Research Study of the Soil Testing for the Indian Farmers

White Papers

Introduction:

Soil testing, often referred to as earth testing in the context of agriculture, is a critical practice for farmers to assess soil health, fertility, and suitability for specific crops. In India, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy and supports nearly 50% of the population, soil testing can empower farmers to optimize crop yields, reduce input costs, and adopt sustainable practices. This deep study outlines soil testing procedures tailored for common farmers in India, emphasizing accessibility, affordability, and practical application. It covers the importance of soil testing, step-by-step procedures, available tools and schemes, challenges, and recommendations for effective implementation.
Importance of Soil Testing for Indian Farmers:
Soil testing provides farmers with data-driven insights into the nutrient status, pH, organic matter, and other properties of their soil. This information helps farmers make informed decisions about fertilizer use, crop selection, and soil management. Key benefits include:
  • Optimized Fertilizer Use: Soil tests identify nutrient deficiencies (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and excesses, enabling farmers to apply the right type and quantity of fertilizers, reducing costs and environmental impact.
  • Improved Crop Yields: By addressing soil imbalances, farmers can select crops suited to their soil type and improve productivity.
  • Cost Efficiency: Avoiding over-application of fertilizers and amendments saves money, especially for small and marginal farmers.
  • Sustainability: Regular soil testing supports integrated nutrient management (INM), promoting the balanced use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and biofertilizers to maintain long-term soil health.
  • Soil Health Monitoring: Testing helps track changes in soil fertility over time, addressing issues like soil degradation due to intensive farming or chemical overuse.

In India, intensive agriculture, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana, has led to nutrient depletion and soil degradation. For instance, Punjab’s soils, once fertile, are now heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers, with only 2,587 of 2.266 million soil samples tested nationwide in 2024-25 coming from the state. Soil testing can reverse such trends by guiding farmers toward sustainable practices.

Key Parameters Tested in Soil Analysis:

Soil testing typically evaluates the following parameters, which are critical for crop growth:

  • Macro-nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulfur (S).
  • Micro-nutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (Bo).
  • Physical Parameters: pH (acidity/alkalinity), Electrical Conductivity (EC, indicating salinity), Organic Carbon (OC).
  • Other Properties: Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), soil texture (sand, silt, clay proportions), moisture content, and presence of contaminants.

These parameters help determine fertilizer recommendations, lime requirements (to adjust pH), and crop suitability. For example, a pH range of 6–7 is ideal for most crops, while acidic (pH < 6) or alkaline (pH > 7) soils may require amendments like lime or gypsum.

Soil Testing Procedures for Indian Farmers:

The soil testing process involves several steps, from sample collection to interpreting results. Below is a detailed guide designed to be practical for common farmers, including those with limited resources.
Step 1: Planning and Timing

  • When to Test: Soil samples should be collected one month before sowing or transplanting, typically after the harvest of Rabi or Kharif crops when no standing crop is present. Problematic soil areas can be sampled anytime.
  • Frequency: Test soil every 2–3 years, as recommended by the Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme, to monitor changes. High-value crop farmers (e.g., seed or vegetable growers) should test annually or before each crop.

Step 2: Sample Collection

Proper sampling is critical, as results are only as accurate as the sample.

  • Tools Needed: Spade, bucket, clean cloth/plastic sheet, polythene bags, marker, and a Soil Sample Identification Slip (available from testing labs or agricultural offices).
  • Sampling Method:
         1. Select Sampling Area: Divide the field into uniform areas based on soil appearance, texture, slope, or past management. Each sample should represent a similar area. For irrigated fields, sample in a grid of 2.5 hectares; for rainfed areas, use 10 hectares.
         2. Collect Sub-Samples: Take 8–10 sub-samples from each area in a zigzag or random pattern to ensure representativeness.
            * Dig a V-shaped hole 15–20 cm deep (for annual crops) or 30 cm (for tree crops).
            * Take a thin slice of soil from the side of the hole.
            * Remove debris (stones, roots, etc.).
         3. Mix and Reduce: Mix all sub-samples thoroughly on a clean cloth/plastic sheet. Use the quartering method (divide into four parts, discard two, mix the rest) to reduce the sample to about 500 grams.
         4. Pack and Label: Place the sample in a clean polythene bag, label it with the farmer’s name, field location, and date, and include a Soil Sample Identification Slip.
  • Precautions:
    * Avoid sampling near field edges, manure heaps, or recently fertilized areas.
    * Do not use contaminated tools or bags.
    * If samples cannot be sent immediately, store them in a cool, dry place or freeze them to slow chemical changes.

