Soil Water and Plant Testing Laboratory (SWPTL), KVK, Kasaragod

SWPTL is to  extend soil, water and plant sample analysis for farmers at nominal charges

Soil

Soil elements are classified as macro nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium), secondary nutrients (Calcium, Magnesium and Sulphur) and micro nutrients (Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum and Chlorine). A deficiency or excess of any of these nutrients causes some abnormal condition and upsets the growth of plants.

The tips for collecting soil samples for lab analysis are as follows:

• Surface litter is to be removed from the sampling spot before sampling.

• Samples may be collected using a soil probe or auger. If not available, a spade/khurpi may be used to make a V shaped cut.

• For field crops the minimum depth of soil sampling is 15-20 cm where as for plantation crops the depths are 0-25 and 25-50 cm.

• Thick slices of soil from top to bottom of exposed cuts is removed and placed in a clean container.

• Collect samples from 10 - 15 well distributed spots in an area before sowing when the field is neither manured nor fertilized at least for past 3 months.

• Avoid sampling near trees, compost pits, bunds, marshy spots, recently fertilized areas etc

• Prepare a bulk sample by mixing all collected samples thoroughly and remove any foreign materials like stubbles, roots, plant residues, stones etc while mixing the samples.

• Reduce the bulk sample to desired quantity of one kg by quartering procedure. Quartering is done by dividing the thoroughly mixed sample into 4 equal parts. Then, discard the 2 opposite quarters and repeat it till the desired sample size is obtained.

Water

The tips for collecting water samples from irrigation sources for  laboratory analysis are as follows:

• Collect sample from different spots which represents the entire water source.

• Collect at different times and mix the collected samples properly.

• Collect samples from wells fitted with motors after running the pump for at least 15 minutes.

• Collect samples from wells with mhote wheel after running the wheel for 1 hour.

• Collect samples from streams/canal/river/tank from spots away from the sides or from the mid stream avoiding floating impurities.

• Collect samples from open well after drawing out several buckets of water.

• Maintain minimum time lag between the time of collection and laboratory evaluation to avoid changes from chemical and biological activities.

• The required water sample for laboratory analysis is 500ml. Rinse the container 3 or 4 times with the same water before the sample is collected.

Plant

 The tips for collecting plant samples for laboratory analysis are as follows

• Collect samples at the prescribed morphological stage of growth from the correct plant parts.

• Sample must be a true representative of the crop under field conditions.

• Traverse the field diagonally and collect the samples from the deficient and normal plants.

• Collect sample from the 14th and 4th leaf from the spindle in coconut and arecanut, respectively.

• Plants which are infected with disease or attacked by insects, heavily coated with dust and under stress like drought and water stagnation should be avoided.

• Extraordinary care must be taken to avoid contamination due to dust, soil, fertiliser and spray residues.

• Collected samples should be packed in paper bags and sent for analysis.

• Maintain minimum time lag between the time of collection and laboratory evaluation to minimize the physiological activities and spoilage of samples.

Registration

The analysis of samples will be done on payment basis. Farmers can register soil/water/plant samples for analysis by furnishing required information in the prescribed proforma made available at KVK office/ATIC of CPCRI/Concerned Krishibavans during office hours (9.30 AM - 5.00 PM) of all working days. The results will be ready from 45^th day onwards from the date of registration. The analysis fee is as follows:

1. Rs.30/- per sample for those who collect the results from the KVK office on all working days.

2. Rs.35/- (additional Rs.5/- as postal charges) for those who wish to get the results through post