Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three main components in plant nutrition. Nitrogen is important for the propagation of healthy foliage and stem growth. Nitrogen bioavailability is made via nitrogen fixing bacteria that act by converting nitrogen into nitrates that can be used by plants. An adequate amount of nitrogen is required by the soil as it is used up by plants, disappears with decay and gets washed out from the soil as it is water-soluble. An over excessive amount of nitrogen can cause too much foliage growth and reduce the growth of flowers and fruit. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in root growth, especially in flowering bulbs and root crops. It is also the key to producing flowers for plants and acts as a flower booster. Potassium is important for the overall healths of the plant, helping them grow and boosts their immune system. Potassium needs to be replenished from time to time as it is a water soluble nutrient.
Sampling soil for tests
Where to Sample Soil
Like the pH test, the depth where you sample the soil for testing is important. Ensure that you take samples from tillage depth as this is where the majority of soil nutrients is found.
When to Sample Soil
Make sure that you time your sampling around after harvest period (although this is not a strict rule, you can sample other times). Just remember that various nutrients are present in soil at different times of the year.
Analyze the soil sample within 24 hours after you\’ve acquired it from the field. If this is not possible, then store the sample in a freezer to slow down the changes in the soil due to biological and chemical activity. For samples which must be kept for more than 6 months, use air drying technique to preserve the soil sample.
Performing the Nutrient Test
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Prepare the individual test tubes for nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Fill each tube with soil sample
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Pour some distilled water in a paper cup and mix in the proper test tablets for nitrogen with a spoon.
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Pour the test tablet solution into one test tube.
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Put the lid back on the tube and invert the tube to mix the soil and chemicals until the soil disintegrates.
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Repeat the same for phosphorous and potassium using the test tablet for each particular nutrient.
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Allow the test tubes to settle for five minutes for nitrogen and phosphorus before reading results. You can read the results for potassium as soon as the test tablet disintegrates.
Refer to the table below for the color chart comparison with the test tubes you\’ve just prepared:
|
Nitrogen |
Light orange – low; medium orange – medium; dark orange – high. |
|
Phosphorus
|
Light blue – low, medium blue – medium and slate gray/blue – high. |
|
Potassium |
Dark gray – low, medium gray – medium and light gray – high. |
Knowing the nutrient level of your soil is important so that you can make amendments to it with fertilizers. This will help you ensure that your plants obtain the optimal amount of nutrients for them to thrive. Nothing is more disappointing than to see all your hard work planting and maintaining your plant going to waste because you skip this important step in knowing what kind of soil you have in your garden.
More Reading:
Four Simple DIY Soil Tests:
http://organicgardening.about.com/od/soil/a/easysoiltests.htm
Do-it-yourself Lawn Care: http://www.sprinklerwarehouse.com/DIY-Soil-s/7193.htm
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