Soil Testing Laboratories of the Department of Agriculture funded by State Government are functioning at identified centres in each district. Soil testing services are also extended to the farming community in the Soil Laboratories operated by Central government and Agricultural Universities.
The major functions of State Soil Testing Laboratory are
- Analysis of soil samples which are collected from the farmers by the Assistant Agricultural Officers for texture (by feel method), lime status, Electrical conductivity, pH and available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash status at lower charges/ sample and available micronutrients will be analyzed
- and advocating fertilizer recommendation for different crops.
- Analyzing irrigation water samples for EC, pH, cation, and anions; Assessing their quality based on different parameters; and suggesting suitable ameliorative measures for different soil condition and crops.
Functions of Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory
The staff of the Mobile STL will visit the villages, collecting and analyzing the soil and irrigation water samples in the village itself and giving recommendations immediately.
Showing the audio-visual programmes through projectors in the villages educating the importance of soil testing, plant protection measures and other practices related to crop production.