Six benefits of soil testing and fertilizer

One of the main benefits of soil testing and formula fertilization is reducing energy consumption. Due to inefficient fertilizer use, Henan Province alone loses around 2.4 million tons of nitrogen fertilizer annually—equivalent to the output of ten small-to-medium-sized nitrogen fertilizer plants. This waste not only costs money but also increases environmental strain.

Another advantage is increased crop production. Soil testing and customized fertilization can boost the yield of food crops by over 10%, while economic crops like cotton, oilseeds, and vegetables see even greater improvements, with average gains exceeding 15%. This helps meet growing food demands more efficiently.

Cost reduction is another key benefit. In certain regions of China, excessive fertilization leads to unnecessary expenses. For example, in southern rice fields, soil testing and formula fertilization can save about 30 kilograms of fertilizer per mu, lowering costs by roughly 20 yuan per mu. This makes farming more economical for farmers.

Environmental improvement is also a major outcome. By increasing fertilizer efficiency by 5 percentage points, this approach reduces nutrient runoff into groundwater and rivers, minimizing pollution and protecting water sources. It also enhances soil fertility, leading to long-term sustainability in agriculture.

Reducing pests and diseases is another important effect. Many crop diseases stem from imbalances in nutrients, particularly a lack of potassium and trace elements. With soil testing and tailored fertilization, these imbalances are corrected, significantly lowering disease incidence and improving plant health.

Finally, it enhances the quality of agricultural products. Formula fertilization helps shift away from excessive nitrogen use, which lowers nitrate levels in vegetables and prevents fruits from becoming overly acidic. This results in better taste, texture, and overall quality, meeting higher market standards and consumer expectations.