Secondary and micronutrient guidelines for tennessee pdf using the presidedress nitraten soil test psnt for nitrogen management in corn production systems pdf. Interpretations of a number of commonly used soil testsrelating test levels to generalfertility categoriesare given later in the chapter see tables 21. A soil test provides basic information on the nutrientsupplying capacity of the soil. The soil tests were run by different procedures, to provide examples from around the u. How to interpret my soil test report smart fertilizer. Assessing soil quality and interpreting soil test results introduction soil quality, in a viticultural context, can be thought of as the soils ability to support grapevine growth and the production of a crop with consideration to both yield and quality without resulting in soil degradation or harm to the environment. Test methods for the examination, composting and compost tmecc developed by the us composting council have been adopted by the umass soil and plant tissue lab for. Zinc is fixed by iron on red basaltic soils, and since boron leaches easily, deficiencies are quite common on the north coast, particularly in horticultural crops.
Soil test results will detect nutrient deficiencies, excesses or imbalances. Interpretation of soil testing results 115 recommended soil testing procedures for the northeastern united states last revised 102009 using these definitions, the break in soil test levels between the below optimum and optimum categories is fairly clear. We assume that a soil sample accurately represents the soil and crop conditions in the field or area that is sampled. The procedure for interpreting the meaning f soil test indices is to use data from longo term experiments and to conduct new field alibration studies by growing crops in fields c ith a predetermined soil test value. The soil test to determine available phosphorus is the bray i or weak bray test. Interpreting soil test results what do all the numbers mean.
Soil type nutrient opinion interpreting your soil test results. Ratings indicates how high or low your soil is considered in each category. To further ensure consistency, routinely use a lab you. Nutrients are applied even though the soil test level for these nutrients may be sufficient. The results of the t test analysis revealed that there was significant positive difference in camg ratio, kmg ratio, clay, na, %bs. Assessing soil quality and interpreting soil test results. Depending on the soil analysis requested, the lab results for p, k and other elements will be shown. Union cottage, depot campus, mansfield interpretation of soil test results. Soil test interpretation is based on the results of trials and research which have been used to calibrate soil test values to yield response. For example, a potassium soil test value of 193 ppm equates to 386 lbsacre of exchangeable k in the top six inches of soil. Interpreting soil tests and micronutrient management. Soil sampling should be well planned and preformed. Reading and interpreting soil test reports unit overview soil analyses can help form the basis of a sound soil fertility and plant nutrition program.
Also, test soil for soluble h2o cations especially calcium and. The fertilizer rates listed are based on the soil test results in the bar graph to make it. Both colour and texture are indicators of properties of the soil and are taken into account when interpreting other soil chemical results. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a u. Consistency is essential for soil test results to be useful and comparable from year to year. See what fertilizers are recommended in the text below recommendations.
The soil test results are used to classify the soils into a soil index for each nutrient. It also contains a comprehensive description of the soil properties relevant to many environmental and natural land. A short explanation of how to read the graphs is 23 of the way down the lefthand column of the explanation of soil test report page. The agronomy handbook is a comprehensive resource that discusses soil properties, plant essential nutrients, as well as soil test results and recommendations. One example contains recommendations for a home lawn and the other example contains recommendations for a vegetable garden. Four inches is good for golf turf and 6 inches is recommended for lawns and athletic fields. A soil test is an important management tool for developing an efficient soil fertility program, as well as monitoring a field for potential soil and water management problems. In 1997, a new soil test report form was developed for reporting soil test results and limestone and fertilizer recommendations. Soil test reports vary from laboratory to laboratory.
