Farmers offered dirt cheap rates for soil testing

Lab set up at arid university will also test water

RAWALPINDI:

The provincial government has offered dirt cheap rates for soil testing, officials said on Friday.

Soil fertility and water quality are essential for good crop yields, a test of these two vital things can help farmers plan what they want to sow and what type of fertilizers and nutrients will be required, said Task Force Punjab Additional Secretary Rana Ali Arshad.

“A world-class laboratory has been set up in Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) where soil and water testing facility will be offered to farmers for Rs7 only,” Arshad said while talking to the media during his visit to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) certified laboratory set up at the university.

He said that farmers can bring soil and water samples to the lab for testing. If local farmers do not know how to extract a soil sample, they can obtain the service free-of-cost from the university.

“A token fee has been fixed for farmers for soil testing facilities at par with the international standards,” the official said.

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In agriculture, a soil test commonly refers to the analysis of a soil sample to determine its nutrient content, composition, and other characteristics such as the acidity or pH level. A soil test can determine fertility or the expected growth potential of the soil which indicates nutrient deficiencies, potential toxicities from excessive fertility and inhibitions from the presence of non-essential trace minerals. The test is used to mimic the function of roots to assimilate minerals.

He further said that the agriculture department is active in the development of agriculture in the Rawalpindi division, and the laboratory is also a part of that effort. The laboratory is also playing a role in enhancing the cultivation of fruits and vegetables in the area.

He said that soil fertility and water quality are essential for good crop yields. The soil fertility depends on its structure, methods of cultivation, and proper care. It is highly important to inspect the good yield of any crop and use nutritious fertilizers accordingly.

Minerals, organic, inorganic substances present in the soil affect the yield of the crop, similarly, it is also important to ensure that a good quality of water is used. Hence, the Punjab Agriculture Department has set up a laboratory in Rawalpindi. The land and water tests can be conducted in the laboratory at very low prices.

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The laboratory is following international standards and is ISO certified. Soil and water samples can be analysed in the laboratory for the only Rs7. Later, after the experiment, experts also recommend fertilizers. Besides, the quality of fertilizers is also analyzed in the laboratory.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25^th, 2020.