Why is Soil Sampling Important?
Soil sampling is important because it measures a broad scope of chemical, biological, and physical soil characteristics, giving farmers greater insight on the health of their soils and crop systems. One of the most critical elements that testing can reveal is the amount of soil microbial activity.Also known as “microscopic organisms,” soil microbes perform several complex functions that are essential to crop productivity including:- Breaking down crop residues
- Cycling nutrients through the soil
- Enhancing water and nutrient uptake
- Stimulating plant growth
Measuring Carbon in Soil – Bulk Density & Soil Organic Content (SOC)
As a living system, soil depends on the presence of carbon for a wide variety of chemical, physical, and biological functions.Carbon measurements are derived from a combination of bulk density and SOC analysis.- Bulk density tells you the amount of pore space and storage capacity of the soil sample. It is an indicator of soil compaction, calculated of dry weight of soil divided by its volume.
- Soil organic content (SOC) is derived from soil organic matter and plays an integral role in the formation of energy that is usable to plants.
- Soil structure or tilth for greater physical stability
- Improved soil aeration
- Higher water drainage and retention
- Greater nutrient absorption
- Increased biological productivity of a field
- Increased yield / net productivity
- Higher overall agroecosystem resilience
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