Soil Health Card Scheme
About the Scheme
The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme was launched by the Government of India on 19th February 2015. Under this scheme, farmers are provided Soil Health Cards every 2 years, which carry crop-wise recommendations of nutrients and fertilizers required for the individual farm, to help farmers improve productivity through judicious use of inputs.
In Simdega district, soil testing is conducted at the District Soil Testing Laboratory and mobile soil testing units deployed at block headquarters.
Nutrients Tested in Soil Health Card
| # | Parameter | Category | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Soil pH | Physical | Determines soil acidity/alkalinity and nutrient availability |
| 2. | Electrical Conductivity (EC) | Physical | Indicates salt concentration in soil |
| 3. | Organic Carbon (OC) | Physical | Measure of soil organic matter and microbial activity |
| 4. | Nitrogen (N) | Macro Nutrient | Essential for leaf growth and green colour |
| 5. | Phosphorus (P) | Macro Nutrient | Promotes root development and flowering |
| 6. | Potassium (K) | Macro Nutrient | Improves crop quality and disease resistance |
| 7. | Sulphur (S) | Secondary Nutrient | Important for protein synthesis |
| 8. | Zinc (Zn) | Micro Nutrient | Critical for enzyme function and grain filling |
| 9. | Boron (B) | Micro Nutrient | Affects pollination and seed development |
| 10. | Iron (Fe) | Micro Nutrient | Essential for chlorophyll synthesis |
| 11. | Manganese (Mn) | Micro Nutrient | Activates plant enzymes |
| 12. | Copper (Cu) | Micro Nutrient | Assists in photosynthesis |
How to Get Your Soil Tested - Process
- Collect Soil Sample: Collect soil from your field at 0-20 cm depth from 8-10 spots and mix well. Take 500g of mixed sample in a clean bag.
- Label the Sample: Write your name, village, survey number, and crop grown on the bag.
- Submit at: District Soil Testing Laboratory, Simdega OR at soil testing camp at nearest Block Agriculture Office.
- Testing: Soil is tested for 12 parameters within 10-15 working days.
- Receive Card: Soil Health Card with nutrient status and fertilizer recommendations is handed to the farmer (free of cost).
SHC Status in Simdega (Phase-wise)
| Phase | Target | Samples Collected | Cards Distributed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I (2015-17) | XXXXX | XXXXX | XXXXX |
| Phase II (2017-19) | XXXXX | XXXXX | XXXXX |
| Phase III (2019-21) | XXXXX | XXXXX | XXXXX |
| Phase IV (2021-23) | XXXXX | XXXXX | XXXXX |
| Phase V (2023-25) | XXXXX | Ongoing | Ongoing |