Course: SLF 150 Pasture Management

Reading & Audio Visual

Interpreting Soil Test Results
Content adapted from Boundless Biology, Nutritional Adaptations of Plants, CC BY-SA 3.0
https://www.boundless.com/biology/soil-and-plant-nutrition/nutritional-adaptations-of-plants/
Interpreting Soil Test Results

From your assignment in Unit 1, the company or university extension office you send the soil sample to will send you a report on your soil sample. When you send in your soil sample you specify what you want to of intend to grow on the soil, and then the tester will make recommendations based on results. Recommendations could include changing lime, nitrogen, phosphate and potassium levels.
Let’s take a closer look at what a soil test report looks like. While  soil tests may vary slightly depending on the state that issues them, the main sections will be very similar.

Example: Interpreting Missouri Soil Test Reports
Open the link above to see one example of a typical soil test report.

The information included in this soil test report is separated into categories labeled A – I and their corresponding explanations. Read the example and explanations carefully to help you understand their meanings.

Soil test reports can sometimes be confusing, and so it is important to be familiar with the layout and interpretations. Your local extension center and county agronomist can help you interpret your results if there is something you do not understand.

For your assignment this week you will be looking at a similar soil test report and interpreting the comments. Next we will discuss timing and application of fertilizers recommended by a soil test report.
Additional Resources

University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension

Purdue University Extension