Step 3: Submitting Samples

  • Where to Submit: Farmers can send samples to government soil testing laboratories (STLs), private labs, or village-level soil testing labs (VLSTLs) under schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The National Government Services Portal (services.india.gov.in) provides a map to locate nearby STLs.
  • Process: Farmers submit samples to the District Agriculture Officer, Block Agriculture Officer, or directly to labs. Some schemes involve agents collecting samples and geo-tagging fields via mobile apps.

Step 4: Laboratory Analysis

  • Parameters Tested: Labs analyze samples for the 12 standard parameters (N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo, pH, EC, OC) using chemical extraction methods. Advanced labs may also test for CEC, soil texture, or contaminants.
  • Turnaround Time: Results are typically available within 7–30 days, depending on the lab and scheme.
  • Technology: Modern labs use automated analyzers, while portable devices like IIT Kanpur’s “Bhu Parikshak” provide results in 90 seconds via a mobile app.

Step 5: Receiving and Interpreting Results

  • Soil Health Card (SHC): Under the SHC scheme, farmers receive a printed report every 2–3 years detailing soil nutrient status, fertilizer recommendations, and crop suitability. SHCs can be downloaded from the SHC portal or received via SMS.
  • Recommendations: The report includes:
        * Nutrient deficiencies/excesses and required fertilizer dosages.
        * Soil amendments (e.g., lime for acidic soils, gypsum for alkaline soils).
        * Suitable crops based on soil type and nutrient profile.
        * Recommendations are based on guidelines from State Agricultural Universities (SAUs).
  • Support: Farmers can consult agricultural officers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), or agrologists to interpret results and implement recommendations.Receiving and Interpreting Results
Step 6: Implementing Recommendations
  • Fertilizer Application: Apply fertilizers as per SHC recommendations, using integrated nutrient management (combine chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers, and organic manures).
  • Soil Amendments: Adjust pH with lime (for acidic soils) or gypsum (for alkaline soils). Improve organic matter with compost or green manure.
  • Crop Selection: Choose crops suited to soil conditions (e.g., drought-tolerant crops for sandy soils, water-loving crops for clay soils).
  • Monitoring: Regularly test soil to track improvements and adjust practices.
Accessible Soil Testing Tools and Schemes

Several government and private initiatives make soil testing accessible to Indian farmers:

Government Schemes

  • Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme
             * Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
             * Aims to provide SHCs to all farmers every 2–3 years, covering 12 parameters.
             * Soil samples are collected in a grid pattern (2.5 ha for irrigated, 10 ha for rainfed) using GPS tools.
             * Free or low-cost testing through STLs, with results available online or via SMS.
             * As of 2024, millions of SHCs have been distributed, though adoption remains low in states like Punjab.
  • Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Soil Health and Fertility:
             * Supports the establishment of village-level soil testing labs (VLSTLs) operated by local youth, SHGs, or agricultural graduates.
             * Aims to provide affordable, localized testing and raise awareness about soil health.
             * Eligibility: Applicants aged 18–27 with a 10th-grade education and computer knowledge.
  • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
             * Promotes soil health management and integrated nutrient management, particularly in rainfed areas.
             * upports soil testing and conservation practices.
  • PM-Kisan Scheme:
             * While primarily a financial aid program, it integrates with soil testing initiatives by linking farmers to STLs and agricultural services.

