Useful Information Regarding 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 agricultural uses, analysis of soil sample is done to determine its contents including acidity level, available nutrients, pH level and other compositions. The analysis can easily reveal the fertility of the soil. The fertility level is an indicator of nutrient deficiencies, growth potential, and potential toxicities resulting from excessive fertility. The analysis also reveals the existence or lack of trace nutrients.

Top labs in the US recommend that 20 to 10 samples need to be collected from every forty acres of land whose fertility is to be determined. They recommended this in consideration of the fact that the composition of the soils may be altered by presence of chemicals, and tap water among other factors. Also, it is equally crucial to collect samples from varying depths and at varying time intervals since components change. Availability of nutrients also varies with depth.

It is also common for samples from multiple locations to be mixed before they are tested. This is called composite sampling. This method requires a lot of caution and expertise to avoid skewing results a lot. Government sampling requirements must also be met when conducting this process. To determine the quantity of field samples collected and their locations, a reference map must be made.

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.

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.

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.

Lots of commercial laboratories provide soil analysis service to both organizations and individuals. A person can send samples and get results from these labs in a few days. Using local labs is highly recommended since they understand better the chemistry of most local soils.




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