Here Is Information On Southern California Soil Testing

By Frank Wagner


A collection of techniques or a single method of analyzing different properties of soil for a wide range of reasons is what is known as soil testing. The major reason farmers or other people do this process is determination of plant-available nutrients in the soil, although there are other several reasons. The process is growing in popularity and becoming increasingly available to several individuals and farmers. It is for this reason that its price has gone down. Here are facts regarding Southern California Soil Testing.

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.

According to recommendations of top labs in the United States, 10 to 20 samples need to be taken from every 40 acres of land whose fertility needs to be tested. This is because composition of soils can be changed by factors such as presence of tap water and chemicals. It is also important to take samples from different depths and at different time intervals components change. Similarly, nutrient availability differs with depth.

It is also common for samples that have been collected from multiple locations to be mixed before they are analyzed. This technique has a name and it is composite sampling. There is always a likelihood of skewing results in this method and that is why caution and expertise are very important here. The government has also set sampling requirements that must be met when engaging in this process. It is also important to know the amount and locations of each sample used in this process. This can be done by making a reference map.

Naturally, the biology and chemistry of the soil samples collected have a tendency of changing once separated from their natural ecosystem. The change is because the samples while in their natural ecosystem are affected by the actions of microorganisms which alter their properties. A major role to this effect is also caused by temperature cycles, moisture, and solar light. Cases of samples exhibiting properties totally different from those of the soils in the field they were collected from have been reported, especially if it took too long before analysis.

To prevent all the discrepancy that is likely to occur, it is important to have all samples analyzed as soon as they are extracted from the field. The recommendable time frame within which the analysis must be conducted after extraction is 24 hours. However, there are also storage methods that can be used to ensure that the samples remain fresh and unaffected by weather or activity of microorganisms. These methods include freezing and air drying.

To keep them cold, the samples must be placed in a refrigerated device immediately they are extracted. Doing this stops the activities of microorganisms. Also, it prevents exposure of the samples to the weather making sure it does not change. The transportation should be done accordingly to avoid any unwanted effects.

There are many commercial labs that offer testing services to individuals and organizations. One can send their samples to the labs and collect their results after a few days. It is recommendable to use local labs because they are familiar with the chemistry of local soils.




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