Page 122 - Nutrient Management Planning Guide

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Chapter 3.4

Key information in a soil analysis report •

includes: client information, sample identification, date sample was received and processed, nutrient analyses, soil quality parameters (e.g., pH, organic matter, EC) and fertilizer recommendations. Soils with pH near 7.0 are considered •

neutral. Extremes in pH will affect crop productivity. Fertilizer recommendations are adjusted for reduced yields. High soil salinity causes poor and spotty •

crop stands, uneven and stunted growth, and poor yields. Fertilizer recommendations are adjusted for reduced yields. Cation exchange capacity indicates the •

ability of a soil to retain nutrients in the root zone. It can be estimated from the clay and organic matter content of soil.

Organic matter acts as a revolving nutrient •

bank account by releasing crop available nutrients over an extended period. Soil texture directly affects soil water •

holding capacity and water infiltration rate, and indirectly affects soil fertility through CEC. Crop yield potential is directly related •

to stored soil water plus growing season rainfall or irrigation. Fertilizer recommendations may vary •

considerably among labs because of different analytical methods, yield response models, yield predictions, expected precipitation and fertilizer use efficiency.

summary