Soil Testing Laboratory

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Certified Laboratory

PLANTICA- Soil, Water, and Plant Testing Laboratory is a specialized facility located in Banjarawala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, offering a comprehensive range of tests to assess the health and quality of soil, water, and plants. This laboratory plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural practices, environmental monitoring, and research initiatives by providing accurate and detailed analyses.

Ms. Vandana Petwal, Scientific Officer and In-Charge: Soil Testing Laboratory, Contact: +91 92869 85220 / +91 9548055290

The laboratory offers a variety of tests tailored to the needs of farmers, researchers, and environmentalists. Here are the key testing services available at PLANTICA:

Soil Testing

Nutrient Analysis (N, P, K)

  • Measures the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil, which are essential nutrients for plant growth and health.

Organic Carbon (OC)

  • Determines the amount of organic carbon present in the soil, indicating soil fertility and organic matter content.

pH (Acidity/Alkalinity)

  • Assesses the soil’s pH level, which influences nutrient availability to plants and overall soil health.

Electrical Conductivity (EC)

  • Measures the soil’s ability to conduct electrical current, providing insights into salinity levels and nutrient availability.

Water Holding Capacity (WHC)

  • Evaluates the soil’s capacity to retain water, which affects plant water availability and irrigation needs.

Texture Analysis

  • Determines the soil texture (e.g., sand, silt, clay), influencing water retention, drainage, and nutrient availability.

Compost/Manure and Industrial Waste Analysis

  • Assesses the quality and nutrient content of compost, manure, or industrial waste materials when used as soil amendments.

Plant Testing

Nutrient Analysis (N, P, K)

  • Measures nutrient levels in plant tissues to assess nutritional status and identify deficiencies or excesses.

Chlorophyll Analysis

  • Determines chlorophyll content, which reflects the plant’s photosynthetic activity and overall health.

Water Testing

pH (Acidity/Alkalinity)

  • Evaluates water pH, crucial for aquatic life and irrigation suitability.

Electrical Conductivity (EC)

  • Measures water’s electrical conductivity to assess salinity levels.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

  • Determines the amount of dissolved solids in water, affecting its quality for drinking or agricultural use.

Total Hardness

  • Assesses water hardness due to calcium and magnesium content, impacting water quality and usage.

Seed Quality and Health Testing

1. Purity Testing: To determine the percentage of pure seed in a sample, excluding inert matter and other crop seeds.

2. Germination Testing: To assess the ability of seeds to sprout and develop into healthy plants.

3. Viability / Tetrazolium Test: This biochemical test assesses seed viability by staining living tissues of seeds with a colorless compound that turns red in the presence of dehydrogenase enzyme activity.

4. Vigor Testing: To evaluate the potential for rapid and uniform emergence of seedlings under a wide range of field conditions.

5. Health Testing: To detect the presence of seed-borne pathogens, pests, or diseases.

6. Moisture Content Testing: To measure the moisture content of seeds, which is crucial for storage and longevity.


Soil, Water and Plant Testing Charges w.e.f. 01 January, 2026

S.N.Material TypeCharges (Per Sample) Rs.
Complete Test (Chemical and Physical)Chemical Test Only (N,P,K,OC, pH, EC)  Physical Test Only (WHC, BD, Texture)
1.Soil (Agriculture Land)1000/-800/-200/-
2.Compost / Manure  800/-
3.Industry waste/ Other1200/-
4.Water700/-
(pH, EC, TDS and Total Hardness- Ca+Mg)
5.Plant1300/- (NPK and Chlorophyll)500/- (N,P,K)700/-
(Only Chlorophyll)

Seed Testing Charges w.e.f. 01 January, 2026

S.N.Testing Charges Per Sample (Rs.)
Individual TestComplete (All) Tests
1.Purity Testing300/-2000/-
2.Germination Testing  500/-
3.Viability / Tetrazolium Test500/-
4.Vigor Testing300/-
5.Health Testing500/-
6.Moisture Content Testing300/-

Indian Academy of Rural Development (IARD)