Soil health help to know the fertilizer requirement of the soil – Dr. Inderjit Dhanju

Accuracy of the soil testing results depends on the properly taken soil samples

Pathankot, 13 May (Punjab Post Bureau) –  Soil texture, soil reaction, salt content (electrical conductivity) and nutrient status of the soil give an overview of the soil health in general and help to know the fertilizer requirement of the soil This was stated by Dr. Inderjit Singh Dhanju Chief Agriculture Officer  while addressing Farmers gathering in Village Paharochak Block Pathankot on the occasion of collection of Soil sample from the field of farmers as a part of soil testing compaign launched by Department of Agriculture and farmers welfare.

Dr. Inderjit Singh said that in Punjab the adoption of high yielding varieties, mechanization and intensive cultivation of crops with better irrigation facilities accompanied the green revolution era during 1970-80. Now with the using of chemical fertilizer more than recommended dose by farmers, soil health got deteriorated, productivity of the crops stagnated, Income of the farmers decreasing, He said. For sustainable agriculture and profitable farming ,farmers must take care of the soil and monitor its health status by getting it tested periodically .To reduce the cost of production, organic and chemical fertilizers should be applied in right amount, at right time and with right method, he said. The use fertilizer in crops without soil testing is like taking medicine without Human health expert’s advice. Dr. Amrik Singh Soil Testing officer said that Soil testing helps the farmers to use the right amount and type of fertilizer at proper stages so as to get maximum returns from the money invested in fertilizer. Imbalanced and excessive use of chemical fertilizer is not only harmful to environment but also it increases the cost of production, He said. The accuracy of the soil testing results depends on the representatives of the soil samples so soil sample must be collected properly so as to get correct soil tested report, he said. Target of 6022 soil sample has been fixed for collection and analysis of major and micronutrient during 2018-19 in district Pathankot, He said.