Soil, water and plant testing is an indispensable tool for research, advisory services and formulation of rational fertilizer recommendations, as well as designing appropriate soil management and agronomic practices. Soil testing in particular is also important to access the adequacy, surplus or deficiency of available nutrients for crop growth and to monitor change brought about by farming practices. Laboratory plays vital role in determining the nutrient status of a soil and thus recommends the use of proper fertilizer in kind and quantity to boost up the yields of crops.
Mission
The main mission of laboratory wing of the soil fertility organization is to evaluate the status of nutrient elements and physico-chemical characteristics of different soils. Since soil testing is a rapid and less expensive technique to explore the fertility status of the soil and to check the trends disadvantageous to soils and crops for economic crop production. Accordingly, the soil testing laboratories have been entrusted with the following objectives.
Objectives
- To assess the fertility status of soils in the tract with the help of suitable laboratory techniques
- To suggest measures for the maintenance/improvement of fertility of farmer’s soils by recommending the use of proper levels of fertilizer and agro-chemicals through soil testing advisory service
- To recommend the technology for amelioration of salinity and sodicity menace by use of amendments in quantities needed for reclamation, wherever this menace harms the crop production
- To survey and recommend the suitability of sub-soil water for irrigational purposes
- To carryout research activities aimed at standardization of soil testing techniques suited to conditions of the country and supplying information of various aspects of soils.
- Survey of micronutrient status of farmer’s soils
- Quality testing of fertilizer and amendments under Fertilizer Control Order (FCO 1973)
- Training of Field Assistants of Agriculture (Extension Wing) for soil sampling
Research Activities
Advisory Services
- Site specific fertilizer/amendments recommendations.
- Reclamation of problem soils.
- Monitoring quality inputs.
- Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency (FUE) and Productivity through Integrated Plant Nutrient System (IPNS).
- Accessing water quality and nutrient status for advisory services to farmers.
Anti-adulteration Campaign under Fertilizer Control Order, 1973
- Analysis of sample in the labs collected by the DOA / DDOA Agri. (Extension)
- Analysis of samples in compliance with re-analysis directions of Additional Secretary (TF) in appeal cases
Contact Us
Aleem Sarwar
Principal Scientist
Phone: 041-9201805
Email: swtl_fasd@yahoo.com
Address: Soil & Water Testing Lab. For Research, AARI, Faisalabad