THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ever wondered why certain crops grow well in certain areas in the state, but less luxuriantly in other places? The reason is difference in soil types. In a bid to help farmers, the State Soil Survey and Soil Conservation Department has decided to roll out a mobile laboratory.
Though the mobile lab will be based in Thiruvananthapuram, its services will be available to farmers across the state. “The lab will be stationed in selected areas, allowing local residents to submit soil samples for test. Results of the tests will be made available without delay,” said Soil Survey director Justin Mohan.
The mobile lab will be equipped with imported testing devices, and costs around `44.8 lakh. It is expected to be launched on October 2.
When it comes to soil types, Kerala is a ‘wealthy’ state. Of the 12 soil orders found in the world, eight are found in the state. The State Soil Museum run by the Department at Parottukonam has 82 benchmark soils on display – soil types found across the state that are important for human enterprises such as farming and industry.
The Thiruvananthapuram district alone has seven benchmark soil types – the Ponmudi series, Kallar series, Amaravila series, Kazhakkoottam series, Vellayani series, Thiruvananthapuram series and Nedumangad series. While some soil types are good for coconut and banana, some others are ideal for tea. Then, some are best for tuber crops.
“The lab is the first of its kind from the Soil Survey and Soil Conservation Department,” said Soil Survey officials. The State Agriculture Department has a mobile lab of its own.
[Source: The New indian Express]
