Chapter

Practical Use of Soil

Analysis Results
3.4
learning objectives

• Identify analytical results from nutrients,
organic matter, pH, EC and CEC from the
lab report.
• Interpret soil analysis results for pH and
salinity.
• Describe the significance of soil CEC, soil
organic matter content and soil texture.
• Describe the importance of soil available
moisture and how it is characterized.
• Understand why laboratories differ in their
analytical results and recommendations.
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Practical Use of Soil Analysis Results

more info Important Terms

Table 3.4.1 Key Terms and Definitions
Refer to Chapter 3.3 Term Definition
for more information The smallest particle of an element that can exist as a stable entity, either alone or in
Atoms
on how to collect combination.
a quality, representative The average mass of an atom of an element as it occurs in nature. This is made up of the
Atomic Weight
weighted sum of the masses of the protons and neutrons composing the atom.
soil sample from a site.
Readily or continually undergoing chemical, physical or biological change or breakdown. A
Labile
substance readily transformed by micro-organisms or readily available to plants.

The soil analysis report provides the information grown under specific environmental and management
necessary to set nutrient application targets, which are conditions. The interpretations discussed in this chapter
used to calculate manure and fertilizer application rates. are specific to Alberta soils and are based on extensive
Test results from regular field sampling (particularly field and laboratory research. The results of a lab analysis
from benchmark sites) allow monitoring and detection are only as good as the quality of the samples collected
of changes in soil parameters (e.g., nutrients, pH, and and the sampling strategy used. Poor samples that are not
salinity) with time. representative of field conditions will lead to inaccurate
nutrient recommendations.
Soil analysis results must be interpreted within the
context of expected yield response for the crop to be

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 Chapter 3.4

Figure 3.4.1 General Appearance of a Soil Analysis Report

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Practical Use of Soil Analysis Results

s i d e b a r Reading Soil Analysis Reports For nutrient management purposes, it is useful to use the
same lab every year or to use labs that follow the same
All laboratories generate reports for each sample extraction processes to track nutrient level changes with
Nutrient levels are converted from submitted for analysis. All reports will contain the same time.
ppm to lb/ac by multiplying by two basic information although individual labs may present
because a one acre slice of soil, six this information in their own unique format. Figure 3.4.1 Nutrient levels are reported in parts per million (ppm or
is an example of the general layout of information on a mg/kg). For each 15 cm (6 in) sample depth, these values
inches deep weighs approximately
soil analysis report. can be doubled to approximate the nutrient levels on a
two million pounds. In other
kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) or pounds per acre (lb/ac)
words, lb/ac is essentially parts per The report will identify the client (# 1 in Figure 3.4.1) basis (#5 in Figure 3.4.1).
two million. For a soil sample 12 as well as the unique sample identification (#2 in Figure
inch deep, multiply ppm by 4. 3.4.1). When reviewing soil analysis reports, verify that Nutrient (kg/ha) =
the sample identification is correct. Although it may seem Nutrient (ppm) x 2 x sample depth (cm) ÷ 15 cm
of minor significance, the legal land location is often
Nutrient (lb/ac) =
used to identify agro-climatic regions that affect yield
s i d e b a r expectations and fertilizer recommendations.
Nutrient (ppm) x 2 x sample depth (in) ÷ 6 in

The report will usually indicate when the sample was
Soil test P and K levels are reported on A soil analysis report indicates there is
received and when it was processed (#3 in Figure 3.4.1).
an elemental basis (i.e., P or K) rather 10 ppm N in a 0 to 6 in soil sample. This
Review these handling dates to see if there were any
than oxide basis (i.e., P2O5 or K2O). corresponds to 20 lb N/ac:
unusual delays in shipping that might affect the accuracy
of the results. Take note of the length of time the sample Nutrient (lb/ac)
will be retained (#3 in Figure 3.4.1). Additional analysis = nutrient (ppm) x 2 x sample depth (in) ÷ 6 in
or repeated tests to verify unusual results must be
= 10 ppm x 2 x 6 in ÷ 6 in
performed while the sample is still available.
= 20 lb N/ac
The nutrient analysis (#4 in Figure 3.4.1) is the heart
There is 10 ppm N in a 0 to 12 in sample. This
of the report but it is often overlooked compared to the
corresponds to 40 lb N/ac:
fertilizer recommendation. The nutrient analysis is a
measurement of the nutrients removed from soil using Nutrient (lb/ac)
an extracting solution. These results form the basis for = Nutrient (ppm) x 2 x sample depth (in) ÷ 6 in
fertilizer recommendations.
= 10 ppm x 2 x 12 in ÷ 6 in
Labs use diverse extraction methods so the nutrient = 40 lb N/ac
analysis of one lab is not directly comparable to another
lab unless both are using the same procedures. An
individual lab may use various extracts for different Examine reported nutrient levels for any unusual values.
nutrients in order to get the most reliable results. Find Soil N levels following average or above average crops
out what methods a lab follows since some extraction should be low (i.e., below 15 ppm and often less than
methods may not be suited to western Canadian soils. 10 ppm for 0 to 15 cm (6 in) depths). Phosphorus levels
for fields that have not received manure should not vary

