Thrissur: There is a marked rise in the number of farmers visiting the Soil Survey Analytical Laboratroy near here to find out the impact of recent floods on soil properties in the affected regions. The report will help the ryots to make requisite changes, if any, in their fertilizer mix to increase the fertility of the farming land.
The test is being conducted free of cost under the central government’s Soil Health Card scheme in panchayats selected by the soil conservation district offices. The lab also has facilities to test the pH level of water bodies used for aquaculture.
The lab at the mini station building at Chembukavu also gives advice to the farmers on fertilizer management to increase productivity. It has won kudos for the efforts to popularise soil testing in the state.
Preliminary studies have proved that the soil properties have changed after the deluge, and comprehensive comparative studies are being carried out to throw more light on the issue. Farming companies and farmers can utilise the facilities of the lab, said senior chemist Simi Sathyasheelan. Contact number: 0487-2327140.
