Page 109 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

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Practical Use of Soil Analysis Results

Soils that test in the deficient range for a particular nutrient have a high probability of improved yield if that nutrient is applied. Soils that test in the adequate range are not likely to see an improvement in yield as a result of nutrient application (Table 3.4.2).

Table 3.4.2 Generalized Deficient, Marginal, and Adequate Ranges of Various Crop Nutrients for Alberta Soils

Soil Test Nutrient

Depth, cm (in)

Classification 1

Deficient 2 Marginal Adequate

Nitrate-Nitrogen (Dryland) (lb/ac)

0–60 cm (0–24 in)

< 11 11–20 21–30 31–40 41–50 51–60 61–70 71–80 > 80

Nitrate-Nitrogen (Irrigated) (lb/ac)

0–60 cm (0–24 in)

< 21 21–40 41–60 61–80 81–100 101–120 121–140 141–160 > 160

Phosphorus (lb/ac)

0–15 cm (0–6 in)

< 11 11–20 21–25 26–30 31–40 41–50 51–70 71–90 > 90

Potassium (lb/ac)

0–15 cm (0–6 in)

< 51 51–100 101–150 151–200 201–250 251–300 301–400 401–600 > 600

Sulphur (lb/ac)

0–60 cm (0–24 in)

< 6 6–10 11–15 16–20 21–25 26–30 31–40 41–50 > 50

Copper (ppm)

0–15 cm (0–6 in)

< 0.5 0.5-1.0 > 1.0

Manganese (ppm)

0–15 cm (0–6 in)

< 1.0 1.0-2.0 > 2.0

Iron (ppm)

0–15 cm (0–6 in)

< 2.0 2.0-4.0 > 4.0

Zinc (ppm)

0–15 cm (0–6 in)

< 0.5 0.5-1.0 > 1.0

Boron 1 (ppm)

0–15 cm (0–6 in)

< 0.35 0.35-0.50 0.50-3.50

Chloride (ppm)

0–15 cm (0–6 in)

< 15.0 16-30 > 30

Adapted from Kryzanowski et al., 1988

1 Nutrient range for each classification will vary with crop type and soil zone.

2 Boron levels above 3.5 ppm are considered excessive.

3 To convert lb/ac to kg/ha, multiply by 1.1206.