Fundamentals and Practical Techniques of Soil and Plant Analysis
authored by: Vivek Kumar Singh,Mastu Patel,Veerendra K. Patel,Bhavik J. Prajapati & Rajkumar Dhakad
Practical Manual on Soil, and Plant Analysis is a laboratory-oriented guide to the collection, preparation and scientific analysis of soil and plant samples. It introduces the importance of soil testing before explaining representative field sampling, sample processing and essential laboratory precautions. The manual covers the determination of soil physical properties such as particle density, bulk density, texture, moisture, porosity and water-holding capacity. It also presents procedures for measuring soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and available macro-, secondary and micronutrients. The final section addresses plant sampling, tissue preparation, digestion and nutrient estimation. Systematic procedures, calculations, interpretation standards and precautions make it useful for students, researchers and laboratory professionals.
Mr. Vivek Kumar Singh is a Research Scholar in Soil Science in the Department of Natural Resources Management at Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh. He obtained his B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.) degree from AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, in 2018, followed by a Master’s degree in Agriculture with a specialization in Soil Science from Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, in 2020.
He worked as a Young Professional at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research, RMR & SPC, Begusarai, Bihar, from October 2020 to June 2021. Subsequently, he served as a Junior Research Fellow at the ICAR–Research Complex for the Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, from July 2021 to October 2022.
Mr. Singh has contributed to the field of agricultural science through the publication of books, research papers, book chapters, and popular scientific articles. He has also participated in several national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and training programmes.
Mr. Mastu Patel is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Agronomy at the School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab. His doctoral research focuses on investigating the synergistic impact of zeolite, press mud, bio-neem, and nano-NPK on the growth, productivity, and quality parameters, including ethanol and sugar content, of sweet sorghum.
His research aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve crop productivity and quality. Throughout his academic career, Mr. Patel has made significant contributions to the field of agronomy. He has published 10 popular articles that communicate agricultural concepts to a broad audience, five research papers focusing on agronomic studies, two review papers providing critical analyses of existing literature, and 10 book chapters covering various aspects of agronomy and agricultural science.
He has also been granted or contributed to six patents related to his doctoral research. In recognition of his research contributions, he received the Best Research Award from the Indian Institute of Sugar Research. His academic achievements and research activities reflect his strong interest in agronomy and his commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and crop science.
Dr. Veerendra K. Patel is currently working as a Guest Faculty in the Department of Soil Science at Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He obtained his B.Sc. Agriculture degree from Swami Vivekanand University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, in 2018. He subsequently completed his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in the Department of Natural Resource Management at Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, in 2020 and 2025, respectively.
Dr. Patel worked as a Young Professional at the Indian Institute of Maize Research, Delhi Unit, ICAR–IARI, New Delhi, from October 2020 to June 2021. He has published several research contributions, including research articles, books, book chapters, and scientific papers. He has also participated in numerous national and international seminars, workshops, training programmes, and other academic events.
Dr. Bhavik J. Prajapati is a Senior Research Fellow at the Micronutrient Research Centre, ICAR, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat. He obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from Anand Agricultural University in 2017, followed by an M.Sc. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry in 2019. He completed his Ph.D. in Agriculture with a specialization in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry from the same university in 2024.
Dr. Prajapati was honoured with the State-Level Best M.Sc. Thesis Award in Soil Science in 2019 and the State-Level Best Ph.D. Thesis Award in Soil Science in 2024 by the Anand Chapter of the Indian Society of Soil Science, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat.
He has successfully managed three externally funded research projects at Anand Agricultural University. His research contributions include national and international research articles, books, book chapters, and popular scientific articles. His academic achievements and research activities reflect his commitment to soil science and sustainable agricultural development.
Dr. Raj Kumar Dhakad is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the College of Agriculture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He has approximately eight years of experience in teaching, research, and extension activities.
Dr. Dhakad holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture with a specialization in Vegetable Science, an M.Sc. in Horticulture with a specialization in Vegetable Science, and a B.Sc. in Horticulture. He has made significant research contributions, including the publication of 26 national and international research papers in reputed journals, including Scopus-indexed journals.
