Dr. S. Vanitha Jayanthi, Proprietor, Porkodiyal Agri Clinic and Mini Soil Testing Lab, Theni, Tamil Nadu, talks about soil testing procedures and the benefits.
Soil testing is important for any successful farmer, and many farmers from villages give many soil samples for testing to our organisation. We give the test report to them. Thus the villagers are benefited in many ways. The farmers should understand the benefits of getting their soil tested. Soil is the main thing for cultivation. This is a biologically active porous medium that has developed as the uppermost layer of earth’s crust. It will take millions of years for the soil to form. It is the loose surface material that covers most of the land in the earth with organic and inorganic particles present in it. The soil gives the texture and structure to the land to help the plants to grow. Soil is very important for both agricultural crops and horticultural crops. The soil has different types of chemical and physical properties. The soil is formed when bigger rocks are broken down into smaller and finer particles. In this continuous process assisted by the weather, the soil is formed.
The soil has different layers. The topmost layer is the O Horizon or organic matter. Next is the A Horizon or the top soil, B Horizon is the subsoil, and C Horizon is the bedrock which helps in the development of agriculture and horticulture crops. The varied proportion of chemical and physical properties are helpful for the plant growth. The layers of these horizon is called the soil profile.
The soil helps in different root structure, shallow and deep-rooted plants. The vegetable crops have the shallow roots, and the trees have deep root. The shallow rooted plants have their roots going up to 15 or maximum 30 cms. The deep rooted plants have their roots go form 3 feet to 3 meters up to even bedrock. The soil horizon layer is parallel to the soil surface. The Physical, Chemical, and Biological features differ from layer to layer, and the colours also vary according to the layers.
Soil moisture is very important factor in the soil. The water present in the soil has many uses such as carrying the nutrients to the plants which again varies according to the plant growth and stages. For example, coconut tree needs at least 100 litres of water every day, sugarcane needs more water, and paddy needs standing water till harvest. Just one week before the harvest, they drain off the water. The soil moisture content determines and gives good yield of the crop. The temperature also determines the soil moisture and soil formation.
The soil has many physical properties such as colour as found in red soil which has more iron content, and black soil which is suited for cotton cultivation. There are different types of textures in the soil. The porosity in the soil is the water present in the Soil, Density, Consistency, Aggregation of the soil, and temperatures determine the soil properties. These properties also influence soil infiltration rate. During rainy season, we can see that the water is stagnant on the clay soil with no drainage. But in a sandy soil, the water gets infiltrated into the ground, and there is no stagnation of water. In the sandy soil, there is more erosion. The particles are loose in the sandy soil. Nutrient cycle is seen in loamy soil apart from biological activities. The humus is high in biological activities. Plants are growing well in high humus conditions. The other two main properties of the soil are texture and structure. They affect the crop cultivation and have a high stake in the crop production. The texture is determined by the different type of Sand, Silt, and Clay particles and organic matters in it.
The texture is determined by the feel method which we can do easily and commonly. We have to take a bit of wet soil and squeeze between the fingers. If it is gritty , it is sandy and if sticky and clayey and smooth, it means silt percentage is high. The USDA defines 12 types of textures in soil. They are Sand, Loamy sand, Sandy loam, Silt, Silty loam, Sandy clay, Clay loam, Silty clay loam, Sandy clay, Silty clay, and Clay. The soil structure is determined by the presence of Sand, Silt, and Clay, the composition of other materials. The PH is the potential of Hydrogen in the soil which determine the plant growth. The soil depth is the measurement up to the bedrock. Up to this level, the soil is used for plant cultivation. The parent material is in the bed rock. Soil testing is to determine the fertility level for the growing crops. There are components such as Organic, Minerals, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium. In one hectare, they can take 2 or 3 samples depending on the texture and colour of the land. Every profile can take different soil samples for testing.
