How to Read a Soil Test Report

Soil test reports indicate nutrient levels.

A variety of companies and local extension agencies will test samples of your soil to determine the level of nutrients that it contains. After you send them a sample, their labs develop a soil report that indicates their findings. Although the report is not difficult to understand, it uses technical gardening terms that may be unfamiliar to novice gardeners. Once you understand how to read a soil test report, you will know what soil amendments, if any, you need to apply.

Instructions

1. Look on the report page until you see the pH level section. This section will display a number between 5 and 7.3 which indicates the pH level of the soil sample you sent them. A pH level of 6.6 to 7.3 is neutral, while levels below 6.6 are acidic and levels above 7.3 are alkaline.

2. Look for a section on the nutrient analysis, which is sometimes labeled "Results." This section lists how much nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and sometimes magnesium are in the soil sample. The results are displayed in a rate of pounds per acre. This section also typically has a bar graph that visually indicates high and low levels of the various nutrients.

3. Read the section on soil composition to find out what your soil is made of. The report will list the amount of sand, clay and silt in the sample.

4. Locate a section on soil amendment recommendations, which are also sometimes labeled "Lime" or "Sulfur." Lime and sulfur are added to the soil to adjust the pH levels. If your soil sample needs adjusting, this section will tell you which substance to apply and the proper rate at which to apply it.

5. Examine the section on "Fertilizer Recommendations." This area give you instructions on what type of fertilizer to add to your soil based on the plants that you specified in your original soil test request.

6. Read the final section, which indicates comments or a summary from the testing facility. This section often includes helpful tips for growing in your specific type of soil, as well as growing the types of plants you specified.

Tips & Warnings

• If you submit several soil samples, the report will contain a table with a section for each sample. Some reports will place the results for each sample on separate pages.

• When you send a soil sample, you will also need to indicated plants that you intend to grow in the area, such as flowers, vegetables, grass or crops.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension Service: Home Soil Testing: Using the Soil Test Report
• Agronomic Library: How to Read the Spectrum Analytic Soil Test Report