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 Chapter 3.4

much from year to year and are typically quite low

(less than 15 ppm for 0 to 15 cm depth). On fields with
Labs based in western Canada do not emphasize the
total cation exchange capacity or the composition of tip
a history of manure application, the N and P levels may exchangeable cations (#8 in Figure 3.4.1). These analyses
be considerably higher. Potassium levels of Alberta soils are usually included at additional costs. Other labs may Contact the soil testing
are relatively stable, often quite high (more than 150 recommend nutrient additions to “balance” exchangeable laboratory with specific
ppm in 0 to 15 cm depth) and may exceed 500 ppm on ions but there is little research evidence to support this questions about the
Brown and Dark Brown soils, even without a history of practice. analytical techniques used
manure application. Sulphur levels are variable and can to measure individual soil.
range from less than 5 ppm to more than 50 ppm for 0 to Fertilizer recommendations are usually based on yield
15 cm depth. Large year-to-year changes in soil nutrient response curves or yield expectations (#9 in Figure
levels should be investigated to determine the cause (e.g., 3.4.1) for a crop based on soil moisture and growing
management changes, change in analytical method, or season precipitation. Some labs will provide more than
mishandling of samples). one set of recommendations to account for different
rainfall conditions (e.g., average and excellent). Fertilizer
Excess nutrient levels may be suggested on a soil analysis application rates can then be adjusted or selected based
report when nutrient levels are reported as being greater on expected rainfall.
than a lab threshold (e.g., K is more than 600 ppm).
Unless a dilution is performed, the lab will not be able to
provide an exact nutrient level. While this has minimal Crop Nutrients
influence on crop production, it can suggest nutrient One of the basic principles behind formulating fertility
levels that pose potential environmental risk. If high requirements relates to the probability of a crop response
levels of nitrate (NO3-) or P are suspected in a field, ask to nutrient application (Figure 3.4.2).
the lab to dilute the extract to get exact NO3- and P levels. s i d e b a r
Soil analysis reports often include a subjective rating
of nutrient levels (#6 in Figure 3.4.1) based on the Often kg/ha and lb/ac are
probability that a particular nutrient will limit plant interchanged and considered to
growth and production. Often these ratings are depicted be equal. However, the actual
as bar graphs for each nutrient. These subjective ratings conversion is kg/ha x 0.8924 = lb/ac.
may also help identify potential environmental risk.

For most soils, micronutrient levels are usually in the

marginal range but are occasionally adequate or deficient.
The probability of crop response to micronutrient
application is not clear in many instances.
From Beegle, 2006
Soil quality factors including pH, salinity, organic matter, Figure 3.4.2 Yield Response in Relation to Soil Nutrient Levels

and texture (#7 in Figure 3.4.1) provide information

useful for the site assessment and crop selection. Often
soil quality factors will have a rating system that may
flag potential problems.

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Practical Use of Soil Analysis Results

Soils that test in the deficient range for a particular nutrient have a high probability of improved yield if that nutrient is applied. Soils that test in the adequate range are
not likely to see an improvement in yield as a result of nutrient application (Table 3.4.2).