There are a few points to be considered when doing soil sample testing. We have to collect the sample during the fallow period which is post-harvest. There is no need to take the sample when the cultivationis going on. We would have used fertilisers and pesticides, and the residue may be present in the soil. So, we should not take the soil samples during the cropping period. We can collect samples from between the rows when there is a standing crop. Before that, we can place the nutrients and pesticides in the root areas between the rows. We have to follow zigzag manner when collecting samples. We can take from fields which have similar appearance such as soil profile and colour. When these are different, we can go for another sample. We should not take samples from slopy or water stagnated areas, areas near pond with Waste material, Wet spots, Furrow land, Bunds, Manure heaps, and Irrigation channels as they may be fertile.
We can use a spade and take the sample in a zigzag manner, lightly cut the soil in V shape, take the samples, put them in one heat and powder them. We can take samples in similar manner from opposite sides also and put them in different bags. This is for shallow-rooted soil, and we can go up to 15 or 30 cms. For trees, we can make a pit 1x1 meter, take the soil in 1’, 2’ and 3’ for one sample in each feet in different bags and mention the feet of sample taken, 3 samples are needed for tree soil testing and follow the same method, next one in different bags. We have to put each of them in different bags, mention the farmer’s name, address, survey numbers, and what crop they are planning to grow, and then give the same for testing. We can get the result with fertiliser recommendations.
The main parameters that are considered during soil testing are mainly PH, Moisture, Conductivity, Organic carbon, available N, P, K, Total hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc etc. These nutrients mainly impact the crop growth and yield. We have two types of nutrients, Micro and Macro. Macro nutrients include N, P, K, Ca, Sulphur and Magnesium which are needed in larger quantities. Micronutrients include Iron, Zinc, Copper, Boron, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Chloride which are required in smaller quantities.
The role of nitrogen in plant growth is huge. Nitrogen is mainly needed for photosynthesis in leaves with chlorophyll. It helps in developing the chlorophyll for the green pigmentation in leaves and stems. During photosynthesis, the chlorophyll absorbs light energy and converts it into sugar. After application of nitrogen, the plants turn into green due to chlorophyll content. The plant depends on the nitrogen content for growth, development of tissues and others. It is stored in the form of protein in Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, and Seeds which is the main component for all living things. Root development happens when roots absorb nutrients and water for the plants.
Phosphorous is the energy found in the living plant cell, it is involved in key plant function, energy transfer, photosynthesis, transformation of sugars and starches, and nutrient movement within the plant and genetic characters from one generation to the other one. It also helps in developing fruits and root system. Potassium is useful for regulating the opening and closing of stomata, to regulate exchange of Water Vapour, Oxygen, and Carbon di oxide. If potassium is not present in adequate quantity, the plant will have a stunted growth, and the yield will be less. It keeps roots healthy, helps in developing fruits and flowers, and helps plants tolerate stress such as drought. The micronutrients such as iron and magnesium are needed for formation of chlorophyll, activating enzymes and inducing plant growth. Zinc is also a plant regulator and essential for root and plant growth. Calcium helps in Cell wall formation, Cell division, and Pollination. Copper is essential for enzymatic activities in plants and chlorophyl and seed production.
The soil sample reports talk about the parameters that are required, organic compound to be applied, farmyard manure which are essential for all types of crops before the basal application. Soil PH will define acidity and alkalinity of the soil. It will also talk about nutrient levels, micronutrients present in the soil. We can apply nutrients as per the report during the basal and fruit formation stage and as suggested. Micronutrients help in preventing stunted growth and reddening of leaves in cotton. In India, organic matter is very low in soil, and we can use the waste material present in the soil to improve this. We can buy waste decomposer which is available at a very low cost and do this. We can reduce the use of fertilisers and minimise the cost of cultivation. We can use drip irrigation and use only liquid fertiliser on weekly basis.
Are there any cost effective soil testing kits or services available for small scale farmers? What are the benefits of conducting regular soi test for crop productivity and yield optimisation?
Yes. They can buy online. The nutrient requirement differs for each crop. So, if we keep growing the same crop continuously, the yield will reduce. So, we can opt for crop rotation to improve the nutrient levels in the soil.
How do soil test results vary across different regions and types of agriculture lands? Can you provide examples of how soil testing has helped farmers improve their crop quality and profitability?What role does soil testing play in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection?
