Saturday, February 24, 2018

Useful Information Regarding 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 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.

Topsoil chemistry usually changes gradually, as chemical and biological processes happen leading to either break down or combination of compounds. This means that the analysis must be performed the soonest. Once the samples have been taken from their natural ecosystem and environment their chemical and biological processes change quickly. Delaying the testing only contributes to reduce the accuracy of the results.

Freezing the soil sample during transportation or storage can help slow the biological and chemical processes. Soil freshness can be preserved for a number of days by drying the soil in air. Topsoil analysis is done in labs owned by private individuals or by the state. Every test done targets a certain specific group of minerals and compounds. After analysis is done the results are sent back to an individual together with the recommendations.

Most people assume that in order to get accurate results they must send samples to some distant labs. This is not necessary as the testing can be done from local labs provided they have the necessary tools and equipment. Operating with local laboratories has many advantages including cutting expenses. Other advantages include availing samples while still fresh. Additional, local labs can provide more accurate results considering their familiarity with the chemistry of the soils where the sample was taken.

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.

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 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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