Soil, air and water are precious natural resources which are the basis of life on Earth. The deterioration of these natural resources is resulting due to natural as well as human induced activities. Soil is the basic natural resource which provides the habitat to living organisms and humans. Soil also supports life by production of crops, fruits and vegetables. Allah Almighty provided the natural essential nutrients necessary for successful plant growth, but due to increasing population and high cropping intensity, the nutrient reservoirs have exhausted. We are producing the crops, fruits and vegetables from our soils but addition of natural organic manures is very less, resulting in the nutrient deficiencies for plants. It was the time when agriculture was purely on the basis of experiences transferred farmer to farmer. Now there is diversity in agriculture and it is the need of the time to adopt the agriculture on scientific basis.
Mission
The development of research on soil and its application has been added in many countries by organizational advances. In Pakistan, Punjab the “Soil Fertility survey and soil Testing Institute” is working under two wings, Laboratory wing and Field wing. Field wing is engaged in conducting fertilizer experiments in the farmer’s Fields to note the response of crop to fertilizer. The Laboratory Wing consists of Soil and water testing Laboratory in every district equipped with modern facilities. In Rajanpur District, the laboratory was established on 01-03-1988. The Mission was to increase the crop productivity by wise use of soil and fertilizers. The mission was also to use the irrigation water with better management according to the quality of available water.
Objectives
The Main aims and objectives of the laboratory are as under:-
- To assess the fertility status of the soils of district with the help of suitable techniques.
- To suggest the measures for improvement of soil and the use of best suited fertilizers for economical crop production through soil testing advisory services.
- To assess the salinity and sodicity problems of soils and recommendations for reclamations and management of salt affected soils.
- To determine the suitability of well/tube well water for irrigation purpose.
Research Activities
Advisory Services
Soil Analysis:-
The following parameters are determined in the soil analysis;
Electrical conductivity. 2. pH 3. Organic Matter 4. Phosphorous 5. Potassium
6. Saturation Percentage 7. Soil Texture.
Water Analysis:-
The following parameters are determined in the water analysis;
1. Electrical conductivity. 2. Calcium 3. Magnesium 4. Sodium 5. Carbonate
6. Bicarbonate 7. Chloride 8. Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) 9. Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC).
- Site specific fertilizer/amendments recommendations.
- Reclamation of problem soils.
- Accessing water quality and nutrient status for advisory services to farmers.
Contact Us
Senior Scientist
Email: dosfrajanpur@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0336-5514560
Address: Soil and Water Testing Laboratory, Near Govt College Of Commerce, Kotla ahmad Road Rajanpur