What Soil Testing Is and Why You Should Get It Done

Do you feel like you've done everything right yet your farm still struggles to flourish? Poor plant growth leading to low crop yields is a huge concern for any farmer. Poor soil conditions remain one of the major factors contributing to this problem.

If you suspect a problem with your soil, conducting a soil test is the first step to restoring the health of your soil. But what is soil testing and why do you need to get one done? Continue reading to get answers to these two frequently asked questions.

What is soil testing?

Not all soils are created equal. Soils differ depending on their nutrient content and pH level. 

With that said, different plants require varying amounts of nutrients in the soil to grow healthy. The availability of nutrients in the soil depends on the soil's pH, with 0 indicating extreme acidity while 14 extreme alkalinity, based on a scale of 0 to 14.   If the pH of the soil isn't balanced, there will be insufficient amounts of nutrients in the soil, and this will affect plant growth.

Soil testing is carried out to determine the nutrient content of the soil, as well as its pH level. This helps you know the exact condition of your farm's soil, allowing you to make amendments that will improve production on the farm.

Why do you need to get your soil tested?

The main advantage of getting your farm's soil tested is to diagnose its health and condition. This can lead to a host of benefits, including the following.

Helps you figure out what amendments your soil needs

Depending on what plants you're growing, you can use the information you get from a soil testing report to improve your soil.

Saves you money on fertiliser purchase

Simply putting fertiliser on your farm doesn't translate to increased crop production. You need to know the right type and quantity of fertiliser to use on your farm. You can get this information and save money on fertiliser expenditure by testing your soil.

Helps you preserve your soil's natural fertility

Knowing the nutrient content and pH level of your soil can help you figure out the most suitable crops for your soil type. This way, you won't have to rely on fertiliser too much to improve your crop yield. Reduced fertiliser use will help to preserve your soil's natural fertility.

Want to get your farm's soil tested professionally? Don't hesitate to ask a qualified soil testing technician near you for help.

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