This is information you provided upon submitting your sample. Organic matter results from partly decayed plant and animal. To determine the proper sampling depth, you must consider the purpose of. Interpreting soil test results for the northern region translating soil test results into kilograms of fertiliser per hectare can be a challenge, especially in the northern region, where there is the added requirement to sometimes place nutrients at depth. Therefore, r t is possible to separate treatment effects i from effects due to soil. Soil test results that fall outside these ranges deserve a closer look. Uga soil, plant, and water laboratory when it expanded its analytical services to water testing. Figures 1, 2, and 3 are the front and back of the soil information form mp188 and the soil test report form mp189 currently being used. Interpreting lawn and garden soil test results garden, interpret, lawn, ornamental, result, soil, soil report, soil result, soil test, turf, yard the soil test report for your lawn or garden soil sample will mean little to you unless you understand the terms and numbers used. Iron, manganese and zinc are all readily available in the north coasts acid soils. To obtain meaningful and accurate soil test results, it is important to collect soil samples from the correct depth and from multiple locations within a field. Immobile nutrients the results for phosphorus p, potassium k, zinc zn, and other nutrient results.
Interpreting soil test results what do all the numbers. Interpreting soil test results is a practical reference enabling soil scientists, environmental scientists, environmental engineers, land holders and others involved in land management to better understand a range of soil test methods and interpret the results of these tests. Understanding the numbers on your soil test report uaex. Interpreting mehlich 1 and 3 soil test extractant results for. Soil availabilities vary with texture, soil moisture. This publication provides an overview of soil testing and general guidelines for interpreting soil test results for nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, molybdenum, chloride, sodium, soluble salts, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, ph, and lime. Test results from regular field sampling particularly from benchmark sites allow armonitoring and detection of changes in soil parameters e. Develop fertilizer rates specific to your soil and crop. These results are used to develop fertilizer recommendations. Omafra fertilizer guidelines are based on the olsen. Soil test level maintenance is accomplished by fertilizing nutrients removed by crop harvest. The new forms made it possible to report soil test results both numerically and graphically.
Soil organic matter is estimated, and from that a number is derived for the amount of nitrogen the soil will probably supply. Interpretation of soil test results extension store. Interpretation of results teagasc agriculture and food. Reading and interpreting soil test reports introduction 431 lecture 1. Fertilizer w is added in increments such as 20, 40, 60, r 80 pounds per acre.
Interpreting soil test results is a practical reference for those who need to interpret results from laboratory analysis of soil. Interpreting soil testing laboratory results for vegetable crops. The results of the ttest analysis revealed that there was significant positive difference in camg ratio, kmg ratio, clay, na, %bs. Organic carbon is a measure of the organic matter present in soil. Result interpretation department of primary industries. Soil testing is the most accurate way to determine lime and nutrient needs. Soil analysis results must be interpreted within the context of expected yield response for the crop to be grown under specific environmental and management. Based on the questions to be answered with test results, select the speci. Soil type is reported as the colour and the texture of the soil. Taking a soil sample correctly is the number one step for getting reliable soil test results.
Soil sampling and laboratory selection mt44491 soil sampling strategies mt200803ag. It allows you to monitor soil fertility levels, identify potential for nutrient deficiencies, and make fertilizer decisions based on the best possible information. Each fertilizer rate is o applied to specific plot areas or to several. Soil tests are particularly important for homeowners who suspect nutrient deficiencies in their plants, have overapplied nutrients. The procedure for interpreting the meaning of soil test indices is to use data from longterm experiments and to conduct field calibration studies by growing crops in fields with a predetermined soil test value. Appropriate analyses are summarized in this publication, and the interpretation is presented for new. The analytical methods used by the laboratory were developed for climate and soil types common to new england and the northeastern u. Interpreting soil test results for the northern region grdc. Nutrient concentrations vary with soil depth, which affects soil test results. Read download interpreting soil test results pdf pdf. Soil nutrient deficiencies decrease soil quality and increase the risks of plant. Mississippi state university is an equal opportunity institution. However, a test is not reliable if the soil sample is taken incorrectly or improperly. Soil ph and lime recommendations soil ph is a measurement of a soils acidity.
