Soil evolution is a change in its characteristics based upon climate, presence of animals and plants as well as man's action. A natural soil, in which evolution is slow, is very different from a cultivated one. Soil is composed of solids(minerals and organic matters), liquids(water and dissolved substances), gases(mostly oxygen and carbon dioxide) and living organisms contains. All these elements provide its physical and chemical properties.
Managing the soil properly is necessary in order to preserve its fertility, obtain better yield and respect the environment. Testing the soil however, is a must in oder to manage it properly. The physical structure of the soil depends on the dimension of the particles of its composition in addition, the particles also differ based on their shape and volumic mass(mass per unit of volume).
Particles classification according to "international Society of Soil Science"(ISSS)
Soil is divided into many classes of texture, according to the percentage of the basic particles(clay, sand and slit). If, for example, we have a soil with thirty-seven percent clay, thirty-eight percent sand and twenty-five percent silt, the soil is classified as "clay loam". Among different types of soil, the loam soil is considered as being suitable for crop growth. However, other types of soil, with a rational management, can also provide positive results.
The soil texture is the cause of important aspects such as porosity, tenacity, adhesivity and plasticity. Porosity is important for the exchange of gases and liquids. Microporosity(porous less than two to ten micrometre) permits water to be retained while macro-pososity(porous more than 10 micrometre) contributes to a fast circulation of air and water. Plants therefore are in need of a correct relationship between micro and macro porosity.
Clay soils have a greater micro-porosity than sandy soils and hence hold more water and remain wet for a longer period. Because of the greater tenacity and adhesivity of clay soils, they are called heavy, while sandy soils are referred to as light.
Organic matter, caused by animal and vegetable residues, is another important constituent of the solid part of the soil. Organic matter has a positive effect on the soil fertility by adding nutrients, stabilizing the pH reaction and permitting a good retainment of water. Organic matter is also important for the activity of microorganisms and in general, contributes towards prevention of soil erosion. The collioidal portion, composed of micro-particles(one to one hundred micrometre), is important for holding nutrients. Since most of these particles have a negative charge, the colloidal portion has a particularly large capacity to retain cations(ammonium ion, potassium ion, sodium ion, calcium ion, magnesium ion, etc.). The CEC(Cation Exchange Capacity) is higher in soils rich with clay and organic matter than in sandy soils.
Soil pH can be acid, neutral, or alkaline. Each plant has a range of pH in which it thrives and most plants prefer conditions near the neutral mark(pH 5.5 - 7.5). There are however plants that prefer acid or alkaline environments. The solubility of the nutrients, that is the ability of the plants to absorb them, depends largely on their pH value. The soil microbiological activity is also pH dependent. Most bacteria, specially those putting nutrients at the plants disposition, prefer moderately acid of slightly alkaline conditions. The pH level hence influences the fertility of the soil.
Fruit and Vegetable : Testing the nitrogen and phosphorus level in your soil is important, especially before seeding and replanting. While root vegetables need phosphorus, leafy plants require more Nitrogen. Potassium however, helps increase the quality of the crop. With the Hanna Quick Soiltest, growers able to keep these three important elements under control.
Flowers and Shrubs : The right quantity of potassium is the key factor in ensuring beautiful and fragrant flowers. The other elements play an important role too in achieving quick and harmonious growth.
Lawns : A lush lawn is the result of care and attention. In addition to tilling and irrigation, the pH and nitrogen levels need regular checks.
Fruit and Decorative Trees : Trees are the most appealing feature of our gardens.Nitrogen and phosphorus help in speeding up the growth of young plants, encouraging abundance of foliage and strengthening the trunk and the roots. Potassium, on the other hand keeps, the plants in tip top condition by protecting them from disease.
Bonsai and Houseplants : Every time a houseplant, but in particular a bonsai is potted, the choice of soil mixture is of prime importance. Having prepared the mixture, The Hanna Quick Soiltest will in a matter of minutes test the level of pH and other elements ensuring a livelier plant.
The chemical composition of soil includes pH and chemical elements. Soil analysis is necessary for better management of fertilization and to know the residues of fertilization and to know the residues of fertilizers in relation to the crop, tillage and the most suitable plant choice for soil composition. An analysis can highlight shortages and help the understanding of the causes of an abnormal growth. By using the Hanna soiltest, it is possible to measure pH and the most important elements for plant growth, that is, nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P) and potassium(K).
Testing the soil during each crop cycle and comparing the results with plant growth can be a useful experiment for subsequent cultivations.
In agricultural applications, monitoring the quality of the soil is extremely important for the health and growth of crops. The pH level is an excellent guide as to which plants may thrive in a particular terrain, as well as indicating which conditioners and fertilizers to use, Hanna combination test kits allow you to test not only for pH, but for nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium which are all important for the quality of soil as well
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