Soil Test Analysis Should I Choose For My Vegetable Garden

1. Which Soil Test Analysis Should I Choose For My Vegetable Garden? Just like in other industries, things have improved in the agriculture sector. Modern techniques are getting used in farming, making the process easier and quicker. Farmers and agricultural enthusiasts can grow anything and everything that was just a dream years ago. The best thing that happened in the agricultural sector is soil testing. Traditionally, there was nothing like the soil testing process. Before sowing seeds, farmers used to check the condition of the soil just by seeing and touching it. There were no options available to know the small important details of the soil. But today, there are many specialized labs for soil testing. Also, people can test the at-home using soil testing kits. Soil constitutes many things and vegetable growers need to know about them before cultivation. But there is always confusion that which test is important for a particular land and how many times the test is required. In this post, we will discuss the essential forms of soil test and their frequency. Organic soil test- Without organic matter in the soil, the growth of plants and vegetables is impossible. They are a reservoir of nutrients essential for plant growth. And a basic measure of soil health. Therefore, an organic soil test is important and should be done every few years if organic matters levels are optimal. On the other hand, if the organic matter is low, the soil should be tested every year. pH soil test- pH soil test reveals the acidic level of the soil. If the soil is acidic or the pH level is high, it affects plant health, microbial activity, and nutrient availability. Just like the organic soil test, the pH test is done every few years. But if the pH is not in the ideal range, the test is conducted every year. Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) test- Though phosphorus and potassium are considered macronutrients, they are used by plants in substantial quantities for growth. So, just like organic soil test and pH, phosphorous and potassium testing is done frequently. Too much phosphorus degrades the soil and nearby surface water quality. In case the phosphorus level is high, the addition of compost inputs should be limited. Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S)-These are secondary macronutrients, which do limit the crop production much. The areas with very sandy or acidic soil and low organic matter suffer from the deficiency of these macronutrients, so the test should be conducted often. If soil contains organic matter and an optimal pH level, the test is not conducted only sporadically or when deficiency is noticed. Lack of calcium in the soil causes physiological issues. Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn)- These are essential micronutrients but plants only use a few ounces per acre of micronutrients each year. If the soil is sandy, it may be deficient in these micronutrients. On the other hand, if fertilizer is excessively used, the boron in the fertilizer becomes toxic to plants. Boron and Zinc testing is done occasionally or when deficiency is suspected. To know which soil test is appropriate for your vegetable field, you should determine the type of soil. You should know its constituents. If required, you should seek help from professionals.

2. Source: https://microbiometer.com/