Standard Operating Procedure

Soil
Testing
SOP

Agarwood एक high-value और sensitive plantation species है। सफल plantation की सबसे पहली और सबसे महत्वपूर्ण प्रक्रिया है — scientific soil testing।

सही soil selection plantation risk को कम करता है, growth improve करता है और long-term ecological sustainability सुनिश्चित करता है।

Soil Testing
01. Objectives

The "Why" Behind Testing

  • Soil Suitability: Check if your land can sustain Agarwood.
  • Fertility Level: Understanding existing nutrient profiles.
  • Drainage Capacity: Analyzing water flow to prevent rot.
  • Risk Minimization: Avoid financial loss before planting.
02. Timing

When to Test?

✔ The Best Time

Plantation से 2–3 महीने पहले (April–May) is ideal.

❌ Avoid

Monsoon season and immediately after fertilizer application.

Note: Soil needs to be in its natural state for accurate lab results.
03. Collection

Step-by-Step
Sampling

Field level SOP for collecting composite samples.

01

Selection

1 acre land = minimum 5 samples. Zig-zag pattern में sampling करें।

02

Depth

Top soil depth: 6–8 inches. Grass और debris पहले remove करें।

03

Mixing

5 spots से soil लें, प्रॉपर्ली mix करें और 500 gm composite sample तैयार करें।

04

Labelling

Farmer name, Village, Survey number और Sampling date साफ़ लिखें।

04. Parameters

The Agarwood Suitability Scale

Parameter Ideal Range (Suitable) Risk Range (Not Suitable) Why it Matters
Soil pH 5.5 – 7.5 Above 8.0 / Below 5.0 Nutrient lock or root damage potential.
Organic Carbon Above 0.5% Below 0.3% Directly linked to tree growth rate.
Soil Texture Sandy Loam / Loamy Heavy Clay / Rocky Root penetration and aeration.
Salinity (EC) Less than 1 dS/m Above 2 dS/m High salt stunts Agarwood growth.
Drainage Excellent Infiltration Waterlogging Agarwood is highly sensitive to standing water.
05. Solutions

Soil Correction SOP

High Clay Soil

Add sand, FYM, and organic compost to improve aeration.

Low Organic Carbon

Use Vermicompost, green manure, or cow dung before plantation.

High pH Soil

Apply Gypsum combined with organic compost to lower alkalinity.

⚠️ Risk Warning

Never start plantation if:

  • Soil pH above 8.5
  • Permanent waterlogging
  • Hard rocky land

Failure to heed these warnings often results in 100% mortality of Agarwood saplings.

Summary

Golden Rules Checklist

  • Soil sample collected via Zig-Zag method
  • Lab test completed at KVK or certified lab
  • Report verified by plantation expert
  • Soil suitability confirmed (pH 5.5-7.5)
  • Corrections applied (if required)
  • Drainage check completed and confirmed