Soil Testing Laboratory –
Supporting Soil Health and Farmer Decision-Making in Sangareddy District
​​The Soil Testing Laboratory at DDS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Zaheerabad, established in 2004 and fully operational since 2009, plays a crucial role in addressing the soil fertility and nutrient management needs of farmers across Sangareddy district. The laboratory serves as a reliable, science-based support system enabling farmers to make informed decisions for improving crop productivity and soil health.
So far, the laboratory has collected 24,163 soil samples, out of which 23,964 samples have been systematically analyzed for key soil health parameters such as soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and essential micronutrients. These analyses help diagnose soil-specific constraints such as nutrient deficiencies, salinity, and declining organic matter—common challenges in the semi-arid farming systems of the district.
Based on the test results, crop-wise and soil-specific nutrient recommendations are prepared and communicated to farmers through Soil Health Cards.
This enables farmers to adopt balanced and need-based fertilizer application, avoid excess input use, reduce cultivation costs, and enhance nutrient use efficiency. The advisory services are particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers, supporting sustainable yield improvement under both rainfed and irrigated conditions.
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Based on the test results, crop-wise and soil-specific nutrient recommendations are prepared and communicated to farmers through Soil Health Cards.
This enables farmers to adopt balanced and need-based fertilizer application, avoid excess input use, reduce cultivation costs, and enhance nutrient use efficiency. The advisory services are particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers, supporting sustainable yield improvement under both rainfed and irrigated conditions.
Beyond laboratory analysis, the unit has a strong field outreach and extension component. A total of 263 soil health awareness programmes have been conducted across 88 villages in 19 mandals, focusing on soil sampling methods, interpretation of Soil Health Cards, integrated nutrient management, and soil fertility restoration practices under both rainfed and irrigated farming systems.
Rain Gauge
DDS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Zaheerabad maintains a Rain Gauge Demonstration Unit as part of its agrometeorological monitoring and climate advisory services for Sangareddy district.
Daily rainfall data recorded at the KVK campus is used to support crop planning, sowing advisories, and irrigation scheduling, particularly for rainfed farming systems dominant in the region. The rainfall observations also provide ground-truth data for interpreting weather-based advisories issued through KVK extension programmes. This unit supports farmer awareness programmes on rainfall-based decision making, contributing to drought preparedness, flood risk assessment, and climate-resilient agriculture promoted by DDS-KVK.
Soil Conservation Demonstration Unit
DDS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Zaheerabad has established a soil conservation techniques demonstration unit within the KVK campus to provide hands-on, visual understanding of soil erosion and runoff management.The unit consists of three open pots connected to a common water source:(i) bare soil without crop cover,(ii) soil with crop cover, and(iii) soil covered with mulch.When water is released, the demonstration clearly shows maximum soil runoff from bare soil, reduced runoff under crop cover, and negligible soil loss under mulched conditions.This simple but effective setup enables farmers to visually compare erosion losses and understand the protective role of crop cover and mulching in conserving soil moisture and fertility. The unit is extensively used during trainings, field visits, and awareness programmes to promote practical soil conservation and sustainable land management practices under rainfed conditions.
For more details:
Mr. E. Swamy, Programme Assistant Soil Science
Mob: 9676136128
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