Monday 21 May 2018

Here Is Information On Southern California Soil Testing

By Frank Wagner


One or several methods used to analyze different qualities of soils for different reasons is called soil testing or analysis. The main reasons why most people engage in this process is to find out the level of nutrients available to plants is present in the ground. The popularity of this method is growing very fast and accessibility to the service is also becoming more popular. As a result, more labs have been established and costs for doing the analysis have also gone down. This is worth knowing about 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.

Prior to testing, mixing samples obtained from different multiple locations is also a common practice. The practice is referred to as composite sampling. This technique demands a lot of expertise and caution in order to prevent skewing results. In addition, the sampling requirements set by the government have to be met during the process. A reference map has to be consulted in order to help with determining the quantity of field samples gathered together with their location.

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.

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.

All samples need to be stored in a refrigerated device the moment they are extracted. This is meant to stop microorganism activity. Refrigerated storage also keep weather elements from coming in contact with the samples. It is important to transport samples carefully to avoid causing undesirable effects to them.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment