E VA L U AT I O N
O F S O I L
F E R T I L I T Y
group 1
Evaluation of Soil Fertility
Soil fertility evaluation is a critical aspect of
soil management in agriculture. Soil fertility
refers to the capacity of the soil to support
plant growth and development by providing
essential nutrients, water, and air. Soil
fertility evaluation is the process of
assessing the nutrient status of the soil and
its capacity to support plant growth and
development.
Evaluation of Soil Fertility
The diagnosis of the nutrient status of the soil by using different techniques or
methods is known as soil fertility evaluation.
Methods of soil fertility evaluation There are various diagnostic techniques that
are commonly used to evaluate fertility of the soils. They are:
I. Nutrient deficiency symptoms on plants
II. Plant analysis
III. Biological tests
IV. Soil testing
V. Modern approaches of soil fertility evaluation and fertilizer recommendation
Lest
Nutrient deficiency
symptoms
This method involves visually assessing plant health
to determine soil fertility and diagnose nutrient
deficiencies. Abnormal plant appearances often
indicate a lack of certain nutrients. This simple, low-
cost method doesn't require complex equipment, but
it can be challenging when multiple nutrient
deficiencies are present, as accurate judgment
requires experience.
Nutrient deficiency
symptoms
This method involves visually assessing plant health
to determine soil fertility and diagnose nutrient
deficiencies. Abnormal plant appearances often
indicate a lack of certain nutrients. This simple, low-
cost method doesn't require complex equipment, but
it can be challenging when multiple nutrient
deficiencies are present, as accurate judgment
requires experience.
Nutrient deficiency
symptoms
Common deficiency symptoms in plants include:
1.Complete crop failure at the seedling stage.
2.Retarded or stunted growth.
3.Abnormal color patterns, such as chlorosis (yellowing) or necrosis (tissue
death).
4.Malformation of plant parts, like a rosette appearance of leaves.
5.Delayed maturity.
6.Poor crop quality, such as reduced protein, oil, or starch content, and lower
storage quality.
7.Internal abnormalities, like "hidden hunger," where a plant needs more of a
nutrient but shows no visible deficiency symptoms.
Plant
Analysis
Plant analysis is a useful complement to soil testing for evaluating soil fertility.
It shows the actual nutrient uptake by plants and helps identify nutrient
deficiencies. Here are some advantages of plant analysis:
A. It helps diagnose or confirm visible deficiency symptoms.
B. It can detect "hidden hunger," where a plant lacks a nutrient despite no
visible symptoms.
C. It identifies areas with early-stage nutrient deficiencies.
D. It confirms whether applied nutrients have been absorbed by the plant. E. It
reveals interactions or antagonisms between different nutrient elements.
Plant
Analysis
Plant analysis involves three methods:
1. Rapid tissue tests
This method is quick and either qualitative or semi-quantitative. It tests fresh
plant tissue or sap from ruptured cells for unassimilated nutrients like nitrogen
(N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and others.
2. Total analysis
This is a quantitative method used on whole plants or specific plant parts. The
dried plant material is digested with acid mixtures, and the nutrients are
measured quantitatively using various methods.
Plant
Analysis
3. Critical levels of nutrients in plants
Biological
Method
Biological Method refers to a technique that utilizes organisms,
such as plants, enzymes, microbes, proteins, and starches, to
provide electrons for the reduction of copper salt and
stabilization of Cu-NPs.
I. Field tests
II. Indicator plants
III. Microbiological test
IV. Laboratory and Green house Tests
Biological
Method
Field testing refers to the process of testing and evaluating an
application in real-world conditions outside of the controlled
development environment.
Indicator plants are specific plant species that are used to
monitor and assess the health of an environment by their
presence, abundance, or physiological changes,
Biological
Method
Microbiological testing focuses on the study of microorganisms
such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their impact on
human health and the environment.
Laboratory and Green house Tests
Laboratory test involves analyzing biological samples in a controlled
lab with specialized equipment, while a greenhouse test studies plant
growth and responses in a controlled but more natural greenhouse
environment, often including soil nutrient analysis.
Soil Testing
Soil testing is a process that analyzes soil samples to
determine the levels of nutrients, contaminants, and
physical properties. Soil testing can help farmers
avoid wasting money on fertilizer and manure, and
can also help improve crop yields.
Soil Testing
Objective of soil testing
A. To evaluate fertility status of soil by measuring available nutrient status.
B. To prescribe or recommend soil amendments like lime and gypsum and
fertilizers for each crop.
