I collected samples for soil testing in the fall of 2019 because I figured I should get a baseline before I started intensively grazing and, also, just because it's what people say you're supposed to do? I admit though that I've never done anything with these results because I don't know what they mean! I don't know how to read them and I don't know where the levels should be. Anyone have any tips for reading and understanding soil test results? Attaching one of our results.
Hello Emily,
I'm still learning how to operate in this forum. Below is my response to your post that I accidentally posted separately.
Sorry I'm late to the party.
I'd agree with Jeremy. He knows his stuff.
However, I'd have to respectfully disagree with Justin M on some things he said, but I also agree with some things he said.
T
hings I disagree with Justin on:
Plant's don't take up organic compounds, but in fact do absorb ionic forms of nutrients. The report you show in your picture is very reliable regarding the fertilizers recommended. Many decades or research, man hours, and research dollars are behind the recommendations in the soil report you showed. Soil health tests are valuable to track soil function (soil health) improvements on a single field over time, but not necessarily for fertilizer recommendations. Nutrient concentration (in AR at least) do not increase as you move down the profile, but in most cases actually decrease the deeper in the soil you go. We recommend a 4in soil sample depth in AR for fertilizer recommendations in forages.
Thing I think Justin is absolutely correct on:
There is so much going on in the soil. Biological, physical, and chemical processes all play a role. His comments on root growth and proper grazing management is vital to help the soil function to it's maximum capacity. This is why we are all here!
If you'd like further guidance on your soil report, please don't hesitate to reach out. My email is
mfryer@uada.edu. Give me a call at 501-671-2176. As a soils instructor for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, helping you is one of the things I get paid to do, so don't feel like you are a bother at all.