The importance of soil testing cannot be underestimated. The construction, engineering and farming sectors are among the industries where this type of testing matters a lot. Normally, soil testing is a step in topsoil analysis process. It can be a single or a wide variety of soil analyses done for one of the many possible reasons. This test is done for ecological or engineering investigations. This is what Southern California Soil Testing is all about.
In agriculture, where it is widely applied this process involves estimating the concentrations of certain nutrients in the topsoil. It also reveals composition, and other characteristics of the topsoil like acidity level. The test is also done to determine the expected growth potential of the topsoil or fertility. Farmers get to understand whether their lands have potential toxicities from excessive fertility, nutrient deficiencies or non-essential trace minerals through this test.
It is important to note the as time goes by, there is breakdown of compounds in the topsoil through biological and chemical processes which lead to a change in topsoil chemistry. This is one of the main reasons topsoil testing is to be done on a regular basis. Immediately topsoil is extracted from its natural environment in the ecosystem it changes its biological and chemical processes. It is because of this that analysis needs to be done immediately to avoid getting the wrong results.
The chemical and biological changes can be slowed down by freezing topsoil during storage or transportation. Drying the soil in the air can also preserve its freshness for several days. The analysis is done at state owned or private commercial labs which offer a wide range of tests. Each test targets specific groups of minerals or compounds. The results together with recommendations are then sent back to the concerned party.
There are individuals who believe that sending their samples to labs that are far will guarantee accurate results. Any lab can do the analysis as long as it has the necessary equipment. Local labs can help an individual reduce expenses. One is also able to give the topsoil while it is fresh. Local labs also give more accurate results since they are familiar with the topsoil chemistry of the area.
Local laboratories have higher chances of providing accurate results considering the fact they are familiar with the chemistry of local soils. As such, technicians from local labs will be able to conduct tests that will reveal further useful information. The tests normally involve checking for secondary, minor, and major nutrients. Phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen are the major nutrients.
Every process has its first step. Topsoil analysis begins by collecting samples. Some states have special prepared mail kits to facilitate the packaging and delivery of topsoil samples. When intended for agricultural use the technicians prepare a composition report together with a fertilizer recommendation which they send to the farmer. Results from laboratories are more accurate than those of do-it-yourself kits.
Topsoil can also be contaminated. The common contaminants are in form of minerals like zinc, lead, copper, barium, arsenic and mercury among others. The most dangerous contaminant is lead. Everybody including pregnant women and children should avoid soils with lead levels above 300 ppm. This mineral causes severe health problems in people and animals.
In agriculture, where it is widely applied this process involves estimating the concentrations of certain nutrients in the topsoil. It also reveals composition, and other characteristics of the topsoil like acidity level. The test is also done to determine the expected growth potential of the topsoil or fertility. Farmers get to understand whether their lands have potential toxicities from excessive fertility, nutrient deficiencies or non-essential trace minerals through this test.
It is important to note the as time goes by, there is breakdown of compounds in the topsoil through biological and chemical processes which lead to a change in topsoil chemistry. This is one of the main reasons topsoil testing is to be done on a regular basis. Immediately topsoil is extracted from its natural environment in the ecosystem it changes its biological and chemical processes. It is because of this that analysis needs to be done immediately to avoid getting the wrong results.
The chemical and biological changes can be slowed down by freezing topsoil during storage or transportation. Drying the soil in the air can also preserve its freshness for several days. The analysis is done at state owned or private commercial labs which offer a wide range of tests. Each test targets specific groups of minerals or compounds. The results together with recommendations are then sent back to the concerned party.
There are individuals who believe that sending their samples to labs that are far will guarantee accurate results. Any lab can do the analysis as long as it has the necessary equipment. Local labs can help an individual reduce expenses. One is also able to give the topsoil while it is fresh. Local labs also give more accurate results since they are familiar with the topsoil chemistry of the area.
Local laboratories have higher chances of providing accurate results considering the fact they are familiar with the chemistry of local soils. As such, technicians from local labs will be able to conduct tests that will reveal further useful information. The tests normally involve checking for secondary, minor, and major nutrients. Phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen are the major nutrients.
Every process has its first step. Topsoil analysis begins by collecting samples. Some states have special prepared mail kits to facilitate the packaging and delivery of topsoil samples. When intended for agricultural use the technicians prepare a composition report together with a fertilizer recommendation which they send to the farmer. Results from laboratories are more accurate than those of do-it-yourself kits.
Topsoil can also be contaminated. The common contaminants are in form of minerals like zinc, lead, copper, barium, arsenic and mercury among others. The most dangerous contaminant is lead. Everybody including pregnant women and children should avoid soils with lead levels above 300 ppm. This mineral causes severe health problems in people and animals.
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You can find a summary of the advantages you get when you use Southern California soil testing services at http://www.advancedgeotechnical.com right now.
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