Table 3.4.2 Generalized Deficient, Marginal, and Adequate Ranges of Various Crop Nutrients for Alberta Soils

Depth, Classification1
Soil Test Nutrient
cm (in) Deficient2 Marginal Adequate
0–60 cm
Nitrate-Nitrogen (Dryland) (lb/ac) < 11 11–20 21–30 31–40 41–50 51–60 61–70 71–80 > 80
(0–24 in)
0–60 cm
Nitrate-Nitrogen (Irrigated) (lb/ac) < 21 21–40 41–60 61–80 81–100 101–120 121–140 141–160 > 160
(0–24 in)
0–15 cm
Phosphorus (lb/ac) < 11 11–20 21–25 26–30 31–40 41–50 51–70 71–90 > 90
(0–6 in)
0–15 cm
Potassium (lb/ac) < 51 51–100 101–150 151–200 201–250 251–300 301–400 401–600 > 600
(0–6 in)
0–60 cm
Sulphur (lb/ac) <6 6–10 11–15 16–20 21–25 26–30 31–40 41–50 > 50
(0–24 in)
0–15 cm
Copper (ppm) < 0.5 0.5-1.0 > 1.0
(0–6 in)
0–15 cm
Manganese (ppm) < 1.0 1.0-2.0 > 2.0
(0–6 in)
0–15 cm
Iron (ppm) < 2.0 2.0-4.0 > 4.0
(0–6 in)
0–15 cm
Zinc (ppm) < 0.5 0.5-1.0 > 1.0
(0–6 in)
0–15 cm
Boron1 (ppm) < 0.35 0.35-0.50 0.50-3.50
(0–6 in)
0–15 cm
Chloride (ppm) < 15.0 16-30 > 30
(0–6 in)

Adapted from Kryzanowski et al., 1988

1
Nutrient range for each classification will vary with crop type and soil zone.
2
Boron levels above 3.5 ppm are considered excessive.
3
To convert lb/ac to kg/ha, multiply by 1.1206.

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 Chapter 3.4

pH more info
Soil pH (or reaction) indicates acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Soils below pH 6.7 are acidic and soils above pH 7.3
are alkaline. A pH near 7.0 is considered neutral. A more descriptive classification of soil pH is based on the ranges For more information on
described in Table 3.4.3. liming acid soils can be
found in the factsheets
Table 3.4.3 Qualitative and Quantitative Descriptions of pH for Alberta Soils
below, which can be ordered
3.0–5.6 5.6–6.2 6.2–6.7 6.7–7.3 7.3–7.9 7.9–8.5 >8.5
from the AF Publications
Moderately Slightly Moderately Strongly Office or searched by Agdex
Strongly Acidic Slightly Acidic Neutral
Acidic Alkaline Alkaline Alkaline number on Ropin’ the Web:
• AF. 1996. Liming acid
Source: Kryzanowski et al., 1988
soils. Agdex 534-1.
Under low pH conditions, some nutrients bind tightly Salinity • AF. 2002. Wood ash:
to soil particles and as a result are unavailable to plants.
There are two soil parameters used to characterize soils An alternative liming
In addition, chemical structures of some nutrients,
as saline, sodic or saline-sodic. These are electrical material for agricultural
particularly P, can change under low pH making them
conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). soils. Agdex 534-2.
less available to crops. Low pH conditions also impact
Only EC is part of routine agricultural soil analysis.
the growth and survival of soil microorganisms, some of
which are instrumental in releasing nutrients bound in
organic matter for crop use. EC
Soluble salts are present in soils at all times; however,
Crops vary in their acidity tolerance (Figure 2.2.5)
when the concentration of salts is high, the soil is
which is strongly influenced by the sensitivity of crops
considered saline and crop growth can be reduced. EC is
to various levels of soluble aluminum (Al3+). Aluminum
a measure of the total soluble salt concentration in a soil
solubility increases substantially under strongly acidic
(i.e., salinity). It is determined by measuring the ability
conditions. Crops produced in soils more acidic than their
of a small current to be transmitted through saturated soil
tolerance level will result in reduced yields. Fertilizer
between two electrodes of a conductivity meter that are a
recommendations should be adjusted for reduced yield
fixed distance apart. The units commonly used to express
potential on the basis of crop type and pH.
EC are decisiemens/metre (dS/m). Soils are classified on
To contend with soil acidity, select acid tolerant crop the basis of salinity according to the EC ranges specified
types or consider liming the soil to correct the high in Table 3.4.4.
pH condition. Before applying lime, request a lime
requirement test which will provide a recommendation
for an appropriate rate. Liming acid soils can be an
extremely costly procedure so the potential return
on investment should be carefully assessed. More
information about soil pH and acid soil conditions can be
found in Chapter 2.2.

