university of missouri soil test results

What are soil test results?

Soil test results enable evaluation of the fertility status of soil represented by a sample. This guide explains the process of taking a soil sample as well as the tools necessary to do so.

What is the soil and plant testing laboratory?

The Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory analyzes soil, plant, water, manure, compost and greenhouse media. The laboratory provides quality testing and unbiased, research-based recommendations to clients for economically viable and environmentally safe nutrient management practices.

How do you collect soil for soil sampling?

Obtain a six to seven inch core for soil sampling. Discard organic duff on top of soil. Put six to seven inch soil core in sampling bucket. Discard soil below six to seven inches. Use a plastic container with a hole in the middle to collect the soil as the auger pulls it out of the ground.

How do you dig up Duff for soil sampling?

If you use a shovel, dig a hole to the proper depth, shave a 1-inch slice from the side of the hole, and save the vertical 1-inch-wide center portion of this slice. Obtain a six to seven inch core for soil sampling. Discard organic duff on top of soil.

How do you read soil test results?

Let's look at the results from left to right. Keep in mind that a soil test is a chemical way of estimating the nutrients available to the plant. The pH is a measure of soil acidity. Generally 6.6 or lower indicates acidic soil, 6.7 to 7.3 means neutral soil, and a reading higher than 7.3 means the soil is basic.

What is the turnaround time for soil testing?

The typical turn-around-time for results is 7 to 10 business days from time of sample receipt except during April and May when it may take 2 to 3 weeks due to heavy sample load. Pre-Sidedress Soil Nitrate Tests (PSNT) are done on a 24-hour turn-around (next business day) from June 1st through mid-August.

How much does a soil test cost Missouri?

Method of paymentSpecial soil testsAnalysis costParticle size analysis (percent sand, silt, clay) and soil texture$15Exchangeable cations and Base saturation percentage$15Cation exchange capacity (addition method)$12.50Cation exchange capacity (NH4OAc-distillation method)$1817 more rows

What will a soil sample report tell you?

The soil test will tell you the percentage of organic matter you have in your soil and will “credit” you a certain amount of nitrogen for it. This will minimize the risk of applying excess nitrogen which might then wash out of your soil and into surrounding waterways.

How much soil do you need for a good accurate sample?

Crop guidelines and recommendations are calibrated to specific soil sampling depths. Often this is the top six inches, but some recommend two, eight, twelve, or even twenty-four inches. For most analyses it is recommended to send in around 2 cups of soil. This will fit well into a quart sized plastic bag.

What is the ideal range of soil pH?

between 5.5 and 7.5The correct balance is where the soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5, so every effort should be taken to check soil pH levels regularly.

How much does a perc test cost in Missouri?

Perc testing typically costs $750 to $1,850 or $1,300 on average.

Where do I send soil samples in Missouri?

Enclose the completed soil sample information form with the sample and submit to your local extension center or submit directly to the Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory, University of Missouri, 23 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Enclose a check to MU Soil Testing.

Does Missouri have acidic soil?

The soils in the Ozarks and Ozarks boarder region are highly weathered, highly acidic and are inherently low in soil P.

What does ppm mean in a soil test?

parts per millionMost soil testing laboratories report this measurement as parts per million (ppm) for nutrients other than nitrogen. Some laboratories report measurements in terms of pounds per acre. There is a simple conversion factor for these two reporting systems. That conversion is: ppm x 2 = lb. per acre.

What should be included in soil samples?

Soil samples should consist of uniform soil areas. Each area should have the same soil color and texture, cropping history, and fertilizer, lime and manure treatments. Sample differing areas/composites separately.

How long should a hand sampler be for rocky soil?

Augers are recommended on rocky soils. Hand samplers at least 3 feet long are desirable because they reduce back strain. Soil probes and augers are available through agriculture companies or your extension specialist may be able to help you locate a supplier.

Does sandy soil have sulfur?

Sulfur. Sandy soils low in organic matter may have sulfur deficiency. Salt content (electrical conductivity) Soils with salt problems should be tested for salt content (e.g. salt or fertilizer spills, heavy applications of manure, irrigating with alkaline water can lead to salt problems.)

Why is soil testing important in Missouri?

The Missouri Soil Test Report is an important tool for making management decisions for crop and forage production. This guide will help you understand the soil test report and make the results more useful for your farming operation.

What are some examples of soil distribution?

A good example is a box full of colored marbles, the same number of each color. If you grab a handful of marbles from the box, you are likely to get a different number of each color.

Is it OK to add potash to soil test?

In this example the dealer needed more bulk to make an even and accurate application. In the case of very low fertilizer recommendations, it's OK to add enough more phosphate or potash to provide the necessary bulk for spreading or just disregard the application for that season.

Soil test results

The soil test results you receive will contain the following information:

Soil test interpretations and recommendations guides

Plant Analysis Handbook II, Mills, Harry A. and J. Benton Jones, Jr. 1996. MicroMacro Publishing, Athens, Ga.

What is soil testing?

Soil testing is an important tool for growing healthy lawns and gardens. To get reliable results and appropriate fertilizer and lime recommendations, it is important that you submit a representative soil sample from your lawn or garden. For guidelines in taking a representative sample and submitting to the lab for testing, visit MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab's website at http://soilplantlab.missouri.edu/soil. Once the soil test is conducted and the results are available, the ability to interpret the results and follow the recommendations is an important consideration in correcting the deficiency or imbalance, and growing healthy lawns and gardens.

What does organic matter mean in soil?

Soil organic matter is essential in the formation of soil structure, reducing compaction, and for retaining plant nutrients.

What is a na in soil?

Neutralizable Acidity (NA) is a measurement of reserved acidity in soil and reported in mille- equivalents per 100 grams of soil (meq/100 g soil). This number along with pHs is used in calculating the lime requirement in soil.

What is the pH range for lawns?

Most lawns grow well in pHs range of 5.5 -7.0. However, acid loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries and raspberries prefer pH below 5.5. Phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium tests results are listed in lbs/a in the next four lines.

Does low CEC soil retain more nutrients?

While soils with high CEC values can retain more nutrients, low CEC soils can only retain fewer nutrients. Fertilizer and Limestone Recommendations indicate how much nitrogen, phosphate, and potash (potassium), Zinc, Sulfur and lime your soil needs for each selected crop option of your choice.

What is soil testing?

Soil testing is an important tool for growing healthy lawns and gardens. To get reliable results and appropriate fertilizer and lime recommendations, it is important that you submit a representative soil sample from your lawn or garden. For guidelines in taking a representative sample and submitting to the lab for testing, visit MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab’s website at http://soilplantlab.missouri.edu/soil. Once the soil test is conducted and the results are available, the ability to interpret the results is an important consideration in correcting the deficiency or imbalance.

What does organic matter mean in soil?

Soil organic matter is essential in the formation of soil structure, reducing compaction, and for retaining plant nutrients.

What is the CEC of soil?

This number along with pHs is used in calculating the lime requirement in soil. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is the ability of the soil to withhold positively charges nutrients and is reported in meq/100 g soil. While soils with high CEC values can retain more nutrients, low CEC soils can only retain fewer nutrients.

What is the best organic matter for lawns?

It helps in improving the water holding capacity of the soil, aeration, and tilth. While soil organic matter levels between 2% and 3% are fine for lawns, 4% to 6% is better for vegetables and flowers.