How to test in field

The fizz test demostrated in this video provides a quick and easy test to screen soils for potential neutralising value.

Water repellence forms when waxes from decayed organic material (for example stubbles) coat grains of soil, making them repel water, which inhibits water entry into the soil.

pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen (H+) and hydroxyl (OH-) ions in a soil solution and indicates that a soil is acidic (low pH), neutral or alkaline (high pH). pH variation through the soil profile is common.
It’s important to understand this variation as nutrient availability can be affected, resulting in potential plant deficiencies or toxicities

High soil strength can be caused by compaction and/or hard setting, and can severely limit root penetration, preventing access to moisture and nutrients at depth.
Soil strength is strongly correlated to soil moisture, with root penetration decreasing as the soil dries out.