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Soil testing methods manual

Doctors Global Programme – A farmer-to-farmer training programme











FAO. 2020. Soil testing methods manual – Soil Doctors Global Programme - A farmer-to-farmer training programme. Rome.





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    Organic materials and soil productivity
    FAO Soils Bulletin 35
    1977
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    In the temperate zones of the world a favourable balance exists between input and decomposition of organic materials in the soil. This balance is influenced by climatic conditions and the inorganic constituents of the soil, in which the amount and type of clay minerals play an important role. the plant growth caused by the use of mineral fertilizer increases not only the economically important parts of the plants, but also the growth roots and crop residues. Furthermore, in many farms animal exc reta is used to maintain the level of soil organic matter in arable land.There are some interactions between certain clay minerals and fractions of soil organic matter which act as favourable factors for soil productivity and for plant production.
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    Soil management: compost production and use in tropical and subtropical environments
    FAO Soils Bulletin No. 56
    1987
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    The objective of this Soils Bulletin is to promote the use of locally available organic materials to increase soil organic matter content for improvement of soil fertility, and as a sources of plant nutrients in conjunction with mineral fertilizers. This manual is written for all those concerned with the maintenance and improvement of soil fertility, especially under tropical and subtropical conditions. It contains material for use in farmer training. The severe drought and famine in parts of Africa in 1985 have shown the necessity for adequate soil organic matter to prevent hillside erosion and to retain moisture in the soil for crop growth. The cost of mineral fertilizers and their relative scarcity in some areas has increased the need to recycle waste organic materials as sources of crop nutrients. This Bulletin explains the basic composting process, suitable organic wastes, practical composting methods, use of the product in a variety of situations and a consideration of econo mic and social benefits. It also deals with approaches to practical extension work with farmers on the subject.
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    Book (stand-alone)
    Soil survey investigations for irrigation
    FAO Soils Bulletin 42
    1979
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    The pressing need for increased agricultural production in the years ahead can only be met by more efficient use of our land and water resources including more widespread and better irrigation in those regions where rainfall is inadequate. Production gains will be shortlived unless the attendant hazards of salinization, water logging and lowered fertility are kept in check by effective planning and management based on a thorough understanding of the soil conditions. Soil survey and land classifi cation are generally accepted essential preliminaries to investment in irrigation development. This publication aims to describe the special requirements of soil survey for irrigation development, and assumes that the reader is familiar with basic soil science and soil survey techniques.

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