Nagapattinam District Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar has urged farmers to undertake soil testing before commencing cultivation and apply fertilizers based on the recommendations provided in soil health cards.In a statement, the Collector said that although the district had adequate natural soil and water resources for cultivating paddy, pulses, and oilseeds, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides had adversely affected soil fertility and the quality of agricultural produce.He said indiscriminate application of fertilizers could cause excessive vegetative growth, increased pest attack and disease, and lodging of crops before harvest. Soil testing would help restore soil health and ensure balanced nutrient management.Mr. Praveen Kumar said nutrient levels varied from field to field and crop requirements differed according to varieties cultivated. Fertilizer application based on soil test results would help reduce input costs, conserve soil fertility, and improve yields.The soil health card provides details on soil texture, pH level, major nutrients, and micronutrients, besides crop-specific fertilizer recommendations. Adoption of nutrient management practices based on the card would help farmers increase productivity and income, he said.Farmers were advised to undertake soil testing annually or at least once in three years. They can submit soil and water samples at soil testing laboratories and mobile soil testing units in the district on payment of an analysis fee of ₹30 and obtain soil health cards with fertilizer recommendations. Published - June 08, 2026 07:08 pm IST