Question

Testing of soil and water to study its suitability for growing crops in greenhouses

Answer 1

Soil testing is the most common way of determining the nutritional status of plants used by greenhouse operators. In my experience, the usual reason for testing is to diagnose a suspected fertility problem, but soil tests can be run on a regular basis, along with plant tissue tests, to monitor the nutrition of crops and prevent problems from developing.

Soil testing is an important part of IPM and integrated crop management programs. Regular testing can alert the grower to potential nutrient leaching and runoff problems caused by applying too much fertilizer or too much water. So tests not only help with crop health but with environmental health as well!