Reading and
Interpreting Soil Test
Reports
Introduction 431
Lecture 1: Using a Soil Test to Assess Soil Quality 433
Lecture 2: Properties Measured in a Soil Analysis 437
Lecture 3: Applying Soil Amendments and Fertilizers 441
Demonstration 1: Taking a Soil Sample for Laboratory Analysis
Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 443
Students’ Step by Step Instructions 447
Demonstration 2: Nitrogen Budgeting
Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 445
Demonstration 3: Field Observations
Instructor’s Demonstration Outline 447
Assessment Questions and Key 453
Resources 456
Supplement 1: Soil Contamination and Urban Agriculture 459
Appendices
- Sample Soil Analysis Reports 461
- Example of a Nitrogen Budget 465
- Nitrogen Budgeting Worksheet 466
- Optimal Nutrient Levels of Major Cations Based on CEC 467
- Nutrient Content of Common Fertilizers and Amendments 468
- Approximate Pounds/Acre of Nutrients Removed by 469
Common Crops
1.11