Analysis of Soil Samples
pH, EC, N, OC , P, K, S, Ca, Mg , Na, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B
| 1 | Dry Ashing | Muffle Furnace 400-600 o C |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Organic Carbon Percentage is obtained by Dry Ashing Method | – |
| 3 | Total N | Kjeldahl Method |
| 4 | Total P | Spectrophotometer or Colorimetric Method |
| 5 | Total K | Flame Photometer (Toth and Prince, 1949 |
| 6 | Total S | Precipitation Method |
| 7 | Calcium | EDTA Titration Method |
| 8 | Magnesium | EDTA Titration Method |
| 9 | Boron | Azomethine-H Colorimetric Method |
| 10 | Micronutrients – Total Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn | Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy |
SLN Group Soil Testing and Nutrient Analysis Facility
SLN Group operates a well equipped agricultural laboratory dedicated to providing accurate soil analysis services for farmers, agronomists and agribusiness organizations. The laboratory supports precision farming by delivering reliable data on soil health and nutrient status, enabling scientifically guided fertilizer and crop management decisions.
The laboratory follows standardized analytical procedures using advanced instruments and validated methods to ensure accuracy, repeatability and credibility of results.
Scope of Soil Analysis Services
SLN Group laboratory conducts comprehensive soil testing covering both physical and chemical parameters. The following parameters are analyzed for each soil sample.
Primary Soil Parameters
- Soil pH
- Electrical Conductivity (EC)
- Organic Carbon (OC)
- Total Nitrogen (N)
- Available Phosphorus (P)
- Available Potassium (K)
Secondary Nutrients
- Sulphur (S)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Sodium (Na)
Micronutrients
- Zinc (Zn)
- Copper (Cu)
- Iron (Fe)
- Manganese (Mn)
- Boron (B)
Sample Preparation Process
Dry Ashing Method
All soil samples undergo Dry Ashing as the primary digestion process.
- Samples are placed in porcelain crucibles
- Heated in a Muffle Furnace
- Temperature maintained between 400°C to 600°C
- Organic matter is completely oxidized
- Mineral residues remain for nutrient analysis
This method ensures complete decomposition of organic materials, allowing accurate extraction of mineral nutrients.
Analytical Methods Used
1. Organic Carbon Percentage
- Method used: Dry Ashing Method
- Principle: Measurement of carbon loss after ignition
- Purpose: Determines soil organic matter status
- Importance: Indicates soil fertility and microbial activity
2. Total Nitrogen
- Method used: Kjeldahl Method
- Principle: Digestion, distillation and titration
- Measures total nitrogen content
- Used to assess soil nitrogen availability
- Critical for vegetative growth planning
3. Total Phosphorus
- Method used: Spectrophotometer or Colorimetric Method
- Principle: Color development based on phosphorus concentration
- Measurement of absorbance using spectrophotometer
- Determines phosphorus availability for root development
4. Total Potassium
- Method used: Flame Photometer
- Reference: Toth and Prince, 1949
- Measures intensity of potassium emission
- Determines potassium concentration
- Important for fruit quality and stress resistance
5. Total Sulphur
- Method used: Precipitation Method
- Sulphur converted into insoluble compound
- Measured gravimetrically or turbidimetrically
- Indicates protein synthesis potential
6. Calcium Analysis
- Method used: EDTA Titration Method
- Chelometric titration technique
- Measures exchangeable calcium
- Important for cell wall strength and fruit firmness
7. Magnesium Analysis
- Method used: EDTA Titration Method
- Determines magnesium concentration
- Essential for chlorophyll formation
- Supports photosynthesis
8. Boron Estimation
- Method used: Azomethine-H Colorimetric Method
- Color intensity proportional to boron concentration
- Measured using spectrophotometer
- Important for flowering and fruit setting
9. Micronutrient Analysis
(Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese)
- Method used: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
- Highly sensitive and precise technique
- Measures individual element concentrations
- Detects micronutrients in parts per million
- Ensures accurate diagnosis of hidden deficiencies
Equipment Used
- Muffle Furnace
- Kjeldahl Digestion Unit
- Spectrophotometer
- Flame Photometer
- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
- Analytical Balance
- Magnetic Stirrer
- Hot Plate
Quality Assurance
SLN Group ensures quality by following
- Standard operating procedures
- Calibration of instruments
- Use of analytical grade chemicals
- Replication of samples
- Cross verification of results
Benefits to Farmers and Agronomists
- Accurate nutrient diagnosis
- Avoids over fertilization
- Reduces input cost
- Improves fertilizer efficiency
- Enhances crop yield
- Improves soil health
- Supports sustainable farming
Report Format Provided to Clients
Each soil analysis report includes
- Soil fertility status
- Nutrient classification
- Crop wise fertilizer recommendation
- pH correction guidance
- Organic matter improvement plan
- Micronutrient correction schedule
SLN Group laboratory services provide scientifically reliable soil testing using advanced analytical techniques. The combination of traditional wet chemistry and modern instrumental methods ensures precise nutrient estimation. These services empower farmers to make informed crop nutrition decisions, leading to improved productivity and long term soil sustainability.