Nitrogen | % or mg/kg | Assesses the total nitrogen content in the soil. |
| Calcium (Ca) | cmol(c)/kg | Assesses the calcium content, crucial for soil structure and plant cell development. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | cmol(c)/kg | Measures magnesium levels, important for chlorophyll formation and enzyme function. |
| Sulfur (S) | mg/kg | Evaluates sulfur content, essential for protein synthesis in plants. |
| Sodium (Na) | cmol(c)/kg | Measures sodium levels, influencing soil structure and nutrient availability. |
| Carbon (C) | % | Assesses the organic carbon content, indicating soil fertility. |
| Nitrate-N (NO₃-N) | mg/kg | Measures nitrate nitrogen, providing insights into soil nitrogen availability. |
| Ammonium-N (NH₄-N) | mg/kg | Assesses ammonium nitrogen, an important form of nitrogen for plants. |
| Chloride (Cl) | mg/kg | Measures chloride levels, which can impact plant health and soil structure. |
| Boron (B) | mg/kg | Evaluates boron content, essential for plant growth and development. |
| Copper (Cu) | mg/kg | Assesses copper levels, a micronutrient important for enzyme function in plants. |