1. What is this item?
Biological profiling of soil refers to the assessment of the biological activity and microbial communities within the soil, which are critical for soil health, fertility, and productivity. Unlike traditional chemical or physical testing, biological profiling focuses on the living organisms in the soil, such as bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other microorganisms, that play key roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and plant health.
• The soil's biological profile helps assess the biological health and biological productivity of the soil, which are crucial indicators of its ability to support plant growth and sustain long-term agricultural productivity.
• It involves measuring microbial populations, soil respiration, enzyme activities, and the presence of beneficial organisms such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
• This process evaluates the biological activity, which is a key factor for soil fertility and how well the soil can support various crops or plants.
2. How is the Quantity Estimated?
The quantity of biological profiling is typically based on the area of land being assessed and the depth at which biological activities are being studied. Here's how it is estimated:
• Sample Collection: Soil samples are collected from different spots across the farm (usually 3–5 samples per hectare) to get a representative sample of the soil's biological activity.
• Sampling Depth: Biological profiling is typically conducted at multiple depths (0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, etc.), as microbial activity and biodiversity vary with soil depth.
• Analysis: The number of tests depends on the types of microorganisms and activities being assessed. Common methods include soil respiration tests, microbial biomass tests, and the measuring of soil enzymes that indicate microbial processes.
For example, for a 10-hectare farm, 5–10 samples might be taken for profiling across the different depths and different locations within the farm.
3. What are the Cost Components?
The cost components for biological profiling of soil typically include:
• Soil Sampling: The cost for collecting representative soil samples. This includes the labor to collect samples from various spots within the land.
• Lab Analysis: The cost for analyzing the soil samples in a biological testing laboratory, where the focus is on assessing microbial populations, soil respiration, enzyme activity, etc.
• Report Preparation: The creation of a detailed biological profile report, which may include information on microbial populations, soil enzyme activities, and recommendations for improving soil biology (e.g., applying organic matter or beneficial microorganisms).
• Consultation (Optional): Professional advice based on the biological test results, helping you understand how to optimize the soil biology for enhanced productivity.
4. What are the Going Rates & Per Unit Cost?
• Soil Sampling:
o Manual Sampling: ₹500–₹2,000 per sample (depends on labor and location).
• Lab Analysis:
o Basic Biological Test (e.g., microbial biomass, soil respiration): ₹1,000–₹3,000 per sample.
o Comprehensive Biological Profiling (includes microbial community analysis, enzyme activity, nitrogen-fixing organisms, etc.): ₹3,000–₹10,000 per sample.
• Report Preparation:
o The cost for preparing the biological profile report is typically ₹500–₹2,000 per report.
• Consulting Fees (Optional):
o Consultation: ₹1,000–₹3,000 per hour, depending on the consultant's expertise.
Estimated Cost for Biological Profiling:
• Basic Biological Test (per sample): ₹1,000–₹3,000.
• Comprehensive Biological Profiling (per sample): ₹3,000–₹10,000.
For a 10-hectare farm, if 5–10 samples are taken and analyzed, the total cost could range from ₹15,000–₹100,000, depending on the level of detail in the analysis and the testing done.
Additional Notes:
• Biological profiling is vital for ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and improving soil fertility. Unlike chemical tests, it focuses on the health of soil's living organisms, which is a major contributor to soil’s long-term productivity.
• It’s an important tool for organic farming, as it provides insights into how to improve soil biology using natural amendments, composts, or cover crops.
• Regular biological profiling is beneficial, especially for long-term farm management and soil restoration projects, to monitor changes in microbial activity and adapt farming practices accordingly.
By assessing the biological health of your soil, you can better understand its capacity to support different types of crops and improve its productivity with the right interventions.
