Introduction to Interpretation of Soil Analysis

Since the beginning of agricultural science approximately during 1240, interest in plant production considers aspects like;

• Return to the soil that was removed by plants (circa 1563).
• Plants contain salts extracted from the soil (circa 1630).

The search for the “Principle of Vegetation” (1630-1750) was enhanced when it was discovered that additions of materials like blood, manure  (Links to an external site.)and dead animal carcasses (Links to an external site.), contribute to better plant production. The studies of plant nutrientsduring 1750 to 1800 indicate that plant food is more than one thing when applications of saltpetre  (Links to an external site.)(potassium nitrate), vitriolated water (potassium sulphate (Links to an external site.)) and Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate (Links to an external site.)) improved plant growth.

The next advance was when more elements such as S, C, Mg, Ca, Fe, P, H and O were recognized as being essential for plant growth. During 1867 to 1875 the advantages of artificial manures were emphasised and the role of fertilisers in agriculture recognised. Soon afterwards, soil analyses were introduced to establish the current nutritional status of a soil and to determine the corrective applications required to optimize plant production.

The next advance was when elements such as S, C, Mg, Ca, Fe, P, H and O were recognized as being essential for plant growth.

As input costs escalated other factors like “economical justifiable treatments” and “optimal instead of maximum yields” were included in the evaluation and recommendation process. 

With fruit and vegetable production, the new emphasis also includes quality of the products.

In this module, we will cover the following topics:

• Goals of the course
• Soil analysis
• Essential plant nutrients
• Soil sampling
• The soil analysis process
• The analytical report

What can I expect in this Module?

Below is a summary of the Module contents, make sure that you have participated in all these items to complete the Module.

Number of

Content Pages:

Number of

Videos:

Number of

Quizzes:

Number of

Assignments:

Approx Time Required to Complete Module:

Requirements for Completing Module:

7

0

1

0

2 Hours

Submit Quizzes

•  Module 1: Introduction to Interpretation of Soil Analysis

• Goals of the course