The sanitary number (sanitary indicator) is an indicator of the sanitary condition of the soil. It is expressed as the ratio of the amount of humus nitrogen to the total amount of organic nitrogen in the soil. This indicator is used to evaluate the quality of soil and its suitability for various uses such as agriculture, landscaping or construction.
The sanitary number shows the content of organic nitrogen in the soil cover. The higher the sanitary number, the more organic nitrogen is contained in the soil and the higher its fertility. However, a high sanitary number can also indicate the presence of toxic substances in the soil, such as heavy metals or pesticides.
To determine the sanitary number, it is necessary to analyze the soil for nitrogen and humus content. Then the ratio between these two indicators is calculated. The resulting sanitary number can be used to determine the suitability of the soil for various purposes.
It is important to note that the value of the sanitary number depends on many factors, including soil type, age, climate and use. Therefore, to obtain accurate results, it is necessary to conduct soil analysis in accordance with the methods and standards established by the relevant organizations.