Soil testing is the analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient and contaminated content, composition, and other major nutrient characteristics. A soil test can determine fertility, or the expected growth potential of the soil which indicates nutrient deficiencies, potential toxicities from excessive fertility and inhibitions from the presence of non-essential trace minerals.
Soil testing is often performed targeting groups of compounds and minerals which need to be in adequate quantities for the soil to be productive and subsequently give a healthy crop. The advantages of testing are that excessive use of fertilizer can be avoided which results in reduction of waste of plant & potential damage to environment can be controlled. Therefore it makes good sense to test the soil for these nutrients and add the required amount of fertilizer.
Soil has to contain some major nutrient for the crops to be healthy. The major nutrients which need to be in adequate quantities for the soil to be productive and subsequently give a healthy crop are:
nitrogen
nitrogen encourages above ground vegetative growth & it serves as the source for the dark green color in the leaves of various crops.
Phosphorous
phosphorus is a component of the complex nucleic acid structure of plants, which regulates protein synthesis. It is therefore, important in cell division and development of new tissue in roots.
Potassium
potassium takes care of multiple functions like photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and starch formation and for the translocation of sugars. It also imparts resistance to the plant against microbial attack and if deficient results in poor flowering and fruit formation.
Ph
ph is important because it influences how easily plants can take up nutrients from the soil. Also is useful in prevention of soil borne disease.

Soil testing is the analysis of a soil sample to determine nutrient and contaminated content, composition, and other major nutrient characteristics. A soil test can determine fertility, or the expected growth potential of the soil which indicates nutrient deficiencies, potential toxicities from excessive fertility and inhibitions from the presence of non-essential trace minerals.
Soil testing is often performed targeting groups of compounds and minerals which need to be in adequate quantities for the soil to be productive and subsequently give a healthy crop. The advantages of testing are that excessive use of fertilizer can be avoided which results in reduction of waste of plant & potential damage to environment can be controlled. Therefore it makes good sense to test the soil for these nutrients and add the required amount of fertilizer.
Soil has to contain some major nutrient for the crops to be healthy. The major nutrients which need to be in adequate quantities for the soil to be productive and subsequently give a healthy crop are:
nitrogen
nitrogen encourages above ground vegetative growth & it serves as the source for the dark green color in the leaves of various crops.
Phosphorous
phosphorus is a component of the complex nucleic acid structure of plants, which regulates protein synthesis. It is therefore, important in cell division and development of new tissue in roots.
Potassium
potassium takes care of multiple functions like photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and starch formation and for the translocation of sugars. It also imparts resistance to the plant against microbial attack and if deficient results in poor flowering and fruit formation.
Ph
ph is important because it influences how easily plants can take up nutrients from the soil. Also is useful in prevention of soil borne disease.