Sample ID

CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity)

pH

BpH (Buffer pH)

OM (Organic Matter)

P_Olsen or P_B1(Bray) (Phosphorus)

K (Potassium)

Zn (Zinc)

PROD_INDEX (Crop Productivity Layer)

Salt 1 (Soluble Salts)

CCE% (Calcium Carbonate Equivalent)

Soil Test Results Table (pg 1)

Soil Test Results Table (pg 1)

CEC is used as an indicator of soil texture. In short, it mostly measures the amount of clay in the soil.

The measurement of either acidity or alkalinity of a soil. In chemistry, a pH of 7 is precisely neutral. In crop production, neutral soils are considered to be in the pH range of 6.6 to 7.3.

(Only tested in soils with a pH = or below 6.0) BpH is only used to determine levels of lime to be applied in an acid soil. In short, it considers the CEC (soil texture) to prevent over application in sandy soils and increases rates of lime for heavier soils.

OM is generally the stage where plant residue is in the process of being consumed by a myriad of living organisms (I.e. animals, worms, insects, bacteria, fungi, etc). OM and high levels of soil organisms is highly important for a viable soil. It is a huge contributor for essential plant nutrients. OM also helps maintain soil tilth, holds moisture, and helps maintain or build soil structure.

Soil testing laboratories use various chemical solutions to determine levels of different nutrients in soil samples. If a soil has a pH of 7.0 or greater then a specific solution called an Olson is used to determine the level of plant available Phosphorus. The ideal index for maximizing crop yields with an Olson test is currently set at 20 or better for this region of the US.

If a soil has a pH of less than 7.0, then a specific solution called a Bray 1 is used to determine the level of plant available Phosphorus. The ideal index for maximizing crop yields with a Bray test is currently set at 25 for this region of the US.

K indicates levels of plant available Potassium in most soil situations. Note that either dry soils or no-till can result in Potassium deficiencies even with a high soil test level. The ideal index for maximizing crop yields is 200 or better for this region of the US.

Corn is especially sensitive to Zinc deficiencies and every opportunity you may have to apply Zinc to corn should result in a yield increase. Current soil test index numbers are woefully inadequate. 1 ppm is an absolute minimum, 3 ppm is probably more realistic. In addition to maintaining a high level in the soil, yields should increase with Zinc coated seed, another increase with Zinc in starter fertilizer, and another increase with Zinc applied at about V-4 to V-5.

Based on the SOIL TYPE Layer, this is an indication of the productivity of the soil.

Higher levels indicate a need for field tile drainage. Any mineral that dissolves in soil water is included in Soluble Salts. If you notice white on the soil surface, this is Soluble Salts left when soil water evaporates. High enough levels will sterilize the soil; high levels will impede soybean growth and be a contributing factor to Iron Chlorosis Deficiency. Some corn hybrids are also susceptible to high levels.

5 % is high. Soils with a pH of 7.3 and above are tested for Calcium Carbonate levels. CCE (and Soluble Salts - SS) is a contributing factor in Iron Chlorosis in soybeans. CCE also ties up important nutrients such as Phosphorus, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Boron, etc. High levels require increased management. If there is high CCE, insure tile is adequate to reduce Soluble Salts. Some corn hybrids may be susceptible to high CCE together with salts. Note there is an inverse relationship with CCE and salts; if CCE is high - salts need to be low; if CCE is low - salts can be a little higher before crop damage results.

Complete Soil Test results all in a Summary.

Complete Soil Test results all in a Summary.