Soil testing is the basis of good crop production on any farm. The results of the tests are what helps the farmer decide on which fertilisers to apply to the soils to increase its productivity.
Farmers need to ensure that their soils are tested to establish the level of the nutrients they have.
Testing an acre requires at least three samples picked from different locations. The test establishes the nutrient composition of the soils, especially with major elements, such as nitrogen, potassium and calcium, which are key for plant growth.
Testing can be done at all agriculture research centres countrywide, including Kawanda, Namulonge in Wakiso district and all zonal agriculture research centres.
Tests should be done every year or whenever a farmer wants to plant a new crop. The reason we have all these problems of pests, low yields and poor quality crops is because the essential nutrients are depleted from the soils.
Depending on the results of the soil tests, a farmer can choose the best fertilisers to restore the lost nutrients. Organic fertilisers allow the soil to get aerated. They also allow the soil to get moisture and the roots to spread which is important because that is when they access nutrients.
However, fertilisers should not be applied to soil that has been compacted because they will not be easily absorbed.