C. To assess nutrient deficiencies, imbalances or toxicities in soil and crop.
D. To test the suitability of soil for cultivation or gardening or orchard making.
E.. To know acidity, alkalinity and salinity problems.
F. To know morphology, genesis and classification of soil.
G. To find out the effect of irrigation on soil properties.
H. To prepare a soil fertility map of an area (village, taluk, district, state).
Modern Approaches of Soil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer
Recommendation
1. Soil Test Crop Response (STCR)
• A soil test-based approach that correlates soil nutrient levels with crop yield
to determine the optimum fertilizer dose for a targeted yield.
• Uses field experiments and nutrient uptake studies to develop fertilizer
recommendations.
• Advantages: Site-specific, improves nutrient efficiency, reduces excess
fertilizer use.
Modern Approaches of Soil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer
Recommendation
2. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS)
• A plant tissue-based approach that evaluates nutrient balance
rather than absolute nutrient levels.
• Uses nutrient ratio norms to detect hidden deficiencies and
imbalances.
• Advantages: Provides crop-specific and stage-specific
recommendations, identifies deficiencies early.
Modern Approaches of Soil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer
Recommendation
Key Differences:
• STCR is used before planting for targeted fertilizer application,
while DRIS is used during crop growth to adjust nutrient
management.
• Combining both approaches improves crop productivity and soil
sustainability.
P R O B L E M
S O I L
Acidic Soil
Acidic soil is soil with a pH level of less than 7, which is
considered acidic. The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of
soil, with 7 being neutral.
• It decreases the availability of plant nutrients, such as
phosphorus and molybdenum, and increases the availability of
some elements to toxic levels, particularly aluminium and
manganese.
• Highly acidic soils can inhibit the survival of useful bacteria,
such as the rhizobia bacteria that fix nitrogen for legumes.
Acidic Soil
Management of Acidic Soil
Liming
• Adding lime is a practical way to increase the pH of
acidic soil
• Liming can help crops use more phosphorus
• Liming can improve nutrient cycling by creating a better
environment for soil microbes
• Liming can help grow acid-sensitive species
Sodic Soil
The primary problem with sodic soil is its poor structure due
to high sodium content, which leads to poor drainage, low
water infiltration, and ultimately hinders root growth and
plant development, resulting in reduced crop yields; this is
because sodium ions disperse clay particles, destroying the
soil's aggregate structure and making it difficult for plants to
access nutrients and water effectively.
Sodic Soil
Management of Sodic Soil
• Gypsum application: Adding gypsum (calcium sulfate) helps
replace sodium ions with calcium, improving soil structure.
• Improved drainage: Implementing proper drainage systems to
prevent waterlogging.
• Crop selection: Choosing crops with higher tolerance to
sodium.
• Organic amendments: Incorporating organic matter can
enhance soil structure and water holding capacity.
Saline Soil
The primary problem with saline soil is that the
high concentration of soluble salts within it
makes it difficult for plants to absorb water,
leading to stunted growth, reduced crop yields,
and in severe cases, plant death due to
dehydration and nutrient deficiencies
Saline Soil
Management of Saline Soil
• Improved irrigation practices: Using less water and
applying water more efficiently to minimize salt
leaching.
• Drainage systems: Installing proper drainage
systems to remove excess water and salts from the
soil.
• Salt-tolerant crops: Planting crops that are
genetically adapted to saline conditions.
Low Organic Matter (OM)
Soil
Low organic matter soil" refers to soil that contains a
very small amount of decomposed plant and animal
material, leading to poor soil structure, reduced
water holding capacity, low nutrient availability, and
increased susceptibility to erosion; essentially, a soil
that lacks the beneficial components of organic matter
which are crucial for healthy plant growth.
Low Organic Matter (OM)
Soil
Management of Low Organic Matter (OM) Soil
• Adding organic amendments: Applying compost, manure, leaf
mold, or other organic materials to increase organic matter
content.
• Cover cropping: Planting cover crops during fallow periods to
add organic matter to the soil.
• Reduced tillage practices: Minimizing tillage to preserve existing
organic matter.
• Mulching: Using mulch to protect the soil surface and promote
organic matter decomposition.
Management of Low Organic Matter (OM) Soil
• Adding organic amendments: Applying compost, manure, leaf
mold, or other organic materials to increase organic matter
content.
• Cover cropping: Planting cover crops during fallow periods to
add organic matter to the soil.
• Reduced tillage practices: Minimizing tillage to preserve existing
organic matter.
• Mulching: Using mulch to protect the soil surface and promote
organic matter decomposition.
