Why you should test your soil before sowing
A ₹300 soil test can save thousands on fertiliser. Here is how to take a sample and read the report.
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What a soil test tells you
A basic soil test reports pH, electrical conductivity (salinity), organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Many labs also test zinc, iron, boron and sulphur. Knowing these numbers lets you apply only what the soil actually lacks.
How to collect a sample
Walk the field in a zig-zag and collect soil from 8–10 spots at 15 cm depth using a V-shaped cut. Remove stones and roots, mix everything in a clean bucket and take about 500 g. Dry it in shade, pack it in a clean cloth bag and label it with your name, field and previous crop.
When to test
Test once every two to three years, ideally after harvest and before the next season’s land preparation. Avoid sampling right after applying fertiliser or manure.
Reading the report
A pH between 6.5 and 7.5 suits most crops. Low organic carbon (below 0.5%) means your soil needs compost, green manure or humic inputs. Follow the recommended NPK doses on the Soil Health Card rather than a fixed bag count.
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