Soil testing is now an integral part of agricultural advisory services in most developed countries. At Cedara, a soil testing and fertilizer advisory service has been offered since the early 1970's. The section also offers other analytical services including the testing of soils and waters to assess their suitability for irrigation, and the elemental analysis of plant material, composts and manures. The value of soil tests Soil tests provide the only objective means of assessing the fertility status of soils. There is no alternative to soil testing.
Soil tests indicate the amounts of nutrients in the soil which are available for crop growth.
They also reflect soil acidity levels. The following considerations emphasize the value of soil testing in crop production. By taking samples several months before planting, it is possible to correct problems for the current season , before yield losses are incurred. Since soil tests provide specific information on the availability of individual nutrients as well as on soil acidity levels, more efficient use of inputs is permitted. Unnecessary expenditure on K is thus avoided.