Private and Innovative Tools

  • Portable Testing Devices:
             * Bhu Parikshak: Developed by IIT Kanpur, this portable device tests soil nutrients (N, P, K, etc.) in 90 seconds using a mobile app. It is low-cost and suitable for on-field testing.
             * Dharti Ka Doctor: A soil testing kit by Patanjali that allows farmers to test soil on-site in 20 minutes at minimal cost.
  • Private Labs:
             * Organizations like Anacon Laboratories and Tirupati Nursery offer comprehensive soil testing services, including microbial analysis and contaminant detection.
  • Digital Platforms:
             * MyFarmInfo Soil Doctor: Offers on-demand soil testing services with GPS-enabled sampling and detailed reports. Farmers can request services online.
             * KRIBHCO Soil Testing Lab: Tests 5,000 samples annually, providing free SHCs with results uploaded online for easy access.

Challenges in Soil Testing Adoption

Despite the benefits and available schemes, soil testing adoption among Indian farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers, faces several challenges:

  • Low Awareness: Many farmers, especially in remote areas, are unaware of soil testing benefits or how to access STLs. Only 28% of farmers who believe in soil testing actually use it.
  • Limited Infrastructure: Insufficient STLs and staff shortages hinder testing capacity. For example, Punjab’s SHC scheme suffers from inadequate agricultural staff and labs.
  • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
             * Promotes soil health management and integrated nutrient management, particularly in rainfed areas.
             * Supports soil testing and conservation practices.
  • Accessibility: Farmers in rural areas may need to travel long distances to submit samples, and some must collect and deliver samples themselves.
  • Cost Barriers: While government testing is free or low-cost, private labs or additional parameters (e.g., heavy metals) can be expensive.
  • Low Adoption of Recommendations: Even when farmers receive SHCs, many do not follow recommendations due to lack of guidance, trust, or resources. In Punjab, only 20% of farmers follow soil test advice.
  • Technical Complexity: Interpreting SHC results and implementing recommendations can be challenging for farmers with limited education or access to extension services.
  • Soil Degradation: Intensive farming, overuse of chemical fertilizers, and monocropping (e.g., rice-wheat in Punjab) have degraded soils, making testing and remediation urgent but complex.

Recommendations for Effective Soil Testing

To make soil testing more accessible and impactful for common Indian farmers, the following strategies are recommended:
For Farmers

  • Leverage Government Schemes: Utilize free or low-cost testing through the SHC scheme or VLSTLs. Contact District Agriculture Officers or KVKs for assistance.
  • Adopt Portable Kits: Use affordable tools like Bhu Parikshak or Dharti Ka Doctor for quick, on-field testing, especially for small farms.
  • Follow Recommendations: Work with agricultural extension officers or KVKs to implement SHC recommendations, integrating organic manures and biofertilizers to reduce costs.
  • Regular Testing: Test soil every 2–3 years, or annually for high-value crops, to monitor changes and optimize inputs.
  • Participate in Training: Attend soil health workshops organized by SAUs, KVKs, or NGOs to learn sampling techniques and result interpretation.

For Policymakers and Institutions

  • Expand VLSTLs: Increase the number of village-level labs under RKVY, ensuring they are staffed by trained youth and equipped with modern tools.
  • Enhance Awareness Campaigns: Use local media, mobile apps, and farmer cooperatives to educate farmers about soil testing benefits and procedures.
  • Strengthen Extension Services: Deploy more agricultural officers and agrologists to assist farmers in sampling, interpreting results, and implementing recommendations.
  • Subsidize Advanced Testing: Offer subsidies for testing additional parameters (e.g., contaminants, microbial activity) to address soil degradation in heavily farmed areas.
  • Integrate Technology: Promote portable testing devices and digital platforms like MyFarmInfo to make testing faster and more accessible.
  • Address Staff Shortages: Increase funding and staffing for STLs to reduce turnaround times and improve outreach, especially in
  • Link with Financial Schemes: Integrate soil testing with PM-Kisan and other financial aid programs to incentivize farmers to test soil regularly.

