Compendium on Soil Health - Department of Agriculture & Co ...

Existing Status
Number of Soil Testing
Laboratories
Meghalaya
There are 3 static and 1 mobile soil testing laboratory in the
State. The static laboratories were established in 1973 and
have been functional since. The mobile soil testing laboratory
is located at Shillong. Two more mobile labs are being
proposed to be set up.
Annual analyzing The annual soil sample analyzing capacity is 30,000 for NPK
capacity
and 827 for micronutrients.
Capacity Utilization The capacity utilization is 90%.
Review of functioning Functioning of the laboratories is reviewed once a year.
Constraints • The main constraint in all the laboratories is space. The
laboratories are working in the same space since their
creation while the requirement of analysis has been
increased by including water, plant and also fertilizers.
The facilities for micro nutrient analysis also need
additional space.
• The laboratories do not have qualified/trained staff;
hence there is need for training.
• There is ban on creation of new posts.
Monitoring A Nodal laboratory has just been notified and monitoring will
Number of Soil Health
Cards issued
Preparation
fertility map
of soil
Involvement of State
Agricultural University
(s)
start.
During 2009-10, 8,829 soil health cards were issued. During
2010-11, 9,716 cards were distributed to the farmers of East
Khasi Hills, Jaintia and West Garo Hills.
Preparation of soil fertility map is in progress. Maps of some
blocks have been completed.
At present, the Agricultural University is not involved. The
department has worked out the recommendations, based on
soil test crop response studies.