How often should I get my soil tested?

As a general rule, get your soil tested once every two to three years for the same field. Soil nutrient status does not change overnight, so testing every season is not needed, but over two to three crop cycles your soil changes because of the crops you grow, the fertiliser and manure you add, and your irrigation water. Under the scheme the cards are usually issued on a cycle of about every two to three years for each holding, so your next card may already be due. Test sooner if you see a clear problem, for example sudden poor growth, salt crusts, water-logging, a switch to a very different crop, or if you have just added a lot of amendments and want to check the result. The macronutrient and organic carbon picture is worth rechecking on this two to three year cycle, while a known micronutrient deficiency like zinc can be monitored along with it. Ask your block agriculture office when the next sampling round is due in your village so you are included.