Soil Health
Soil Testing and Soil Health Card: A Guide for Rajasthan Farmers
By ATTPL Agritech Editorial Team · · 2 min read
How Rajasthan farmers can test soil and use the Soil Health Card: when and how to take samples, what the report shows and how to apply fertiliser.
Why test your soil
Fertiliser is one of the biggest costs in farming. Without a soil test, farmers often apply too much of some nutrients and too little of others. A soil test shows what your field actually needs, which saves money and improves yields.
The Soil Health Card
Under the Soil Health Card scheme, farmers get a card showing the status of major and micro nutrients in their soil — such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc, iron and boron — along with pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon, and crop-wise fertiliser recommendations.
How to take a soil sample
- Take samples after harvest and before sowing, when the field is not freshly fertilised
- Collect soil from 8–10 spots across the field in a zig-zag pattern
- At each spot, make a V-shaped cut about 15 cm deep and take a slice
- Mix all soil, remove stones and roots, and keep about half a kilo
- Label with your name, khasra number and crop details
Reading the report
pH shows whether soil is acidic or alkaline — many Rajasthan soils are alkaline. Low organic carbon means the soil needs more organic matter such as farmyard manure or compost. Follow the recommended doses rather than general practice.
Using the results
Apply fertiliser as per the card, add organic manure, and correct micronutrient deficiencies. Re-test every few years or when you change cropping patterns.
Get support
SBSK by ATTPL Agri helps farmers with advisory and services. Read our rabi sowing planning guide. For solar pumps that save diesel, see ATTPL Solar.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get my soil tested?
At government soil testing laboratories, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and authorised labs. The Soil Health Card portal has details.
How often should I test my soil?
Every two to three years, or when you change crops significantly.
What is a good time to sample?
After harvest and before sowing, avoiding freshly fertilised fields.
