Did you know? 60% of the crop yields will depend on soil fertility. Undoubtedly, the soil is one of the most precious resources that must be managed carefully. As a farmer, you can manage soil effectively periodically through agricultural soil testing. Do you want to know more about why agricultural soil testing is crucial? Here are the top 5 reasons to choose agricultural soil testing.
1. Gain Accurate Knowledge About the Soil Condition and How to Improve It
Fertile soils are crucial to grow healthy crops. Therefore, to improve soil fertility, you need to measure it accurately. Soil fertility is determined by the soil’s chemical, biological, and physical properties. The properties like soil texture, structure, and color are visible. However, it is impossible to check the soil’s chemical composition with the naked eye. This is what you need to measure and why sampling is crucial. Soil tests are used to determine a soil’s nutrient content and pH level. With this information, you can determine the exact type and quantity of fertilizer you must apply to improve soil health.
2. A Proper Soil Fertility Management Strategy
When you have detailed knowledge about the soil, its type, and the quantity of fertilizer needed, you can create a proper fertility management strategy. Therefore, the farmers can maximize the efficiency of nutrients and water use to improve agricultural productivity. Soil testing is the first step toward the right fertility management of soil. It also offers valuable information and helps in improving the soil’s health.
3. Reduces Fertilizer Expenditure
When you choose agricultural soil testing, you will have everything you need to know about the soil. Therefore, you won’t waste money on unnecessary fertilizers if you know the right type and quantity of fertilizers required for your soil. Also, inorganic fertilizers and nutrients like potassium and phosphorous are limited. Prices have increased over the years, and since this trend will continue, it is better to adapt now and prepare for the inevitable changes.
4. Avoid Over-Fertilization
Applying the fertilizer without knowing the actual nutrient needs of the soil leads to over-fertilization. When you test the soils, you shall receive accurate fertilizer recommendations. Therefore, you can avoid using excessive fertilizer. This is much better for the crops and the environment. Over-fertilization leads to fertilizer burn, and the leaves of the crops turn yellow. It also results in nutrient leaching, water pollution, and irreversible damage to the surrounding aquatic life.
5. Avoiding Soil Degradation
There is no denying the fact that soil degradation is a threat to every farmer. According to an estimation, 24 tons of fertile soil are lost yearly because of erosion. This is a result of unbalanced soil management. Proper soil management is guaranteed when the soil test is followed by applying the right fertilizer at the right moment. Also, it helps to avoid the risks of soil degradation. Soil restoration is a difficult, costly, and time-consuming process. Therefore, you can avoid soil degradation when you opt for agricultural soil testing.
Some Final Words
Agricultural soil testing is crucial because of the changes in fertilizer and crop prices. In the last two years, the cost of soil sampling and analysis has increased little, while the cost of fertilizers has increased twofold or fourfold. Therefore, you need agricultural soil testing to get the right and most accurate fertilizer recommendations and ensure better efficiency.
To discuss why you should be soil testing on your farm, contact SoilOptix at www.soiloptix.com