Acidic
Soil
Saline
Soil
Low Organic
Matter Soil
Sodic
Soil
T H A N K S

GROUP-1.pptxsdgvbbbxjhbzvxbzvx cvxvvcxxvcxv

  • 1.
    E VA LU AT I O N O F S O I L F E R T I L I T Y group 1
  • 2.
    Evaluation of SoilFertility Soil fertility evaluation is a critical aspect of soil management in agriculture. Soil fertility refers to the capacity of the soil to support plant growth and development by providing essential nutrients, water, and air. Soil fertility evaluation is the process of assessing the nutrient status of the soil and its capacity to support plant growth and development.
  • 3.
    Evaluation of SoilFertility The diagnosis of the nutrient status of the soil by using different techniques or methods is known as soil fertility evaluation. Methods of soil fertility evaluation There are various diagnostic techniques that are commonly used to evaluate fertility of the soils. They are: I. Nutrient deficiency symptoms on plants II. Plant analysis III. Biological tests IV. Soil testing V. Modern approaches of soil fertility evaluation and fertilizer recommendation Lest
  • 4.
    Nutrient deficiency symptoms This methodinvolves visually assessing plant health to determine soil fertility and diagnose nutrient deficiencies. Abnormal plant appearances often indicate a lack of certain nutrients. This simple, low- cost method doesn't require complex equipment, but it can be challenging when multiple nutrient deficiencies are present, as accurate judgment requires experience.
  • 5.
    Nutrient deficiency symptoms This methodinvolves visually assessing plant health to determine soil fertility and diagnose nutrient deficiencies. Abnormal plant appearances often indicate a lack of certain nutrients. This simple, low- cost method doesn't require complex equipment, but it can be challenging when multiple nutrient deficiencies are present, as accurate judgment requires experience.
  • 6.
    Nutrient deficiency symptoms Common deficiencysymptoms in plants include: 1.Complete crop failure at the seedling stage. 2.Retarded or stunted growth. 3.Abnormal color patterns, such as chlorosis (yellowing) or necrosis (tissue death). 4.Malformation of plant parts, like a rosette appearance of leaves. 5.Delayed maturity. 6.Poor crop quality, such as reduced protein, oil, or starch content, and lower storage quality. 7.Internal abnormalities, like "hidden hunger," where a plant needs more of a nutrient but shows no visible deficiency symptoms.
  • 7.
    Plant Analysis Plant analysis isa useful complement to soil testing for evaluating soil fertility. It shows the actual nutrient uptake by plants and helps identify nutrient deficiencies. Here are some advantages of plant analysis: A. It helps diagnose or confirm visible deficiency symptoms. B. It can detect "hidden hunger," where a plant lacks a nutrient despite no visible symptoms. C. It identifies areas with early-stage nutrient deficiencies. D. It confirms whether applied nutrients have been absorbed by the plant. E. It reveals interactions or antagonisms between different nutrient elements.
  • 8.
    Plant Analysis Plant analysis involvesthree methods: 1. Rapid tissue tests This method is quick and either qualitative or semi-quantitative. It tests fresh plant tissue or sap from ruptured cells for unassimilated nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and others. 2. Total analysis This is a quantitative method used on whole plants or specific plant parts. The dried plant material is digested with acid mixtures, and the nutrients are measured quantitatively using various methods.
  • 9.
    Plant Analysis 3. Critical levelsof nutrients in plants
  • 10.
    Biological Method Biological Method refersto a technique that utilizes organisms, such as plants, enzymes, microbes, proteins, and starches, to provide electrons for the reduction of copper salt and stabilization of Cu-NPs. I. Field tests II. Indicator plants III. Microbiological test IV. Laboratory and Green house Tests
  • 11.
    Biological Method Field testing refersto the process of testing and evaluating an application in real-world conditions outside of the controlled development environment. Indicator plants are specific plant species that are used to monitor and assess the health of an environment by their presence, abundance, or physiological changes,
  • 12.
    Biological Method Microbiological testing focuseson the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their impact on human health and the environment. Laboratory and Green house Tests Laboratory test involves analyzing biological samples in a controlled lab with specialized equipment, while a greenhouse test studies plant growth and responses in a controlled but more natural greenhouse environment, often including soil nutrient analysis.
  • 13.
    Soil Testing Soil testingis a process that analyzes soil samples to determine the levels of nutrients, contaminants, and physical properties. Soil testing can help farmers avoid wasting money on fertilizer and manure, and can also help improve crop yields.
  • 14.