The soil testing is done at Rs. 30 in government labs. They will test for micro and macro nutrients. It is also preferable to do water samples also. They can get recommendation on what they can grow, the required nutrients, to reduce fertilisers, and how to maintain the soil health. In sustainable agriculture, if they apply more fertilisers, it will get stagnated and will be harmful to the surroundings. It will cause environmental pollution.
Are there any government initiatives or programs that support farmers in accessing soil testing services?
In Tamil Nadu, there is a scheme to get the soil every year. They can do it in grid sampling method which is widely followed in Tamil Nadu. The department people will come, collect soil sample, and give in the government labs for the results. There are many private labs also to do the soil testing for the farmers.
How frequently should farmers conduct the soil testing, and are there any seasonal considerations for testing?Can you please tell us some easy method of reclaiming alkaline and acidic soils with pH below 4 or above 8? What are the easy and new techniques available with the departments?
Soil testing has to be done every year which is highly recommended. Gypsum application is suggested. That will reclaim the acid soil. Water stagnation overnight in the field and then draining out will reduce the alkalinity of the soil. These two methods are recommended.
Do you have branches near Hosur in Tamil Nadu? Do you supply products all over India?Can you share the details of the products? Any brochure or website that we can look at?Do you have anything else to say?
No, we have only one office in Theni, Tamil Nadu. As of now, we are supplying the products in Tamil Nadu only. If any enquiry is there, we can supply to other places too. We have solar light trap, rat controlling traps, pheromone traps, and plastic crates, Drip Irrigation materials for water management. We also have Bio Neem oil and Vermicompost. I am also doing organic based products. Every farmer should understand the importance of soil testing, but nowadays, they do not take it seriously. They opt for solar light traps or pheromone traps and yellow sticky traps. This will only minimise the pest incidence. Farmers should start looking for organic and biocontrol methods of cultivation to reduce the cost of cultivation and come up with organic products which will be harmless vegetables and fruits for the people.
Dr. S. Vanitha jayanthi, Phone 9942444303
Email vanitharavikumar75@gmail.com
Soil testing is important for any successful farmer, and many farmers from villages give many soil samples for testing to our organisation. We give the test report to them. Thus the villagers are benefited in many ways. The farmers should understand the benefits of getting their soil tested. Soil is the main thing for cultivation. This is a biologically active porous medium that has developed as the uppermost layer of earth’s crust. It will take millions of years for the soil to form. It is the loose surface material that covers most of the land in the earth with organic and inorganic particles present in it. The soil gives the texture and structure to the land to help the plants to grow. Soil is very important for both agricultural crops and horticultural crops. The soil has different types of chemical and physical properties. The soil is formed when bigger rocks are broken down into smaller and finer particles. In this continuous process assisted by the weather, the soil is formed.
The soil has different layers. The topmost layer is the O Horizon or organic matter. Next is the A Horizon or the top soil, B Horizon is the subsoil, and C Horizon is the bedrock which helps in the development of agriculture and horticulture crops. The varied proportion of chemical and physical properties are helpful for the plant growth. The layers of these horizon is called the soil profile.
The soil helps in different root structure, shallow and deep-rooted plants. The vegetable crops have the shallow roots, and the trees have deep root. The shallow rooted plants have their roots going up to 15 or maximum 30 cms. The deep rooted plants have their roots go form 3 feet to 3 meters up to even bedrock. The soil horizon layer is parallel to the soil surface. The Physical, Chemical, and Biological features differ from layer to layer, and the colours also vary according to the layers.
Soil moisture is very important factor in the soil. The water present in the soil has many uses such as carrying the nutrients to the plants which again varies according to the plant growth and stages. For example, coconut tree needs at least 100 litres of water every day, sugarcane needs more water, and paddy needs standing water till harvest. Just one week before the harvest, they drain off the water. The soil moisture content determines and gives good yield of the crop. The temperature also determines the soil moisture and soil formation.
