The simplest method of determining the fertility of the substrate is to carry out a chemical analysis of the soil. Such tests are usually performed by district chemical and agricultural stations.The best time to take samples is spring or autumn before sowing fertilizers.The samples should be representative, i.e. they should be taken from a few or even a dozen places, from a depth of up to 20 cm, and then thoroughly mixed.
The general sample is prepared separately for each crop.For fruit plants, the soil content of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium is determined as standard. The pH of the soil is also always determined. This is valuable information, because Polish soils are often too acidic, which makes it difficult for plants to absorb minerals from the substrate.
The same is with vegetables. In their case, a too low pH contributes to the accumulation of larger amounts of heavy metals from the soil, which is particularly dangerous when growing root vegetables.Research results can be obtained along with cultivation recommendations for specific plants.
Taking a sample for testing step by step
1. Samples should be taken in different parts of the cultivated area, e.g. on straight lines, forming properly scaled letters X, W orZ. The sampling depth should correspond to the root depth of the plants (especially in the cultivation of vegetables).
2. The soil is packed into a clean bag or other sealed package (box, jar) and labeled. The sample to be analyzed should be delivered to the laboratory within a few hours. If it takes longer, the analysis may not be fully reliable.
3. The bulk (averaged) sample should weigh approximately 0.5 kg (approximately two spatula).Therefore, when carrying out a collective test from each place, small samples of the soil should be taken so that they can be easily mixed and create a representative whole.
4. We deliver the sample to the station in person, via post or courier. Test results can be obtained within days of sample delivery. The analysis is payable, the price depends on the scope of the research.Basic analysis costs several dozen zlotys.
