Soil Analytics: Inter-conversion of Units among Different Parameters in Soil Science
Oyatokun, Olukayode Stephen *
Department of Crop and Animal Science, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, PMB 1066, Oyo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soil analytics involves a variety of chemical processes that determine that amount of available plant nutrients in the soil, including their physico-chemical and biological properties important for plant nutrition. The chemical analysis determines plant nutrients content and other physical characteristics. Based on quality soil analysis, it is easier to determine the required fertilizer needed by plants for quality growth and yield. Analytical procedures in soil science vary from one method to another, each with its peculiar unit of measurement. This article seeks to provide some inter-unit conversion or provide conversion factors to satisfy the yearnings of all interest groups. The calculation and conversion of units of measurement of different soil parameters will unify conclusions of different analytical results, such as in fertilizer application and experimental reactionary systems. The outcome of this article has provided meaningful inter- unit conversion through simple derivation principles, by the derivation of conversion factors, and in the practice of fertilizer calculation for fertility studies.
Keywords: Unit-conversion, analytical results, fertilizer application, soil parameters, conversion factor