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Practical Use of Soil Analysis Results

Table 3.4.4 Salinity Ratings for Alberta soils in Relation to Electrical Conductivity Measurements

Salinity Classifications and EC Measurements (dS/m)

Soil Depth Weakly Moderately Strongly Very Strongly
Non-Saline
Saline Saline Saline Saline
0–60 cm (0–2 ft) <2 2–4 4–8 8–16 > 16

60–120 cm (2–4 ft) <4 4–8 8–16 16–24 > 24

Source: Kryzanowski et al. 1988

Crops exhibit a range of tolerance to salt levels in the soil (Table 3.4.5). In general, grass forages tend to have a higher
salinity tolerance than field crops.

Table 3.4.5 Salt Tolerance of Selected Crops

EC (dS/m)
Field Crops Forages Vegetables
(Salt Tolerance)
20 Beardless wildrye, Fulks altai grass,
(Very high) Levonns alkaligrass, Alkali sucatan
16 Kochia Altai wildrye, Tall wheatgrass,
(High) Sugar beet Russian wildrye, Slender wheat grass
Birdsfoot trefoil
6-row barley, Safflower, Sunflower,
Sweetclover Garden beets, Asparagus,
8 2-row barley, Fall rye, Winter
Alfalfa Spinach
wheat, Spring wheat
Bromegrass
Crested wheatgrass, Intermediate
Moderate Oats, Yellow mustard Tomatoes, Broccoli
wheatgrass
Meadow fescue, Flax, Canola Reed canary grass Cabbage
4 Corn Sweet corn, Potatoes
White dutch clover, Alsike clover, Carrots, Onions, Strawberries,
Low Timothy, Peas, Field beans
Red clover Peas, Beans

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 Chapter 3.4

Excess soil salinity causes poor and spotty crop stands,

uneven and stunted growth and poor yields. Salinity
restricts plant water uptake, interferes with nutrient
availability and can impair germination and root growth
because of caustic salt effects. Saline areas also tend to
have poor soil structure and are subject to water logging,
both of which are harmful to crop growth.

Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)

SAR is a less commonly requested analysis that
expresses the proportion of exchangeable sodium (Na+) to
exchangeable calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) ions.

[Na+]
Sodium Adsorption Ratio =

[Ca2+] + [Mg2+]

2

Soils with SAR values at 13 or higher are considered
sodic. Crop growth on sodic soils is very poor. Excess
sodium causes soil particles to repel each other,
preventing the formation of soil aggregates. This results
in a very tight soil structure with poor water infiltration
and surface crusting.

As stated previously, SAR is not part of standard soil

analysis packages for agricultural applications but
is routinely done as part of most testing packages
for environmental applications. Characterizing the
proportion of exchangeable Na can be useful in
identifying solonetzic soils.

The sodium hazard of a soil is determined by factoring

in the EC and SAR of a soil. This results in a soil being
classified as non-saline, non-sodic, saline, sodic or saline-
sodic (Table 3.4.6).

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Table 3.4.6 Sodium Hazard Classifications Based on Sodium Adsorption Ratio and Electrical Conductivity
Sodium Adsorption Ratio Electrical Conductivity
Classification Soil pH Soil Physical Condition
(SAR) (dS/m)1
Sodic > 13 < 4.0 > 8.5 Poor
Saline-Sodic > 13 > 4.0 < 8.5 Normal
High pH < 13 < 4.0 > 7.8 Varies
Saline < 13 > 4.0 < 8.5 Normal
1
dS/m = mS/cm

Source: Kryzanowski et al. 1988

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

Ion exchange in soils is one of the most important processes influencing crop nutrition. CEC is an estimate of the
capacity of soil to hold (or adsorb) positively charged (cation) nutrients. The major soil cations include: calcium (Ca2+),
magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), hydrogen (H+) and aluminum (Al3+).

