1. Determine nutrient status - To know the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients (like Zn, Fe, Mn, B, etc.).

2. Check soil pH and salinity - To see if the soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline, and whether salts are affecting plant growth.

3. Guide fertilizer application - To help farmers apply the right type and quantity of fertilizer avoid wastage and imbalance.

4. Evaluate organic matter - To assess soil structure and biological activity.

5. Monitor soil health over time - Helps in sustainable farming and maintaining long-term productivity

1. Know Soil Fertility
a. Tells how much Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus P), Potassium (K), and micronutrients like Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Boron, etc.) are present.
b. Helps identify nutrient deficiencies or excesses.

2. Correct Fertilizer Application.
a. Guides farmers on what type, how much and when to apply fertilizers.
b. Prevents overuse or underuse, saving money and protecting the soil.

3. Choose the Right Crop.
a. Suggests which plants will grow best in a particular soil type region based on nutrient and pH levels.

4. Check Soil pH and Salinity.
a. Determines if the soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.
b. Detects salt buildup that can harm plant roots.

5. Improve Soil Health.
a. Helps maintain soil structure and organic matter for long-term fertility.
b. Encourages sustainable and eco-friendly farming.

6. Check Soil pH and Salinity.
a. Balanced nutrition improves productivity quality, and market value of crops.

7. Planning and Record-Keeping.
a. Acts as a reference for future fertilizer planning and field management decisions.

1. For making composite samples, collect small portions of soil up to the desired depth 0 - 15 cms in case of cereal vegetables or more in case of deep rooted or long duration crop like sugarcane. fruit trees) by means of sampling tools like tube auger, spade or khurpi from 15 to 20 well-distributed spots, moving in a zigzag manner from each individual sampling site after scrapping off the surface litter, if any, without removing soil.
2. From fields having standing crops in row, draw samples in between the rows, For fruit trees, samples should be taken from within the drip-line of the tree canopy.
3. Soil collected from all the spots within one field should be mixed thoroughly by hand on a clean piece of cloth or polythene sheet or clean cemented floor.
4. Reduce the bulk to about 500 g by quartering process. For this, spread the entire soil mass, divide into four quarters, discard two opposite ones and remix the remaining two Repeat the process until about 500 g soil is left.

1. Air-dry the soil samples in shade.
2. Discard the plant residues, gravels and other materials, if present.
3. Crush the soil clods lightly and grind with the help of wooden pestle and morters.
4. Pass the entire quantity through a 2 mm stainless steel sieve.
5. For-organic carbon grind the soil further so as to pass it through 0.2 to 0.5 mm sieves.
6. Remix the entire quantity of sieved soil thoroughly before analysis.

Based on soil test values fertilizers are applied Usually all of P and K fertilizers are applied as basal application and nitrogenous fertilizers are applied in about three splits. Manures are applied during land preparation. Integrated nutrient management, i.e., application of both inorganic and organic manures together is best. Particularly in horticultural crops manure application is must. In case of field crops instead of full dose, half the recommended dose of NPK with 10t FYM/ha gives good results. Application of sulphur and micronutrients is done on the basis of its critical value in soil. If the soil test value is less than the critical value, The soil is deficient and application is recommended Application may be foliar spray and /or soil application. In case of fruit trees spraying of micro nutrient is better than soil application. Testing, of plant sample is better In case of fruit trees for diagnosis of micro nutrient deficiency. However, general micro nutrient status of orchard soil before planting should be assessed by soil analysis. For fruit crops Calcium Ammonium Nitrate and single superphosphate are preferred because of calcium content.