    Soil Testing Objective ofsoil testing A. To evaluate fertility status of soil by measuring available nutrient status. B. To prescribe or recommend soil amendments like lime and gypsum and fertilizers for each crop. C. To assess nutrient deficiencies, imbalances or toxicities in soil and crop. D. To test the suitability of soil for cultivation or gardening or orchard making. E.. To know acidity, alkalinity and salinity problems. F. To know morphology, genesis and classification of soil. G. To find out the effect of irrigation on soil properties. H. To prepare a soil fertility map of an area (village, taluk, district, state).
  • 15.
    Modern Approaches ofSoil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer Recommendation 1. Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) • A soil test-based approach that correlates soil nutrient levels with crop yield to determine the optimum fertilizer dose for a targeted yield. • Uses field experiments and nutrient uptake studies to develop fertilizer recommendations. • Advantages: Site-specific, improves nutrient efficiency, reduces excess fertilizer use.
  • 16.
    Modern Approaches ofSoil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer Recommendation 2. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) • A plant tissue-based approach that evaluates nutrient balance rather than absolute nutrient levels. • Uses nutrient ratio norms to detect hidden deficiencies and imbalances. • Advantages: Provides crop-specific and stage-specific recommendations, identifies deficiencies early.
  • 17.
    Modern Approaches ofSoil Fertility Evaluation and Fertilizer Recommendation Key Differences: • STCR is used before planting for targeted fertilizer application, while DRIS is used during crop growth to adjust nutrient management. • Combining both approaches improves crop productivity and soil sustainability.
  • 18.
    P R OB L E M S O I L
  • 19.
    Acidic Soil Acidic soilis soil with a pH level of less than 7, which is considered acidic. The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil, with 7 being neutral. • It decreases the availability of plant nutrients, such as phosphorus and molybdenum, and increases the availability of some elements to toxic levels, particularly aluminium and manganese. • Highly acidic soils can inhibit the survival of useful bacteria, such as the rhizobia bacteria that fix nitrogen for legumes.
  • 20.
    Acidic Soil Management ofAcidic Soil Liming • Adding lime is a practical way to increase the pH of acidic soil • Liming can help crops use more phosphorus • Liming can improve nutrient cycling by creating a better environment for soil microbes • Liming can help grow acid-sensitive species
  • 21.
    Sodic Soil The primaryproblem with sodic soil is its poor structure due to high sodium content, which leads to poor drainage, low water infiltration, and ultimately hinders root growth and plant development, resulting in reduced crop yields; this is because sodium ions disperse clay particles, destroying the soil's aggregate structure and making it difficult for plants to access nutrients and water effectively.
  • 22.
    Sodic Soil Management ofSodic Soil • Gypsum application: Adding gypsum (calcium sulfate) helps replace sodium ions with calcium, improving soil structure. • Improved drainage: Implementing proper drainage systems to prevent waterlogging. • Crop selection: Choosing crops with higher tolerance to sodium. • Organic amendments: Incorporating organic matter can enhance soil structure and water holding capacity.
  • 23.
    Saline Soil The primaryproblem with saline soil is that the high concentration of soluble salts within it makes it difficult for plants to absorb water, leading to stunted growth, reduced crop yields, and in severe cases, plant death due to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies
  • 24.
    Saline Soil Management ofSaline Soil • Improved irrigation practices: Using less water and applying water more efficiently to minimize salt leaching. • Drainage systems: Installing proper drainage systems to remove excess water and salts from the soil. • Salt-tolerant crops: Planting crops that are genetically adapted to saline conditions.
  • 25.
    Low Organic Matter(OM) Soil Low organic matter soil" refers to soil that contains a very small amount of decomposed plant and animal material, leading to poor soil structure, reduced water holding capacity, low nutrient availability, and increased susceptibility to erosion; essentially, a soil that lacks the beneficial components of organic matter which are crucial for healthy plant growth.
  • 26.
    Low Organic Matter(OM) Soil Management of Low Organic Matter (OM) Soil • Adding organic amendments: Applying compost, manure, leaf mold, or other organic materials to increase organic matter content. • Cover cropping: Planting cover crops during fallow periods to add organic matter to the soil. • Reduced tillage practices: Minimizing tillage to preserve existing organic matter. • Mulching: Using mulch to protect the soil surface and promote organic matter decomposition.
  • 27.
    Management of LowOrganic Matter (OM) Soil • Adding organic amendments: Applying compost, manure, leaf mold, or other organic materials to increase organic matter content. • Cover cropping: Planting cover crops during fallow periods to add organic matter to the soil. • Reduced tillage practices: Minimizing tillage to preserve existing organic matter. • Mulching: Using mulch to protect the soil surface and promote organic matter decomposition.
  • 28.
  • 29.
    T H AN K S