Lab – Green A&E

Bigwa Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory

Good water and soil = sustainable and profitable farming

Soil and water are the foundation for profitable farming. There are many things that can be wrong (eg. poor nutrition, chemical imbalance, structural problems such as drainage, lack of microbial life etc). Often minor and relatively inexpensive treatments can make a huge difference to farm productivity, but the problems need to be identified first, and that requires a solid understanding of water & soil theory and management practice.

At Bigwa Lab we test water and soil; to support our own farm and to facilitate the success of other farmers.

Potential of Hydrogen (pH)

pH is an indication of a substance’s acidic or alkaline properties. The higher the pH, the more basic it is and the lower the pH, the more acidic it is. A pH level of 7.0 is neutral.

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Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

TDS is an important water quality parameter, as it directly impacts the taste, clarity, and purity of water. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t indicate water impurities, but rather the concentration of minerals dissolved in the water. It is always crucial to test for TDS to ensure that the water is right for its application. While humans prefer low TDS in their drinking water, many agricultural applications need significantly higher levels.

TDS is expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l). TDS meters are based on Electrical Conductivity (EC).

TDS refer to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances, including minerals, salts, metals, and other compounds, dissolved in a liquid—usually water. These particles are so small that they pass through a typical water filter, distinguishing them from suspended solids that can be filtered out.

Understanding TDS levels is crucial because excessive amounts can affect everything from water’s suitability for drinking to its use in agriculture, industrial processes, and aquatic ecosystems.

Page last modifed: Jan 9, 2025 @ 7:17 am