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Essential Facts About Southern California Soil Testing

By Frank Wagner


Soil testing may refer to a single method or a collection of methods used to analyze various soil properties for various reasons. Even though there are many reasons why this process is done by farmers and other individuals, the most widespread reason is to determine the concentration of plant-available nutrients in soils. This process is becoming very common and widely available to an increasing number of farmers and other people. As a result, its cost is also going down. This is what Southern California Soil Testing services are all about.

For purposes of agriculture, soil analysis is conducted to establish the level of pH, nutrient availability, and acidity among other properties. Through these analyses, fertility of a place is easy to determine. Fertility level indicates potential toxicities resulting from excessive fertility. It also indicates growth potential and nutrient deficiencies. The lack of or the existence of trace nutrients can also be determined through analysis of samples.

Top labs in the US recommend that 20 to 10 samples need to be collected from every forty acres of land whose fertility is to be determined. They recommended this in consideration of the fact that the composition of the soils may be altered by presence of chemicals, and tap water among other factors. Also, it is equally crucial to collect samples from varying depths and at varying time intervals since components change. Availability of nutrients also varies with depth.

It is also common for samples from multiple locations to be mixed before they are tested. This is called composite sampling. This method requires a lot of caution and expertise to avoid skewing results a lot. Government sampling requirements must also be met when conducting this process. To determine the quantity of field samples collected and their locations, a reference map must be made.

Soil biology and chemistry changes immediately it is taken from the field. This change is caused by activities of microorganisms. Temperature, solar light, and moisture can also change properties and composition of samples. Difference in properties of samples and those of soils in the field have been reported in many cases.

The solution to preventing all possible discrepancies is analyzing the samples the soonest they are extracted and submitted. This period should be kept below 24 hours after extraction as recommended. However, the samples can be kept fresh and unaffected by activities of microorganisms or the weather by using applicable storage techniques. The commonly applicable techniques include air drying and freezing.

Immediately the samples are extracted, they should be placed in a refrigerated device to keep them cold. This stops the activity of microorganisms. It also shields the samples from weather, ensuring that it remains unchanged. Transportation must also be done well to avoid causing unwanted effects on samples.

Analysis services are accessible from the many commercial labs that exist. These labs serve organizations as well as individuals. After sending samples, one needs to wait for a few days to receive results. Since local labs understand the chemistry of soils around the area, it is preferable to send samples to them.




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By Frank Wagner


Soil testing may refer to a single method or a collection of methods used to analyze various soil properties for various reasons. Even though there are many reasons why this process is done by farmers and other individuals, the most widespread reason is to determine the concentration of plant-available nutrients in soils. This process is becoming very common and widely available to an increasing number of farmers and other people. As a result, its cost is also going down. This is what Southern California Soil Testing services are all about.

For purposes of agriculture, soil analysis is conducted to establish the level of pH, nutrient availability, and acidity among other properties. Through these analyses, fertility of a place is easy to determine. Fertility level indicates potential toxicities resulting from excessive fertility. It also indicates growth potential and nutrient deficiencies. The lack of or the existence of trace nutrients can also be determined through analysis of samples.

Top labs in the US recommend that 20 to 10 samples need to be collected from every forty acres of land whose fertility is to be determined. They recommended this in consideration of the fact that the composition of the soils may be altered by presence of chemicals, and tap water among other factors. Also, it is equally crucial to collect samples from varying depths and at varying time intervals since components change. Availability of nutrients also varies with depth.

It is also common for samples from multiple locations to be mixed before they are tested. This is called composite sampling. This method requires a lot of caution and expertise to avoid skewing results a lot. Government sampling requirements must also be met when conducting this process. To determine the quantity of field samples collected and their locations, a reference map must be made.

Soil biology and chemistry changes immediately it is taken from the field. This change is caused by activities of microorganisms. Temperature, solar light, and moisture can also change properties and composition of samples. Difference in properties of samples and those of soils in the field have been reported in many cases.

The solution to preventing all possible discrepancies is analyzing the samples the soonest they are extracted and submitted. This period should be kept below 24 hours after extraction as recommended. However, the samples can be kept fresh and unaffected by activities of microorganisms or the weather by using applicable storage techniques. The commonly applicable techniques include air drying and freezing.

Immediately the samples are extracted, they should be placed in a refrigerated device to keep them cold. This stops the activity of microorganisms. It also shields the samples from weather, ensuring that it remains unchanged. Transportation must also be done well to avoid causing unwanted effects on samples.

Analysis services are accessible from the many commercial labs that exist. These labs serve organizations as well as individuals. After sending samples, one needs to wait for a few days to receive results. Since local labs understand the chemistry of soils around the area, it is preferable to send samples to them.




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