For Private Sector and Innovators

  • Develop Affordable Tools: Create low-cost, user-friendly soil testing kits and apps tailored for small farmers, building on models like Bhu Parikshak.
  • Partner with Cooperatives: Collaborate with farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives to distribute testing kits and provide training.
  • Offer Subscription Models: Provide affordable soil testing subscriptions through platforms like MyFarmInfo, including sample collection and follow-up support.

Case Studies and Success Stories

  • Punjab’s Soil Health Challenges: Despite being India’s “food bowl,” Punjab faces soil degradation due to excessive fertilizer use. The SHC scheme has been implemented, but only 20% of farmers follow recommendations due to lack of awareness and infrastructure. Scaling up VLSTLs and awareness campaigns could bridge this gap.
  • Maharashtra’s Soil and Water Testing Scheme: This state-level initiative provides low-cost testing (Rs. 15–250 per sample) and detailed reports, helping farmers adjust fertilizer use and improve yields. The model can be replicated nationwide.
  • IIT Kanpur’s Bhu Parikshak: This portable device has enabled farmers to test soil nutrients in 90 seconds, reducing dependence on distant labs and empowering small farmers to make quick decisions.
  • KRIBHCO’s Soil Testing Program: By testing 5.4 lakh samples across 16 states and providing free SHCs, KRIBHCO has demonstrated the scalability of centralized testing with digital access to results.

Challenges Faced by Ordinary Farmers
Challenge Explanation

  • Lack of Awarenes Many farmers are unaware of soil testing benefits or procedures.
  • Limited Access to Testing Facilities Rural areas may not have labs nearby or transportation is costly.
  • Financial Constraints Even subsidized tests can be a burden for marginal farmers.
  • Inadequate Follow-up Advice After testing, advisory services are often weak or too technical.
  • Irregular Testing Farmers do not test soil regularly—only after crop failure or problems arise.

Technological Interventions and Innovations

  • Mobile Soil Testing Vans: Deployed by government and NGOs to reach remote villages.
  • Portable Soil Test Kits: Easy-to-use devices for NPK, pH testing; cost-effective.
  • AI & IoT Solutions:
  • Soil sensors for real-time monitoring.
  • Smartphone apps (like Kisan Suvidha, RML AgTech, AgroStar) to give soil-based crop advisory.
  • Geo-tagged Testing: Maps soil fertility digitally (used in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana).

 

Recommendations for Improving Adoption

Mass Awareness Campaigns

  • Use local languages via radio, TV, farmer meets, and WhatsApp groups.
  • Success stories from peer farmers to build trust.

Training and Capacity Building

  • Partner with local panchayats, SHGs, and schools to train youth in soil testing.

Public-Private Partnership Models

  • Encourage agri-tech firms to offer low-cost soil testing services in exchange for crop produce insights or partnerships.

Incentives and Subsidies

  • Offer further subsidies or incentives for farmers adopting earth testing as part of regular practice.

Integrating Testing with MSP/Loan Schemes

  • Make soil health reports mandatory or incentivized for availing government support, crop insurance, or loans.

Case Study: Maharashtra’s Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)

Several FPCs in Maharashtra have adopted community-based soil testing using handheld devices. Farmers collectively tested soils and received custom crop and fertilizer plans—leading to an average 18% increase in yield and 12% drop in fertilizer cost.

Background

Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) are collective enterprises formed and operated by small and marginal farmers to strengthen their bargaining power, improve access to services, and enhance profitability. In Maharashtra, which has over 4,000 registered FPCs, several have begun implementing community-based soil testing programs as part of their agri-extension services.

Key Features of the Initiative

  1. Collective Soil Testing Approach
    •    The FPCs coordinated village-level soil testing campaigns.
    •    Farmers were encouraged to bring soil samples to designated collection points.
    •    Field staff or trained volunteers, often youth from the village, used handheld soil testing kits or mobile-based soil testing devices.
    •    These devices could measure essential parameters like pH, NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium), and organic carbon within 30–40 minutes.
  2. Custom Crop and Fertilizer Advisory
    •    Based on soil test results, the FPCs, with support from agri-experts or Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), created individualized fertilizer and crop plans.
    •    Recommendations were customized to suit the soil type, cropping season, and local agronomic conditions.
    •    Some FPCs even used AI-powered advisory apps (e.g., by DeHaat or AgroStar) to automate advisory generation.
  3. Input Supply and Monitoring
    •    The FPCs bulk-purchased the required fertilizers and inputs in line with test results—reducing input costs due to collective procurement.
    •    They also monitored crop performance and recorded feedback, enabling data-driven revisions for the next season.