The unit of measurement used to commonly express CEC is centimoles of positive charge per kilogram of soil
(cmol/kg) and is equivalent to the units formerly used to express CEC; milliequivalents per 100 grams (meq/100g).

How Much is a Mole?

A mole is a quantity used in chemistry to describe 6 x 1023 atoms of a particular element. An element’s atomic
weight, found in a periodic table of the elements, is the equivalent mass, in grams, of one mole of that substance.
For instance, the atomic weight for sodium is 22.989770 grams per mole.
One mole of positive charge refers to the equivalent positive charge on 6 x 1023 monovalent (+1 charge) cations.
Basing CEC on centimoles (0.01 moles) of positive charge
rather than mass (as the older milliequivalent measure did)
makes more sense since the mass and charge of the various
exchangeable cations in a soil sample changes, while the
number of negatively charged exchange sites do not. Cation
exchange capacity in cmol/kg remains the same regardless of
which ions occupy the exchange sites in a soil sample.

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 Chapter 3.4

The CEC of a soil is primarily influenced by soil Organic matter content of soils also has an important
texture and organic matter content. Among the mineral influence on the CEC of soils since it has a CEC range of s i d e b a r
components of soil, clay particles generally have the 100 to 300 cmol/kg of soil. There is potential to increase
highest cation exchange capacity followed by silt and soil CEC by adopting practices and crop rotations that Most soils in Alberta have clays
sand (Table 3.4.7). focus on building soil organic matter content. similar to montmorillonite. The
contribution of the clay fraction
Table 3.4.7 General Relationship Between Soil Texture and
Cation Exchange Capacity of soils towards CEC would be in
Estimating CEC from Soil Texture
CEC, Normal Ranges the 60 to 100 cmol/kg range.
Soil Texture Direct measurement of CEC is time consuming
(cmol/kg of soil) and is not part of most basic commercial soil
Sand 1–5
analysis packages. Clay and organic matter are the
Fine sandy loam 5–10
Loams and silt loam 5–15 major soil components that contribute to cation
Clay loam 15–30 exchange; therefore, it is possible to estimate total
Clay 30+ CEC of a given soil sample based on the percentage
Source: Hausenbuiller 1985 of organic matter and clay content and the CEC
estimates of each.
Consequently, CEC increases with increased clay content
of soils. The type of clay in soil also has an important
impact (Table 3.4.8).

Table 3.4.8 Range of Cation Exchange Capacities of Different

Types of Clay
CEC, Normal Ranges
Type of Clay
(cmol/kg of soil)
Allophane 100–150
Montmorillonite 60–100
Chlorite 20–40
Illite 20–40
Kaolinite 2–16

Source: Hausenbuiller 1985

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Practical Use of Soil Analysis Results

Estimating CEC from Soil Texture

A theoretical soil from the Alberta Peace region contains 40 percent clay and two percent organic matter.
Using average values of 80 cmol/kg for clay (i.e., montmorillonite; Table 3.4.8) and 200 cmol/kg for
organic matter (Tables 3.4.7 and 3.4.8), the estimated CEC for this soil would be:
CEC contribution by clay = percent clay ÷ 100 x CEC of clay (cmol/kg)
= 40 ÷ 100 x 80 cmol/kg
= 32 cmol/kg

CEC contribution by organic matter (OM) = percent OM ÷ 100 x CEC of OM (cmol/kg)

= 2 ÷ 100 x 200 cmol/kg
= 4 cmol/kg

Total CEC = CEC contribution by clay + CEC contribution by OM

= 32 cmol/kg + 4 cmol/kg
= 36 cmol/kg

Base saturation (BS) is a measure of the proportion crop available nutrients over an extended period. As
of the total CEC in soil occupied by Na+, K+, Ca2+, and discussed in the previous section, it also has an important
Mg2+ expressed in percent. While there is no ideal impact, together with clay content, on CEC of the soil.
percent BS, these values are sometimes used to make Soil structure, tilth, and water infiltration are also
recommendations for K, Ca, or Mg amendments to soils. improved by building soil organic matter.
This approach fails to consider the cost and economics
of such an application, nor does it take into account Organic matter content is the distinguishing
excessively high levels of cations. characteristic of Alberta’s soil zones (Figure 3.4.3). The
Brown soil zone has the least organic matter having
developed beneath a drier, short grass prairie.
Soil Organic Matter
Soil organic matter is a measurement of the amount
of plant and animal residue in the soil. It has several
important implications for soil fertility. Organic matter
acts as a revolving nutrient bank account, which releases

