Learn Everything About Soil Science

  Introduction: Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a holistic approach that combines the use of chemical fertilizers with organic resources to optimize crop production. It promotes environmentally friendly and economically viable practices while maintaining soil fertility. By integrating chemical fertilizers, organic manures, crop residues, nitrogen-fixing crops, and bio-fertilizers, INM ensures sustainable agricultural productivity and cost savings for farmers. The focus is on the entire cropping system and farming practices, aiming to achieve improved profitability through efficient fertilizer utilization. Understanding Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): Integrated Nutrient Management involves the judicious and balanced use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, along with other soil amendments, to maintain and improve soil health. The goal is to optimize nutrient availability, promote soil microbial activity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of agricultural s...

Introduction: Ants are fascinating creatures, but when they invade your garden soil, they can become a nuisance. Not only do they disturb the aesthetics of your garden, but they can also harm your plants and cause damage to your precious green space. To maintain a healthy garden, it's crucial to address ant infestations promptly. In this article, we will explore several effective and updated methods to get rid of ants in your garden soil. Ants disrupting soil in the Garden Types of Ants: There are numerous species of ants worldwide, each with its own characteristics and behaviors. Here are a few common types of ants you may encounter in your garden: 1) Carpenter Ants:   Carpenter ants are larger ants known for tunneling into the wood. They do not eat wood but excavate it to create nests, potentially causing structural damage. 2) Fire Ants:   Fire ants are reddish-brown ants that are notorious for their painful stings. They build large, visible mounds and can be aggre...

What is Soil Fertility? Soil fertility refers to the capacity of soil to provide essential nutrients and favorable conditions for plant growth, ensuring optimal yields and healthy crops. Soil fertility plays a pivotal in the development and production of crops. Therefore, fertile soil is an invaluable asset to farmers. To manage soil fertility, proper field practices should be adopted that are appropriate and ensure sustainable soil productivity. And the strategies to improve soil fertility should be employed. The cultivation methods that are friendly to environment and preserve soil fertility should be prioritized. The farmers who possess this knowledge can maximize their yield for a long time. And the improper field practices that can potentially deplete soil fertility must be avoided. Strategies to Improve Soil Fertility Importance of Soil Fertility Soil fertility is the foundation of successful agriculture and gardening. Fertile soil provides plants with the necessary nut...

  How to Manage Alkaline Soil? 7 Ways Alkaline Soil: Alkaline soil has a pH greater than seven ( >7 ). It is common in Arid and Semi-arid climates. Almost 25% of the soils on the earth’s surface are alkaline in nature. It is rich in calcium carbonate ( CaCO 3 ) and has a high porosity and is freely draining.       Characteristics of Alkaline Soil: Electrical conductivity (EC) 4 mmhos.cm -1 . Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP) is 15 . Classification of Alkaline Soil: Alkaline soil can be classified into the following types : Saline alkali Soil:  Alkali soil that contains salts in excess are known as Saline Alkali Soil. Non-Saline Alkali Soil:  Alkali soil that does not contain soluble salts are called non-saline alkali soil. Degraded alkali Soil:  When the clay complex of some alkali soil undergoes degradation, the resulting soil is called degraded alkaline soil. Causes of High pH: The factors that contribute to...

  How to Manage Acidic Soil? 4 Amendments Soil pH plays a key role in the productivity of the soil because it controls nutrients availability and activities of microorganisms. Typically soil pH ranges between 5.5 and 8.0 while ideal soil pH for most prairie crops to show optimum growth is 6.5 to 6.8 . If you want to grow certain plants, including vegetables, and lawn grasses or crops, acidic soil (pH <5.5) can pose serious problem. Generally, most of the plants struggle to show normal growth in a soil that is too acidic because the acidity prevents them from absorbing nutrients from the soil. Soil pH Testing Acidic Soil: Moderate Acidic Soil:   5.6 to 6.0 Strongly Acidic Soil: 5.1-5.5 Very strongly Acidic Soil: <5.0 Effects of Soil Hyperacidity: Low pH accelerates the solubility of Zinc, Iron and Aluminum that results in toxic soil conditions. Uptake of Nitrogen and Phosphorus is negatively affected. Causes decline in productivity Influences m...