Results and Impact

  • Yield Improvement
    •.   Across several FPCs in Nashik, Ahmednagar, and Jalna districts, farmers who followed the soil-based advisories observed yield increases of 15% to 22%.
    •.   Across several FPCs in Nashik, Ahmednagar, and Jalna districts, farmers who followed the soil-based advisories observed yield increases of 15% to 22%.
    •.   For instance, in grape vineyards of Nashik, farmers reported healthier vines and reduced disease due to better nutrient balance.
    For instance, in grape vineyards of Nashik, farmers reported healthier vines and reduced disease due to better nutrient balance.
    Across several FPCs in Nashik, Ahmednagar, and Jalna districts, farmers who followed the soil-based advisories observed yield increases of 15% to 22%.
    •.   For instance, in grape vineyards of Nashik, farmers reported healthier vines and reduced disease due to better nutrient balance.

Fertilizer Cost Reduction

  • Over-application of fertilizers, especially urea and DAP, was significantly reduced.
  • On average, farmers saved ₹800–₹1,200 per acre per season, amounting to a 12% drop in input costs.

Soil Health Awareness

  • Farmers became more aware of soil degradation and began using organic matter, biofertilizers, and micronutrient supplements.
  •  Many began annual or bi-annual testing, seeing it as an essential farm input.

Factors

  1. Subsidized Testing Devices
    Some FPCs received government or NGO-supported soil test kits (costing ₹30,000–₹60,000 each).
  2. Training by KVKs & NGOs
    Extension support was critical in interpreting results and training field volunteers.
  3. Mobile Advisory Tools
    Apps and digital platforms helped scale personalized recommendations quickly.
  4. Peer Influence
    Once a few lead farmers benefited, others followed based on trust and visible success.

Challenges Faced

  • Initial Resistance: Many farmers were skeptical and reluctant to stop traditional practices.
  •  Technical Gaps: Some users faced difficulty interpreting complex soil test results.
  •  Device Maintenance: Handheld kits required periodic calibration and maintenance.
  •  Seasonal Variability: Soil conditions changed across seasons, needing regular testing to remain accurate.

Learning

The success of these FPCs in Maharashtra demonstrates that soil testing is not just a lab-based process, but can be community-driven, scalable, and economically viable—especially when aligned with collective input procurement and advisory services.

This model holds promise for replication across India, especially when supported by:

  • Strong local leadership (via FPCs or cooperatives)
  • Affordable tech,
  • Accessible training, and Continued Government/NGO partnerships.

Conclusion

Soil testing is a transformative tool for Indian farmers, enabling them to optimize inputs, increase yields, and sustain soil health in the face of intensive farming and environmental challenges. By leveraging government schemes@ like the Soil Health Card and RKVY, adopting innovative tools like Bhu Parikshak, and addressing barriers through awareness and infrastructure, farmers can make data-driven decisions to enhance productivity and profitability. Policymakers, private innovators, and farmers must collaborate to make soil testing a routine practice, ensuring that India’s agricultural backbone remains resilient and sustainable for future generations.

This study by MRD Innovations provides a roadmap for common farmers to access and utilize soil testing effectively, while offering actionable recommendations to scale up adoption across India’s diverse agricultural landscape. For further assistance, farmers can contact their local District Agriculture Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra to locate soil testing labs.

Appendices (Optional if used for presentation/report)

  • Sample Soil Health Card
  • pH and Crop Suitability Chart
  • List of Recommended Soil Testing Labs by State
  • App Screenshots (AgriTech platforms for farmers)