Soil is the rooting medium for plant growth. Crop plants require a steady supply of major and micro elements for optimum crop production and productivity. Due to recurrent use of the same piece of land for repeated farming, the fertility and productivity of the land have gone down. Land degradation has lead to deleterious effects in crop yield. A study of the health of the soil in terms of inorganic nutrient status content and its microbial status will help to understand the limitations of the soil and suggest ameliorative measures. Soil analysis is also necessary for scientific soil taxonomic classification purpose.

SOIL ANALYSIS LABORATORIES

The Department has seven soil analytical laboratories as given below
 

* The Soil and Plant Health Clinics are not independent units ; but attached to the office of the Assistant Director (Soil Survey) of the respective districts and run by the staff of that office

As part of Detailed Soil Survey and Reconnaissance Soil Survey, soil profile studies are undertaken. Horizon-wise samples are collected from the soil profiles. Soil chemical characteristics are analysed in the laboratories to identify and confirm soil series and also to assess the range in characteristics under each series. Taxonomic classification is undertaken based on physico-chemical characteristics.

Soil fertility studies of surface samples collected from panchayats during soil survey are carried out. Micronutrient studies are also undertaken. The details and site specific recommendations are incorporated in Soil Health Cards for distribution to farmers.

Special estimations like estimation of nitrate nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, organic matter fractionation studies, salinity studies, estimation and detection of heavy metals in soils and in biological organisms as requested by the user agency as part of consultancy services.

Infrastructure facilities

All the labs are well equipped to carry out soil analyses for agricultural purpose. All the labs have equipments such Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Spectrophotometer, Flame photometer, pH meter, Conductivity bridge etc.

Analyses carried out

• Pedological Analysis

The labs part of Detailed Soil Survey and Reconnaissance Soil Survey, soil profile studies are undertaken. Horizon-wise samples are collected from the soil profiles. Soil chemical characteristics are analysed in the laboratories to identify and confirm soil series and also to assess the range in characteristics under each series. Taxonomic classification is undertaken based on physico-chemical characteristics.

• Soil Fertility analysis

Soil fertility studies of surface samples collected including secondary and micronutrients are undertaken. Incorporated in Soil Health Cards for distribution to farmers.

• Pesticide residue analysis

Infrastructure facilities for Pesticide residue analysis is available at Central Soil Analytical Lab , Parottukonam, Thiruvananthapuram; Regional Soil Analytical lab, Thrissur and Hi-tech Soil Analytical Lab, Wayanad

• Microbiological studies

Central Soil Analytical Lab , Parottukonam, Thiruvananthapuram is having facilities to carry out microbial analysis of the soils, which is a good indicator of soil health.

Special estimations like estimation of nitrate nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen, organic matter fractionation studies, salinity studies, estimation and detection of heavy metals in soils and in biological organisms as requested by the user agency.

User defined parameters will be analysed at the labs charging user fees