AT A GLANCE
- Sample after harvest and before the next fertilizer dose; test every 2–3 years.
- Take 8–10 spots per field in a zig-zag, 0–15 cm deep, and mix them into one sample.
- Never sample near bunds, trees, manure heaps or where fertilizer was just applied.
- Your KVK or district soil-testing lab tests samples under the Soil Health Card scheme.
Why test your soil?
Two neighbouring fields can need very different fertilizer. Without a test, most farmers apply the same DAP and urea every year — overspending on some nutrients while the real shortage (often zinc, sulphur or potash) goes unnoticed.
Taking the sample, step by step
- 1Walk a zig-zag and take 8–10 spots across the field.
- 2Stay away from bunds, trees, manure heaps and fertilizer bands.
- 3At each spot, dig a V-shaped pit 15 cm deep.
- 4Slice 2–3 cm of soil from one wall, top to bottom, into a clean bucket.
- Walk the field in a zig-zag and mark 8–10 spots. Treat areas that look different (low-lying, salty, different crop) as separate samples.
- At each spot, scrape away grass and stubble from the surface.
- Dig a V-shaped pit 15 cm (about 6 inches) deep with a khurpi or spade.
- Cut a 2–3 cm thick slice from one side of the V, from top to bottom, and put it in a clean bucket.
- Mix the soil from all spots well. Spread it, divide into four, discard two opposite quarters, and repeat until about 500 g remains.
- Dry it in the shade (not in the sun), put it in a clean cloth or plastic bag, and label it.
Reading your Soil Health Card
The card reports 12 parameters and gives fertilizer advice for your crops. These are the usual interpretation ranges:
| Parameter | Low / problem | Normal / good | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | Below 6.5 (acidic) or above 8.5 (sodic/usar) | 6.5 – 7.5 | Sodic soils: gypsum as advised; acidic: lime |
| EC (salts) | Above 1 dS/m | Below 1 dS/m | Improve drainage; choose tolerant crops |
| Organic carbon | Below 0.5% | Above 0.75% is high | FYM/compost, green manure, residue incorporation |
| Nitrogen (N) | Below 280 kg/ha | 280–560 kg/ha medium | Low: raise N dose by about 25% |
| Phosphorus (P) | Below 10 kg/ha | 10–25 kg/ha medium | High: you can cut DAP |
| Potassium (K) | Below 110 kg/ha | 110–280 kg/ha medium | Low: don’t skip potash |
| Sulphur, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, boron | Marked deficient on the card | Marked sufficient | Apply what is deficient — a zinc and micronutrient mixture covers several at once |
Ranges vary slightly between labs; always follow the recommendation printed on your own card.
Where to get it tested
- Your district’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or the district soil-testing laboratory.
- Through your agriculture department block office, under the Soil Health Card scheme.
- You can look up your card on the Soil Health Card portal.
- Kisan Call Centre: 1800-180-1551 (free) for advice in Hindi.
Not sure what your crop needs?Send clear photos of the crop — the whole plant, the affected leaves up close, and the field — with your crop and its age. Our team will reply in Hindi or English.
