What is Soil Testing?

Soil is tested in order to find out the kind of chemicals in the soil. For example, if corn is grown year after year in the same field, there are certain materials that are used up. Farmers need to know what other kinds of minerals to add. 

Soil is tested in order to find out the kind of chemicals in the soil. For example, if corn is grown year after year in the same field, there are certain materials that are used up. Farmers need to know what other kinds of minerals to add. By testing the soil before the time of planting, the farmer will be able to know what fertilizers to add in order to replace the minerals that have been used up.

Soil teating happens as samples of the soil are taken and an analysis or breakdown of the chemical substances present is made.Conservation departments and farm bureau agents provide this service to individuals which are requesting it. In some states, soil testing has become a routine job for farmlands because it is known that different crops remove different kinds and amounts of minerals. Planting certain crops replaces some minerals which can be found in the soil.

The major food minerals needed by plants are nitrogen, potassium and phosphate. The amount and ratio which is needed is dependednt upon the type of crop as well as  the stage of the growing season. On the pH scale, 7 is indicative of the neutral material. Anything with a pH below 7 is considered acidic and anything with a pH above 7 is considered base. Different crops normally require different soil conditions. Therefore it is necessary to know the pH of the soil.