5 reasons to test your soils

Did you know that 60% of crop yields depend on soil fertility? Soil is a precious resource that needs to be managed carefully. As a farmer, you can do this by performing soil tests on a regular basis. Want to know more about why testing soil is so important? AgroCares gives you 5 reasons to test your soil. 

1) Gain knowledge about the soil condition and how to improve it

Fertile soils are necessary to grow healthy crops. To improve soil fertility, it needs to be measured first. Soil fertility is determined by the chemical, physical and biological properties of soil.  Properties such as soil texture, colour and structure are visible. However, it is impossible to see the chemical composition of soil. This is what needs to be measured and why soil sampling is essential. Soil tests are used to determine the nutrient content and pH level of a soil. With this information the exact type and quantity of fertiliser that needs to be applied to improve soil fertility can be defined.

2) It is the first step into soil fertility management

With a proper soil fertility management strategy, farmers can maximize the efficiency of nutrients and water use and improve their agricultural productivity. Soil testing is the first step towards proper soil fertility management. Soil testing gives valuable information and helps you improve your soil’s health.

3) Minimise fertiliser expenditures

You will not waste money on unnecessary fertilisers if the exact type and quantity of fertilisers your soil and crops need is known. Moreover, inorganic fertilisers in general and nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium are limited resources. Their prices are increasing over the years and because this trend is set to last it is clever to adapt now to the inevitable changes.

4) Avoid over-fertilisation

Applying fertiliser without knowing the actual nutrient needs of your soil might lead to over-fertilisation. By testing your soils and receiving fertiliser recommendations, you can avoid using an excessive amount of fertiliser. This is better for your crops and the environment. Fertiliser burn and leaves turning yellow is the outcome of over-fertilisation for crops. It might also result in nutrient leaching, water pollution and irreversible damages to the surrounding aquatic life.

5) Avoid soil degradation

Soil degradation is a threat to every farmer. It is estimated that each year 24 bilion tonnes of fertile soil are lost due to erosion which is a result of unbalanced soil management. A proper soil management is guaranteed by soil tests followed by the application of the right fertilisers at the right moment. Besides avoiding risks of soil degradation, it is a more efficient and financially more interesting practice. Moreover, soil restoration is a difficult, costly and time-consuming process.