Well today I will want us to dwell a little on one of the vital practices that we as farmers may at times overlook due to either lack of awareness or other reasons and this has to do with regular soil test and check up.
Just as humans need a regularly medical test and examination in order to carry out our duties effectively and to remain healthy, so too do the that we plant our crops. If we as farmers do hope to make it and excel in our business as farmers than a regular test is a must.
Just as a regular check up test can help humans to know where and when vital body nutrients are lacking and detect potential health issues or diseases are attacking the body system, regularly running a check up test on our farm helps us as farmers to which vital soil nutrients is lacking. It's also aids farmers in decision making process, helping them to know what type of crops to grow and what practices is best suited for them.
HOW TO CONDUCT A SOIL TEST
First and foremost I do collect soil samples from different areas of my farm with a clean shovel, it's is recommended that we dig deep up to 6 to 8 inches, after that I add all the different samples together to have a uniform samples for the test.
After mixing all the samples together, I prepare the soil samples for testing. This is done by spreading them out on a clean surface for them to dry well
Once they are dry, I sure my that any visible materials like stone and plant roots are removed. When this is done than the soil samples are ready for testing
Although some farmers do use DIY test kits for testing, It is highly recommend that it is best to go the laboratory for a detailed and comprehensive results. While at the laboratory, run the following tests: Nutrients levels, Organic matter content and of course the PH levels of your farmlands. And when the results are out please act accordingly and if you need any form of assistant do not hesitate to ask from others.
So my fellow steemians in this field of endeavour, let us be intentional about this issue of conducting soil test on our farmlands for it will assist us in making informed decisions, maximise crops productivity and quality which are our main focus and goals as farmers.