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 Chapter 3.4

From AF
Figure 3.4.3 Alberta’s Soil Zones

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Practical Use of Soil Analysis Results

In contrast, the Black soils developed under a become available from organic matter (i.e., mineralized)
cooler, moister aspen parkland condition resulting in over the growing season. This estimate takes into
greater production of vegetation and organic matter account soil organic matter level, soil moisture, and
accumulation. Dark Brown soils developed in the temperature during the growing season. These are the
transition zone between the Black and Brown zones and major factors influencing the rate of mineralization from
has an intermediate organic matter content. organic matter (refer to the discussion of organic matter
in Chapter 2.2).
In parts of the province where trees have been the
natural, dominant vegetation, Dark Gray or transitional Typical ENR values for cultivated Alberta soils are
soils developed. In regions where forest cover dominated provided in Table 3.4.9 and are based on typical soil
for longer periods, Luvisolic (forest) soils developed. organic matter levels for each area. Testing labs use
ENR when developing N fertilizer recommendations.
Organic or peat soils are found in low-lying areas Consequently, labs may recommend lower N fertilization
throughout the Black, Dark Gray and Gray soil zones. rates for individual situations where soil analysis ENR is
These soils formed where organic residues accumulated higher than the expected typical range for that soil zone.
at a greater rate than they decomposed. These areas are
characterized by waterlogged conditions for much of the Table 3.4.9 Expected ENR Values for Alberta Soil Groups.
year. Cultivated Soil

Typical soil organic matter levels for Alberta cultivated Soil Group kg/ha lb/ac
soils range from two to 10 percent (Table 2.2.2, Chapter Mean Range Mean Range
2.2). Specific soil organic matter levels will vary based Brown 31 30–33 28 27–29
on management history and landscape position. Dark Brown 38 34–47 34 30–42
Black 56 39–81 50 35–72
The most common laboratory procedure for determining
organic matter content is through loss on ignition Dark Gray 45 43–47 40 38–42
whereby organic matter is incinerated and only the ash Dark Gray
(Peace River 41 34–54 37 30–48
residue remains. Organic matter content is the difference
Region)
in weight before and after the procedure.
Source: AF Field Research, Kryzanowski & Kelbert (2005)
More precise methods are used to determine organic
carbon content. This involves correcting total carbon Variability in growing season nitrogen release
content in a sample for the presences of non-organic (mineralization) will exist from field to field depending
carbon (e.g., carbonate). Organic carbon is then used to on management history. Management practices such
calculate C to N ratios in the sample. as direct seeding, rotation with forages or livestock
manure application tend to build the more labile (easily
Estimated Nitrogen Release decomposable) fraction of soil organic matter. This helps
to improve the nutrient supplying power for a specific
Organic matter content is an important source of several
field situation. The average ENR’s in Table 3.4.9 may
key crop nutrients including N. Estimated N release
underestimate the actual field values.
(ENR) is an estimate of the amount of N expected to

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 Chapter 3.4

Soil testing labs may also make an adjustment for pulse Soil Texture
crop stubble or manure application in the previous
Soil texture is the relative proportion of sand, silt and clay
one or two years. Depending on yield, residues from
in a soil. As discussed in Chapter 2.1, texture directly
previous pulse crops can release between 20 to 30 kg/ha
affects soil water holding capacity, water infiltration rate
of available N to the following crop. Likewise, release and indirectly affects soil fertility through CEC.
from the organic portion of the manure will increase
the soil’s nitrogen supplying power for one or two years Soils can be placed into groups (Table 3.4.10) based on
after application. This underscores the importance of textural class, which is determined using a mechanical
providing complete information about management and analysis or the “hand feel” method (Figure 3.1.5, Chapter
manure application history for a field when submitting 3.1). The soil textural triangle is useful for classifying a
sample based on the percent sand, silt and clay (Figure
samples for analysis.
3.1.4, Chapter 3.1).