The soil has many physical properties such as colour as found in red soil which has more iron content, and black soil which is suited for cotton cultivation. There are different types of textures in the soil. The porosity in the soil is the water present in the Soil, Density, Consistency, Aggregation of the soil, and temperatures determine the soil properties. These properties also influence soil infiltration rate. During rainy season, we can see that the water is stagnant on the clay soil with no drainage. But in a sandy soil, the water gets infiltrated into the ground, and there is no stagnation of water. In the sandy soil, there is more erosion. The particles are loose in the sandy soil. Nutrient cycle is seen in loamy soil apart from biological activities. The humus is high in biological activities. Plants are growing well in high humus conditions. The other two main properties of the soil are texture and structure. They affect the crop cultivation and have a high stake in the crop production. The texture is determined by the different type of Sand, Silt, and Clay particles and organic matters in it.
The texture is determined by the feel method which we can do easily and commonly. We have to take a bit of wet soil and squeeze between the fingers. If it is gritty , it is sandy and if sticky and clayey and smooth, it means silt percentage is high. The USDA defines 12 types of textures in soil. They are Sand, Loamy sand, Sandy loam, Silt, Silty loam, Sandy clay, Clay loam, Silty clay loam, Sandy clay, Silty clay, and Clay. The soil structure is determined by the presence of Sand, Silt, and Clay, the composition of other materials. The PH is the potential of Hydrogen in the soil which determine the plant growth. The soil depth is the measurement up to the bedrock. Up to this level, the soil is used for plant cultivation. The parent material is in the bed rock. Soil testing is to determine the fertility level for the growing crops. There are components such as Organic, Minerals, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium. In one hectare, they can take 2 or 3 samples depending on the texture and colour of the land. Every profile can take different soil samples for testing.
There are a few points to be considered when doing soil sample testing. We have to collect the sample during the fallow period which is post-harvest. There is no need to take the sample when the cultivationis going on. We would have used fertilisers and pesticides, and the residue may be present in the soil. So, we should not take the soil samples during the cropping period. We can collect samples from between the rows when there is a standing crop. Before that, we can place the nutrients and pesticides in the root areas between the rows. We have to follow zigzag manner when collecting samples. We can take from fields which have similar appearance such as soil profile and colour. When these are different, we can go for another sample. We should not take samples from slopy or water stagnated areas, areas near pond with Waste material, Wet spots, Furrow land, Bunds, Manure heaps, and Irrigation channels as they may be fertile.
We can use a spade and take the sample in a zigzag manner, lightly cut the soil in V shape, take the samples, put them in one heat and powder them. We can take samples in similar manner from opposite sides also and put them in different bags. This is for shallow-rooted soil, and we can go up to 15 or 30 cms. For trees, we can make a pit 1x1 meter, take the soil in 1’, 2’ and 3’ for one sample in each feet in different bags and mention the feet of sample taken, 3 samples are needed for tree soil testing and follow the same method, next one in different bags. We have to put each of them in different bags, mention the farmer’s name, address, survey numbers, and what crop they are planning to grow, and then give the same for testing. We can get the result with fertiliser recommendations.
The main parameters that are considered during soil testing are mainly PH, Moisture, Conductivity, Organic carbon, available N, P, K, Total hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc etc. These nutrients mainly impact the crop growth and yield. We have two types of nutrients, Micro and Macro. Macro nutrients include N, P, K, Ca, Sulphur and Magnesium which are needed in larger quantities. Micronutrients include Iron, Zinc, Copper, Boron, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Chloride which are required in smaller quantities.
The role of nitrogen in plant growth is huge. Nitrogen is mainly needed for photosynthesis in leaves with chlorophyll. It helps in developing the chlorophyll for the green pigmentation in leaves and stems. During photosynthesis, the chlorophyll absorbs light energy and converts it into sugar. After application of nitrogen, the plants turn into green due to chlorophyll content. The plant depends on the nitrogen content for growth, development of tissues and others. It is stored in the form of protein in Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, and Seeds which is the main component for all living things. Root development happens when roots absorb nutrients and water for the plants.
