Yamunanagar, September 3: The central government’s Soil Health Card scheme is providing farmers in Haryana’s Yamunanagar with essential information about soil nutrients based on soil testing. This initiative helps farmers apply fertilizers in balanced amounts according to their crop needs, ultimately reducing farming costs and increasing productivity.
Under the Soil Health Card program, soil testing reveals which nutrients are abundant and which are deficient in the fields. Based on these findings, farmers receive guidance on fertilizer application tailored to their specific crops.
Yogesh, an Analytical Associate at the Soil Testing Lab in Jagadhri, explained that they analyze 12 parameters of the soil, including pH, EC, organic carbon, nitrogen, boron, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, iron, and copper. This analysis informs farmers about nutrient levels, allowing them to use fertilizers appropriately.
He noted that sometimes, certain nutrients are already present in sufficient quantities, meaning farmers do not need to reapply them. Without testing, farmers may use unnecessary fertilizers, leading to financial losses and negatively impacting soil health. pH indicates soil acidity or alkalinity, while EC reflects the salt content in the soil. Nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and potassium are classified as macronutrients, while zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and boron are micronutrients.
Yogesh added that issues like fruit splitting in plants can indicate a boron deficiency, while yellowing or reddening leaves may suggest a lack of zinc. After soil testing, farmers receive information based on the nutrient status of their land, along with recommendations for the necessary fertilizer application per acre. This comprehensive information is provided in the Soil Health Card. The Agriculture and Soil Testing Department conducts awareness camps annually, with teams visiting villages at the block level to educate farmers about soil testing, cost reduction, and maintaining soil health.
District Agriculture Officer Aditya Dabas mentioned that the department sets annual targets for soil testing in the district. Farmers also bring samples, and the department’s staff collects samples from the fields. The primary goal of soil testing is to assess soil health. Continuous cultivation of the same crop and lack of crop rotation can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients. In Yamunanagar, wheat, rice, sugarcane, and mustard, along with poplar cultivation, are prevalent.
He emphasized that farmers traditionally use DAP, urea, and zinc, but understanding the actual nutrient needs based on soil testing is crucial. This information helps determine the appropriate type and amount of fertilizer for each crop. Last year, 110,158 soil samples were collected in Yamunanagar. All samples were tested in the laboratory, and farmers received their soil reports, or Soil Health Cards.
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