Glossary · S
Soil Analysis
Also known as: soil testing
Soil analysis is a laboratory test of a representative sample taken from a crop site. The basic scope typically includes pH and the content of available phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium; depending on the needs, salinity and organic matter content can also be determined. The results allow for the selection of appropriate fertilizers and an assessment of the need for liming, rather than relying solely on the appearance of the plants. The reliability of the test depends on the proper collection and description of the sample.