He has received several prestigious scholarships and awards in recognition of his academic and research achievements, including the National Talent Scholarship, ICAR Junior Research Fellowship, DRDO Junior Research Fellowship, Technology Development Award from DIBER, DRDO Junior Young Scientist Award, and Young Scientist Awards from various professional societies.
Dr. Dhakad has actively participated in and organized national seminars, workshops, symposiums, and training programmes related to agriculture and horticulture. He is also a prolific writer and has contributed books, research articles, and book chapters on various agricultural topics. In addition, he has appeared on national television and radio programmes, where he has shared his expertise in horticulture and vegetable science with a wider audience.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Collection of Soil Samples From Field
Chapter 3: Soil Physical Properties
Chapter 4: Chemical Properties of the Soil
Chapter 5: Plant Analysis
Soil physical and chemical properties strongly influence soil health, nutrient availability, crop productivity and the sustainability of agricultural systems. This manual provides a concise and practical guide to commonly used methods of soil and plant analysis. The procedures are based on established scientific principles and adapted to the diverse soils, climates and agricultural practices of India. Emphasis is placed on methods that are reliable, economical and suitable for routine laboratory and field applications. Each method explains its principle, apparatus, reagents, procedure, calculations, interpretation and precautions. The manual is intended for students, researchers, laboratory personnel and scientists working in soil science, agronomy and environmental science.
This chapter introduces soil testing as an essential component of scientific nutrient and land management. It traces the establishment and expansion of soil-testing laboratories in India and explains their role in assessing soil fertility, productivity and physical, chemical and biological conditions. Soil testing helps determine suitable fertilizer and amendment requirements while preventing the excessive or unbalanced application of nutrients. The chapter emphasizes that fertilizer recommendations must reflect differences among soils and fields. It also introduces representative soil sampling as the foundation of dependable laboratory results and outlines important precautions concerning equipment calibration, clean glassware, contamination prevention and safe laboratory practices.
This chapter explains how representative soil samples should be collected, labelled, transported and prepared for analysis. It identifies essential sampling equipment, including spades, khurpis, augers, trays, sampling bags, markers and polythene sheets. The recommended procedure involves dividing land into uniform sampling units, collecting soil from several well-distributed locations and combining these portions into a composite sample. The chapter describes V-shaped sampling cuts, suitable sampling depths and sample reduction through quartering. It also lists the field information that should accompany each sample. Procedures for air-drying, grinding, sieving and mixing samples are presented, together with precautions for avoiding unusual areas and contamination.
This chapter presents laboratory procedures for measuring the major physical properties that regulate soil behaviour, water availability, aeration and root development. It begins with particle-density determination using a pycnometer and proceeds to bulk density, soil texture, moisture content, total pore space, porosity and water-holding capacity. Each practical exercise provides the underlying principle, required apparatus, procedural steps, calculations and relevant precautions. The hydrometer method is introduced for estimating the proportions of sand, silt and clay. Methods for evaluating moisture retention and pore relationships are also described. Collectively, these measurements help characterize soil structure, compaction, drainage, water storage and its suitability for crop production.
This chapter describes methods for evaluating soil reaction, salinity, organic matter and plant-available nutrients. It begins with soil pH and electrical conductivity, explaining their importance in nutrient availability and the identification of acidic, saline or alkaline conditions. Procedures are then provided for estimating organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur. The chapter also covers calcium, magnesium and micronutrients, including zinc, iron, copper, manganese, boron and molybdenum. Every method identifies the necessary apparatus and reagents and explains extraction, colour development, instrumental measurement, calculation and interpretation. Particular attention is given to calibration, sample preparation, reagent quality, contamination control and laboratory safe
This chapter introduces plant analysis as a means of determining crop nutrient status and diagnosing nutritional deficiencies. It explains the selection of representative plant tissues at suitable stages of growth, followed by washing, drying, grinding, digestion and elemental estimation. Recommended tissues and sampling stages are provided for cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, vegetables, ornamentals and fruit crops. Procedures are included for estimating nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, boron, zinc, iron, copper and manganese in plant samples. The chapter stresses that reliable interpretation depends on correct tissue selection, careful sampling and freedom from contamination. It thereby connects laboratory measurements with crop nutrition and fertilizer management.
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