For example, changing soil sampling depth from 3 to 6 inches will drastically change soil test results. Interpretation of soil test reports for agriculture. Pay attention to the extractant used for your soil test. These converted p and k calibrations for the mehlich 3 soil test extractant as derived from the kentucky correlations and current mehlich 1 calibrations at the university of tennessee are listed in table 2. This time of year provides an excellent opportunity to soil sample your. Interpreting your soil test results center for agriculture. In this unit, students will learn how to collect soil samples for laboratory analysis, and interpret and use soil analysis report data as a tool for soil quality assessment. Levels of nutrients lab uses extraction techniques that approximate amount of nutrients present in soil sample that will be available within a typical growing season optimal extraction technique varies with. They cannot, however, identify problems due to disease, insect pests, pesticides or poor cultural practices.
The interpretation section focuses on four of the important soil test results phosphorus, potassium, ph, and soluble salts and gives an explanation of them in graphical format. Soil ph and limestone recommendations soil ph is a measurement of a soils acidity. Interpreting soil test results sustainable agriculture. It has a comprehensive listing of the soil properties relevant to most environmental and natural land resource issues and investigations. Interpreting soil test results mississippi state university. Understanding the soil test report page 2 of 7 soil test results ph the soils level of acidity, or ph, affects the availability of nutrients to the crop. University of tennessee fertilizer recommendations are the most profitable tested pdf. Fertilizer is only recommended for a single growing season. K extractable potassium co2 is the amount available to the crop in a growing season. The ph scales ranges from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline or basic. Interpreting soil testing laboratory results for vegetable. Developing fertilizer recommendations for agriculture mt200703. Soil testing is also useful for identifying contaminated sites e. The precursor to this book, what do all the numbers mean.
Using soil test results for garden fertilization university of idaho. Publications interpreting mehlich 1 and mehlich 3 soil test extractant results for p and k in tennessee pdf. Interpreting mehlich 1 and 3 soil test extractant results. Simplifying soil test interpretations for turf professionals. Plan soil sampling to allow adequate time for soil analysis and fertilizer purchase prior to application and a minimum of 10 samples should be collected and composited mixed from each. Other useful measures on the report, such as cation exchange capacity cec, organic matter, and base saturation, further define soil factors related to nutrient. Soil n hort crops have high n reqmts and yields are v. The example soil test reports are in exactly the same format as the one you received in the mail from the university of minnesota soil testing laboratory. Understanding and interpreting your soil analysis report all analyses and recommendations are based on the sample as submitted to the laboratory. For example, the olsen or sodium bicarbonate extraction is the omafraaccredited test for phosphorus. The kmg ratio increased with soil depth except eroded site 1. Many labs estimate the cation exchange capacity that would exist at ph 7 or even. Soil testing is an important tool for growing healthy lawns and gardens. For example, the sample site should be far from roads, fences, tree groups, piles of fertilizers and manure or any other.
A test run on samples taken in november to allow time for lime applications to react for spring would not give reliable results about the nitrogen status of that soil in march. It also covers soil sampling, fertilizer application methods, nutrient deficiency symptoms in plants, plant tissue analysis, nutrient uptake and removal in crops, and conversion factors. The objective of soil testing is to determine the nutrient status of a field and to provide measurement of nutrient variability. The ph scale ranges from 1 to 14, with a ph of 7 being. Soil test interpretation guide osu extension catalog. The soil is categorised into a soil index for each of the nutrients. By numbers, the largest biological group in soil are bacteria figure 3. Fertilizer and lime recom mendations are also based on crop rotations, soil texture, plant variety and yield. Interpreting your soil test results for lawns and gardens. For each test, the document describes what is measured, recommends how and when. Heavy soils have a bulk density of about 1 g per cubic centimeter. Fertilizer is added in increments such as 20, 40, 60, or 80 pounds per acre. Various other sources should be consulted for more indepth discussion of soil test interpretations and information on missouris soil testing program.
124 372 907 30 1375 458 22 1444 945 651 1069 1301 1470 391 67 326 898 1176 128 1502 1537 1006 851 854 656 398 1023 1219 1133 858 1456 157 832 1406 245 1035 867 419 182 793 1112 1417 246 347 973 513 814