Facts About Southern California Soil Testing

By Joyce Taylor


Soil testing is a very important activity in the construction, farming and engineering sectors. The activity of soil testing is just a step in the process of soil analysis. Soil analysis can be done for different reasons and it can either be single or wide variety of topsoil analysis. Topsoil testing is usually done for investigations in the engineering and ecological areas. This is worth knowing about Southern California soil testing.

In farming where it has several applications, the process entails approximating the concentrations of specific nutrients in the samples. Other information such as soil pH and composition is revealed in the process. Additional information revealed includes fertility or the expected growth potential of the soil. The analysis reveals to the farmer if their land has non-essential trace minerals, nutrient deficiencies or potential toxicities from excessive fertility.

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.

During transportation and storage the chemical and biological changes of the samples is slowed by freezing. Alternatively, they can be dried out in the air to preserve their freshness. State owned or private commercial labs are where the analysis is done. Such labs usually provide a variety of tests. The different tests target various compounds and groups of minerals.

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.

The fact that local labs are familiar with the chemistry of local soils puts them is a better position to provide accurate results. The technicians will also be able to perform tests which will reveal more useful information. Laboratory tests usually check for major, minor and secondary nutrients. Major nutrients include potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus.

The first step in topsoil analysis is sample collection. In some states, there are special kits to aid in packaging and delivery of the samples. In the agricultural sector, the technicians send a report with the recommended fertilizer the farmer needs to use. Laboratories give more accurate results than the DIY kits.

Topsoil contamination often happens. Mercury, arsenic, copper, lead, zinc, and barium are the common mineral topsoil contaminant. Lead is the most dangerous contaminant of all the mentioned minerals. Soils containing lead levels over 300ppm are dangerous to everybody and must be avoided. This is because they can result in serious health problems in animals and human being.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

 

Holidays Copyright © 2011-2012 | Powered by Blogger