Soil Fertility

How to Read Your 
Soil Test Report

Understanding your soil report is crucial for turning numbers into real-world agronomic decisions. Here’s how to break it down for effective fertility management:

Soil pH

Indicates acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Ideal range for most crops: 6.0 to 7.5. Below 5.5: Strongly acidic, may require lime. Above 8.0: Alkaline, may impact micronutrient availability.

Reflects the percentage of decomposed plant/animal residues. Higher organic matter improves soil structure, water holding, and nutrient supply, contributing to overall soil health. 3-6% is typical in prairie soils; over 7% is excellent.

  • Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO3-N): Fuel for vegetative growth and crop development.
  • Olsen Phosphorus (P): Critical for early root development and energy transfer, essential for phosphorus fertility.
  • Potassium (K): Key for water regulation and disease resistance, vital for potassium uptake.
  • Sulfur (S): Vital for protein synthesis and nitrogen use efficiency, a core element of sulfur nutrition.
  • Recommended levels vary by crop, your agronomist will help interpret them crop-by-crop for tailored fertility recommendations.
  • Calcium (Ca): Supports cell wall strength and root development, important for calcium fertility.
  • Magnesium (Mg): Core component of chlorophyll (photosynthesis), crucial for plant energy production.
  • Sodium (Na): Excessive levels indicate potential salinity or poor drainage problems, impacting soil health.

Often limiting in high-value crops like canola, corn, pulses. Deficiencies in Zinc (Zn) or Boron (B) are common yield limiters but easy to correct with the right products once identified, a key aspect of micronutrient management.

Indicates nutrient holding power. <10: Light sandy soils. 10–20: Loamy soils (average). >20: Heavy clays with high fertility potential. High CEC soils can buffer more nutrients, but lower CEC soils require more precision timing for nutrient applications.

Measure overall soil salinity levels. EC < 1.0: Generally safe. EC > 2.0: Potential salinity issues that could impact emergence and yield.