WHAT IS SOIL HEALTH CARD SCHEME/DETAIL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOIL HEALTH CARD SCHEME
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WHAT IS SOIL HEALTH CARD SCHEME ?
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme is India's flagship soil testing initiative launched by PM Modi in February 2015. Under the scheme, every farmer's agricultural land is tested for 12 soil health parameters including major nutrients (N, P, K), secondary nutrients (S, Ca, Mg), and micro-nutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Mo) every 3 years. Based on test results, a Soil Health Card is issued — a printed/digital report showing soil nutrient status and crop-specific fertiliser recommendations (how much urea, DAP, potash to use). The scheme has issued over 23 crore soil health cards to date, saving farmers money on excess fertiliser use while improving crop yields by 5-6%. Under Budget 2025-26, the scheme is being expanded with digital soil map creation.
Soil Health Card Scheme — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Soil Health Card Scheme India 2026 — Free Soil Testing & Fertiliser Recommendations for Farmers |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2015 |
| Benefit | Free soil testing every 3 years | 12-parameter nutrient analysis | Crop-specific fertiliser recommendations | Saves 10-15% fertiliser cost | Improves crop yield 5-6% |
| Category | Agriculture |
| Last Verified | 2 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://soilhealth.dac.gov.in |
Benefits of Soil Health Card Scheme
Free soil testing every 3 years | 12-parameter nutrient analysis | Crop-specific fertiliser recommendations | Saves 10-15% fertiliser cost | Improves crop yield 5-6%
Who is Eligible for Soil Health Card Scheme?
✓Any farmer with agricultural land in India
✓Soil testing done every 3 years per grid (2.5 ha in irrigated, 10 ha in rainfed areas)
✓No application required from farmer — Block Agriculture Office collects soil samples
✓Farmer can also request soil testing voluntarily at Block Agriculture Office
✓Both kharif and rabi crop land covered
🔬 What Does the Soil Health Card Test?
The Soil Health Card analyses 12 important soil parameters:
🟢 Macronutrients
| Nutrient | Importance |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | Leaf growth, plant development and protein formation |
| Phosphorus (P) | Root growth, flowering and energy transfer |
| Potassium (K) | Disease resistance, water regulation and overall plant strength |
🟡 Secondary Nutrient
| Nutrient | Importance |
|---|---|
| Sulphur (S) | Protein formation and oil production |
🔵 Micronutrients
- Zinc (Zn) – Enzyme activity and plant growth
- Iron (Fe) – Chlorophyll formation
- Copper (Cu) – Enzyme activity and reproductive growth
- Manganese (Mn) – Photosynthesis and enzyme function
- Boron (B) – Flowering, pollination and fruit development
🧪 Soil Properties
- pH – Indicates whether the soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline.
- EC (Electrical Conductivity) – Indicates the level of soluble salts and salinity.
- OC (Organic Carbon) – Indicates the organic matter and biological fertility of the soil.
📄 What Information Does a Soil Health Card Provide?
A Soil Health Card generally provides:
- Farmer and farm details
- Location of the land
- Soil sample details
- Test results for 12 soil parameters
- Nutrient deficiency information
- Crop-wise fertilizer recommendations
- Recommended dosage of nutrients
- Suggestions for soil amendments
- Recommendations for improving long-term soil fertility
The recommendations can help farmers decide what to apply, how much to apply, and for which crop.
🧑🌾 How Does the Scheme Work?
Step 1: Soil Sample Collection
A soil sample is collected from the farmer's field using scientific sampling procedures.
Historically, grid-based sampling used:
- 2.5 hectares for irrigated areas
- 10 hectares for rainfed areas
Farm-holding-based testing has also been adopted in model villages and other areas.
Step 2: Sample Registration
The soil sample is registered in the Soil Health Card system.
Step 3: Laboratory Testing
The sample is tested in an authorised soil testing laboratory for the 12 parameters.
Step 4: Scientific Analysis
The test results are analysed to identify:
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Excess nutrients
- Soil acidity or alkalinity
- Salinity problems
- Organic carbon status
Step 5: Crop-Specific Recommendations
Based on the soil test results, recommendations are generated for suitable fertilizer and soil management practices.
Step 6: Soil Health Card Generation
The farmer receives a Soil Health Card containing the test results and recommendations. The Soil Health Card portal supports standardized generation of cards and fertilizer recommendations.( Press Note Details: Press Information Bureau)
📅 How Often Is the Soil Health Card Issued?
The scheme is designed to provide farmers with updated soil health information approximately once every two years, helping farmers monitor changes in soil fertility and nutrient status over time
🌍 Overall Importance
The Soil Health Card Scheme changes farming from guess-based fertilizer application to soil-test-based nutrient management. Instead of asking “How much fertilizer did I use last season?”, farmers can make decisions based on “What does my soil actually need for this crop?”
This helps improve soil fertility, crop productivity, fertilizer efficiency, farm profitability, and long-term agricultural sustainability.
“Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa” – Healthy Earth, Green Farm.