Nutrient Management Research Database

General Information

Soil Testing for Nutrient Availability Procedures and Interpretation for California Vegetable Crop Production

Crop: Beet, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, Peppers, Potato, Tomato

Soil Type:

State: California

Year: 2007

T.K. Hartz

The paper elaborates on the key components of accurately testing soil nutrient levels, and how to interpret and act on the test results.
The paper instructs on the following topics:

1) Soil sample collection

2) Sample handling

3) The range of soil analytical methods for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, and micronutrients Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu.

4) Conversion between test result units.

5) Interpreting test results, including threshold levels that indicate if crops will show yield increases with fertilization.