Soil Health Card Online: Check Status & Download

What is Soil Health Card?

The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme is a Government of India initiative launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. It provides farmers with a printed report card containing the nutrient status of their soil along with recommendations for appropriate dosage of fertilizers and nutrients.

Key features:

• Free soil testing for all farmers
• Customized recommendations for 12 key soil parameters
• Issued every 2 years for each farm holding (crop cycle-based)
• Covers all farmers — no income or land size restriction
• Available in local languages for easy understanding
• Over 23 crore cards issued across India since launch

The scheme aims to promote balanced use of fertilizers, improve soil health, and increase crop productivity by 15-20%.

Who is Eligible?

• All farmers in India — landowners, tenant farmers, and sharecroppers
• No minimum land holding requirement
• No income limit
• Any crop type — food grains, horticulture, cash crops, plantation crops
• Farm must be located in India

What Does the Soil Health Card Show?

The card reports on 12 parameters in 3 categories:

Macro Nutrients

Secondary Nutrients

Micro Nutrients

Other Parameters

• pH level — soil acidity/alkalinity
• Electrical Conductivity (EC) — salt content
• Organic Carbon (OC) — soil fertility indicator

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card or any government ID
• Land records (khata/khasra number) — if available
• Mobile number — for SMS updates and OTP verification

No formal documents are strictly required. Even tenant farmers without land records can get their soil tested through the Gram Panchayat or agriculture department.

How to Get a Soil Health Card

Through Agriculture Department (Most Common)

1. Contact your local agriculture department or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
2. Provide your farm details — location, survey number, crop pattern
3. Agriculture officials collect soil samples from your farm
4. Samples are tested at district/state soil testing laboratories
5. Soil Health Card is generated and delivered to you (typically within 3-6 months)

Online Registration

1. Visit soilhealth.dac.gov.in
2. Click "Farmer's Corner" or "Register"
3. Select your state and enter personal details
4. Enter farm details — village, survey number, area, irrigation type
5. Submit the request for soil testing
6. Agriculture staff will visit your farm for sample collection
7. Card is generated online after testing — you can download it from the portal

Through Common Service Centre (CSC)

1. Visit your nearest CSC centre
2. Request Soil Health Card registration
3. Provide your farm and personal details
4. CSC operator will register you on the portal

How to Check Soil Health Card Status & Download

Online Method

1. Visit soilhealth.dac.gov.in
2. Click "Farmer's Corner" → "Print Your Soil Health Card"
3. Select your state, district, sub-district, and village
4. Enter your name or farmer ID
5. View and download your Soil Health Card as PDF
6. Print the card for your records

Via SMS

• Soil test results and card status updates are sent via SMS to your registered mobile number

At Agriculture Office

• Visit your Block Agriculture Office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra with your farmer ID to get a printed copy

Fees

The entire scheme is fully funded by the central and state governments. No fee is charged to farmers at any stage.

How to Use Your Soil Health Card

1. Read the nutrient status — each parameter is rated as Low, Medium, or High
2. Follow the fertilizer recommendations specific to your soil and target crop
3. Reduce over-fertilization — many farmers use excess urea; the card helps balance usage
4. Compare cards over time — soil health should improve with balanced fertilizer use
5. Consult your local agriculture officer if you need help understanding recommendations

Important Tips

1. Get soil tested every 2 years — soil conditions change with each crop cycle
2. Collect soil samples correctly — take samples from 6-8 spots across your field at 6-inch depth, mix them, and send about 500 grams for testing
3. Follow the card's recommendations strictly — they are customized for your soil and target crop
4. Don't over-apply urea — the card often shows farmers use too much nitrogen; follow the recommended balance
5. Keep your mobile number updated for SMS alerts about soil testing schedules and results

Related Guides

• Kisan Credit Card Apply — agricultural credit at subsidized interest
• PM Vishwakarma Yojana — benefits for traditional artisans

FAQs

Is the Soil Health Card free?

Yes. Soil sample collection, testing, and card issuance are completely free under the government scheme. No charges at any stage.

How often is the Soil Health Card issued?

The card is issued once every 2 years (one crop cycle). Farmers should get fresh soil testing done every 2 years to track changes in soil health.

Can tenant farmers get a Soil Health Card?

Yes. Tenant farmers and sharecroppers can also get soil tested and receive a Soil Health Card. Land ownership documents are not mandatory — you can register through your Gram Panchayat.

How do I download my Soil Health Card online?

Visit soilhealth.dac.gov.in → Farmer's Corner → Print Your Soil Health Card. Select your state, district, and village, then search by your name or farmer ID to download the PDF.

What if my soil has low nutrients?

The Soil Health Card provides specific recommendations for each deficient nutrient — including the type and quantity of fertilizer to apply for your target crop. Follow these recommendations and consult your local agriculture officer for guidance.

How long does it take to get the Soil Health Card?

After soil sample collection, testing and card generation typically takes 3-6 months. You will receive SMS updates on your registered mobile number. The card can be downloaded online once ready.

Can I get soil tested for my kitchen garden or small plot?

The scheme primarily targets agricultural land, but you can request soil testing for any land through your local agriculture department or KVK. Small and marginal farmers are given priority.

This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with the Government of India. For official information, visit soilhealth.dac.gov.in. Information is accurate as of March 2026 — verify details on the official portal.