Soil is one of the elements of the biosphere that ensures the circulation of all chemicals in our ecosystem. This applies to both endogenous and exogenous chemicals that enter it with wastewater, emissions from industrial enterprises, automobile and air transport, as well as with mineral fertilizers.
Due to man-made human activities, the soil becomes a place to store a large amount of harmful substances. Since it, unlike other natural environments, does not have mobility, it is much more susceptible to pollution. In addition, getting into the ground, many compounds as a result of microbiological and chemical transformations become even more toxic than initially.
The danger is that the soil can become a source of pollution of air, water, food and other elements of the biosphere with radioactive and carcinogenic substances. That is why it is important to carry out regular monitoring of the soil cover, and first of all, analysis of the soil, which is a combination of laboratory tests to determine the physicochemical, chemical, mechanical, biological and agrochemical properties.
The main types of soil analysis : microbiological, chemical, mineralogical, mechanical (granulometric). Their main goal is to determine the amount and type of pollutants, as well as determine their source. However, sometimes soil analysis is performed to detect the presence of pathogenic parasites in it. Such an analysis is called bacteriological, and its main task is to detect various pathogens of diseases of people and animals.
A more complete sanitary and bacteriological study is carried out for a deep and detailed description of the suitability of the soil for housing, child care facilities, recreation facilities, water supply facilities, for epidemiological studies, and for determining the general sanitary condition of the soil.
One of the most necessary types of research is a chemical analysis of the soil, with the help of which it is possible to identify the content of metals in it, including heavy (C, Mg, Fe, Co, Cr, Zn, etc.), chemicals (carbonates, sulfates, chlorides). It is very important from an environmental point of view.
In order to determine the level of fertility of the earth, an agrochemical analysis of the soil is carried out. It allows you to evaluate how plants are provided with nutrients, whether there is a need for fertilizers, chemical reclamation and other activities. These indicators help to determine the potential of the fertile layer.
A complete soil analysis includes many studies. To assess a specific plot of land, the results obtained are compared with the optimal normative indicators of the content of elements, which for this type of soil were experimentally established and tested under production conditions. Soil analysis ends with a conclusion on its actual condition and recommendations on its use and improvement.