Phosphorous is the energy found in the living plant cell, it is involved in key plant function, energy transfer, photosynthesis, transformation of sugars and starches, and nutrient movement within the plant and genetic characters from one generation to the other one. It also helps in developing fruits and root system. Potassium is useful for regulating the opening and closing of stomata, to regulate exchange of Water Vapour, Oxygen, and Carbon di oxide. If potassium is not present in adequate quantity, the plant will have a stunted growth, and the yield will be less. It keeps roots healthy, helps in developing fruits and flowers, and helps plants tolerate stress such as drought. The micronutrients such as iron and magnesium are needed for formation of chlorophyll, activating enzymes and inducing plant growth. Zinc is also a plant regulator and essential for root and plant growth. Calcium helps in Cell wall formation, Cell division, and Pollination. Copper is essential for enzymatic activities in plants and chlorophyl and seed production.
The soil sample reports talk about the parameters that are required, organic compound to be applied, farmyard manure which are essential for all types of crops before the basal application. Soil PH will define acidity and alkalinity of the soil. It will also talk about nutrient levels, micronutrients present in the soil. We can apply nutrients as per the report during the basal and fruit formation stage and as suggested. Micronutrients help in preventing stunted growth and reddening of leaves in cotton. In India, organic matter is very low in soil, and we can use the waste material present in the soil to improve this. We can buy waste decomposer which is available at a very low cost and do this. We can reduce the use of fertilisers and minimise the cost of cultivation. We can use drip irrigation and use only liquid fertiliser on weekly basis.
Are there any cost effective soil testing kits or services available for small scale farmers? What are the benefits of conducting regular soi test for crop productivity and yield optimisation?
Yes. They can buy online. The nutrient requirement differs for each crop. So, if we keep growing the same crop continuously, the yield will reduce. So, we can opt for crop rotation to improve the nutrient levels in the soil.
How do soil test results vary across different regions and types of agriculture lands? Can you provide examples of how soil testing has helped farmers improve their crop quality and profitability?What role does soil testing play in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection?
The soil testing is done at Rs. 30 in government labs. They will test for micro and macro nutrients. It is also preferable to do water samples also. They can get recommendation on what they can grow, the required nutrients, to reduce fertilisers, and how to maintain the soil health. In sustainable agriculture, if they apply more fertilisers, it will get stagnated and will be harmful to the surroundings. It will cause environmental pollution.
Are there any government initiatives or programs that support farmers in accessing soil testing services?
In Tamil Nadu, there is a scheme to get the soil every year. They can do it in grid sampling method which is widely followed in Tamil Nadu. The department people will come, collect soil sample, and give in the government labs for the results. There are many private labs also to do the soil testing for the farmers.
How frequently should farmers conduct the soil testing, and are there any seasonal considerations for testing?Can you please tell us some easy method of reclaiming alkaline and acidic soils with pH below 4 or above 8? What are the easy and new techniques available with the departments?
Soil testing has to be done every year which is highly recommended. Gypsum application is suggested. That will reclaim the acid soil. Water stagnation overnight in the field and then draining out will reduce the alkalinity of the soil. These two methods are recommended.
Do you have branches near Hosur in Tamil Nadu? Do you supply products all over India?Can you share the details of the products? Any brochure or website that we can look at?Do you have anything else to say?
No, we have only one office in Theni, Tamil Nadu. As of now, we are supplying the products in Tamil Nadu only. If any enquiry is there, we can supply to other places too. We have solar light trap, rat controlling traps, pheromone traps, and plastic crates, Drip Irrigation materials for water management. We also have Bio Neem oil and Vermicompost. I am also doing organic based products. Every farmer should understand the importance of soil testing, but nowadays, they do not take it seriously. They opt for solar light traps or pheromone traps and yellow sticky traps. This will only minimise the pest incidence. Farmers should start looking for organic and biocontrol methods of cultivation to reduce the cost of cultivation and come up with organic products which will be harmless vegetables and fruits for the people.
Dr. S. Vanitha jayanthi, Phone 9942444303
Email vanitharavikumar75@gmail.com