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Soil Test Interpretation Guide

Donald Horneck, Dan Sullivan, Jim Owen and, John Hart (July, 2011)

Summary

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. For each test, the document describes what is measured, recommends how and when to test, indicates levels at which test results suggest deficiencies or excessive concentrations, and suggests solutions to correct soil imbalances. It includes a conversion table for units commonly used in soil tests and a list of additional sources of information.