Soil samples are being readied for testing at the Marianna Soil Test Lab in Marianna, Arkansas, providing farmers with a quick solution to analyze soil texture and organic matter content. Gerson Drescher, an assistant professor of soil fertility at the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, spearheaded a study to develop prediction models for these crucial soil health indicators using existing standard tests. The goal is to offer farmers more information from their soil samples without the added expense and time of further analysis.
The innovative prediction model can offer insights into the soil’s characteristics, aiding in decisions related to fertilization, irrigation, and herbicide application. While traditional soil testing focuses on nutrient content and pH levels, factors like soil texture and organic matter also play a significant role but require additional tests that are costly and time-intensive.
Drescher emphasized the need for a faster turnaround in providing results to farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions about nutrient management and fertilizer application promptly. The research paper titled “Soil texture and organic matter prediction using Mehlich-3 extractable nutrients” is now available in Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, with co-authors including experts from the field of crop, soil, and environmental sciences.
Source: phys.org (Published on 2024-05-13 15:00:02)