Skill:
• Assess the nutrient content of a soil sample
The bulk of soil is made up of a mixture of organic matter, rock and mineral particles
- The relative proportion of all these components, along with pH, determines soil type (e.g. sand, clay, loam, silt, etc.)
Soil testing kits can be used to identify the amounts of the different components of soil, including:
- Nutrients – chemical reagents produce colour changes when testing for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or potassium (K)
- Soil pH – colour changes can be used to identify the acidity or alkalinity of a soil sample
- Texture – soil can be separated into layers according to particle size (different particles retain nutrients with varying efficacy
- Water content – electrical meters can determine water quantities based on the soil’s capacity to transmit an electrical current
Gardeners and farmers require this information in order to determine the viability of the soil for planting purposes
- Identified issues may require adjustments to the types of crops planted or types of fertilisers employed
Importance of Nutrient Content in Plant Development
