Useful Information Regarding Southern California Soil Testing
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 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.
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.
Prior to testing, mixing samples obtained from different multiple locations is also a common practice. The practice is referred to as composite sampling. This technique demands a lot of expertise and caution in order to prevent skewing results. In addition, the sampling requirements set by the government have to be met during the process. A reference map has to be consulted in order to help with determining the quantity of field samples gathered together with their location.
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.
To minimized chances of discrepancies between samples and the actual conditions in the field, samples need to be analyzed the soonest they are collected. They should not be stored for more than 24 hours unless they are stored in a special way. There are several methods of keeping samples from undergoing change after being extracted. These methods include freezing and air drying.
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.
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.
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.
Prior to testing, mixing samples obtained from different multiple locations is also a common practice. The practice is referred to as composite sampling. This technique demands a lot of expertise and caution in order to prevent skewing results. In addition, the sampling requirements set by the government have to be met during the process. A reference map has to be consulted in order to help with determining the quantity of field samples gathered together with their location.
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.
To minimized chances of discrepancies between samples and the actual conditions in the field, samples need to be analyzed the soonest they are collected. They should not be stored for more than 24 hours unless they are stored in a special way. There are several methods of keeping samples from undergoing change after being extracted. These methods include freezing and air drying.
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.
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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