Date : 31 /01 /2022
Objective : Checking N , P , K , OC , EC , pH of the soil .
Requirements : soil testing kit including all things , soil
Introduction: We all know that health of soil is equally important as health of any person. It is more applicable when it comes to ‘farming’. But, it is observed that now a day, ‘health of soil’ doesn’t get enough attention. People care more about only ‘cash crops and increasing quantity of the crop’. As a result of this, soil becomes unproductive. Awareness about ‘soil health’ should be increased to avoid this.
Why do we need ‘Soil Testing’? Soil is an important matter for cultivation of any type of crop. Soil supplies many necessary nutrients required for healthy growth of a crop. The yield is largely dependent on the soil in which the crop grows. So, before cultivation, it is very important to check the soil for its nutrients. By checking the soil you will know whether the soil is having enough amount of nutrients or not. If any nutrient is less or more than the required amount, necessary measures can be taken. In short following are the benefits of ‘soil testing’: •Soil testing encourages plant growth by providing the best fertilizer recommendations. •It diagnoses whether there is too little or too much of a nutrient. •‘Soil testing’ promotes environmental quality. •It also saves money that might otherwise be spent on unneeded fertilizer
Nutrient Colour change in lower leaves
N Plant light green, older leaves yellow
P Plants dark green with purple cast, leaves and plants small
K Yellowing and scorching along the margin of older leaves Mg Older leaves have yellow discolouration between veins-finally reddish purple from edge inward Zn Pronounced interveinal chlorosis and bronzing of leaves Nutrient Colour change in upper leaves (Terminal bud dies)
Ca Delay in emergence of primary leaves, terminal buds deteriorate
B Leaves near growing point turn yellow, growth buds appear as white or light brown, with dead tissue. Nutrient Colour change in upper leaves (Terminal bud remains alive)
S Leaves including veins turn pale green to yellow, first appearance in young leaves.
Fe Leaves yellow to almost white, interveinal chlorosis at leaf tip Mn Leaves yellowish-gray or reddish, gray with green veins
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