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.
According to recommendations from top labs in the US, for each 40 acres of land, 10-20 samples need to be collected. This recommendation ensures that changes in properties of soils caused by chemicals or tap water among other factors do not affect results. Since composition and other qualities of soils change over time, it is best if samples are collected at different time intervals and at different depths.
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.
The chemistry and biology of soil samples tend to change after the samples have been extracted from their natural ecosystem. This is because in its natural ecosystem, the samples are acted upon by microorganisms that change their properties. Similarly, weather elements such as moisture, solar light, temperature cycles also play a major role. Situations have been reported where samples that were kept for too long before analysis exhibited very different properties from soils in the field.
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.
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 from top labs in the US, for each 40 acres of land, 10-20 samples need to be collected. This recommendation ensures that changes in properties of soils caused by chemicals or tap water among other factors do not affect results. Since composition and other qualities of soils change over time, it is best if samples are collected at different time intervals and at different depths.
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.
The chemistry and biology of soil samples tend to change after the samples have been extracted from their natural ecosystem. This is because in its natural ecosystem, the samples are acted upon by microorganisms that change their properties. Similarly, weather elements such as moisture, solar light, temperature cycles also play a major role. Situations have been reported where samples that were kept for too long before analysis exhibited very different properties from soils in the field.
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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You can find a summary of the advantages you get when you use professional Southern California soil testing services at http://www.advancedgeotechnical.com/about today.
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