Table 3.4.10 Soil Texture Group Based on Soil Texture Class

Soil Texture Group

Very Coarse Coarse Medium Fine Very Fine

Loam
Silt Loam Clay
Soil Texture Sand Sandy Loam Sandy Clay Loam
Silty Clay Loam Silty Clay
Classes Loamy Sand Fine Sandy Loam Sandy Clay
Silt Heavy Clay
Clay Loam

Source: Kryzanowski et al. 1988

Table 3.4.11 Classifications for Organic Soils Based on
Organic Matter Content
Classification Organic Matter Content (%)
Muck 30–45
Peaty Muck 45–65
Mucky Peat 65–85
Peat 85–100
Source: Landva et al. 1983

Available Soil Moisture

The amount of soil moisture available at the time of planting is an important consideration when making cropping and
fertility decisions. Crop yield potential is directly related to stored soil water and growing season rainfall or irrigation.
Low moisture availability will limit crop yield and reduce nutrient requirements. Soils are characterized as being dry,
average or wet according to the depth of moist soil and texture class (Table 3.4.12).

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Table 3.4.12 Qualitative Interpretation of Available Soil

Moisture Using the Brown Soil Probe to Determine Soil
Moisture
Soil Texture Depth of Moist Soil (cm) To assess soil moisture depth, vigorously push the
Group Dry Average Wet probe into the soil in one motion without turning
Very Coarse 30–60 60–120 120+ and while applying weight to the handle. The probe
Coarse 30–50 50–100 100+
will penetrate the soil and will stop when dry soil
Medium 15–30 30–60 60+
is reached. Record the depth into the soil that the
Fine & Very Fine 15–30 30–60 60+
probe was able to penetrate. Refer to Table 3.4.12
Adapted from Brady and Buckman 1969 to determine available soil moisture. Stones, frozen
soil or a dry surface layer may stop the probe as
well, but these are easily detected.
Determining Soil Available Moisture
Soil moisture can be assessed at the same time
that fields are being soil sampled. The same
rules regarding representative sampling apply to
assessing soil moisture. Areas such as depressions,
slopes, and knolls can be assessed separately for
site-specific crop planning. Sample a minimum of
15 to 20 sites per field and record the average depth
of moist soil. Spring sampling may require more
sites within a field because of increased variability
caused by snow trapping, snow drifting, water
runoff, moisture migration within the soil and
variations in ground frost, etc.
Soil moisture can be determined by:
Photo courtesy Crystal Korth and Len Kryzanowski, AF
• using the “feel test” (Figure 3.1.5, Chapter 3.1)
Figure 3.4.4 Brown Soil Probe
• subjective visual evaluation
The probe has a short section of a wood drill-
• measuring the depth of moist soil in a collected bit welded to its end. When the probe is twisted
soil core clockwise, a small sample of soil can be obtained.
This soil sample can be used to determine texture
• brown soil probe (Figure 3.4.4)
class and moisture by feel (see method in
Chapter 3.1). To construct a soil moisture probe,
weld a three-quarter inch steel ball on one end of a
one metre long half-inch rod and weld a handle on
the other end.

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 Chapter 3.4

Fertilizer Recommendations Many of these factors are under direct control of the
producer; therefore, a favourable fertilizer response is tip
Fertilizer recommendations are usually based on yield usually related to crop management. Critically examine
response curves or yield expectations for a crop based fertilizer recommendations, yield predictions and If a recommendation
on soil moisture and growing season precipitation. growing season precipitation to ensure they are realistic on a lab analysis does
Recommendations may vary considerably between labs for the area. not appear reasonable,
because of different analytical methods, yield response request an explanation from
models, yield predictions, expected precipitation and Figure 3.4.5 illustrates how all of these considerations are the testing lab, seek advice
fertilizer use efficiency. assembled into a decision-making model used to develop
from a qualified agronomic
a fertilizer recommendation. This model is used by the
A good soil sample and an accurate soil analysis consultant (e.g., Certified
AFFIRM software package. For more information, see
Crop Advisor), or contact AF’s
interpretation are not the only considerations for good Chapter 7.2.
yields and maximum profit in crop production. Even if Ag-Information Centre, toll-
the recommended fertilizer rate is applied, other factors free at 310-FARM (3276).
may override the fertilizer effects by limiting crop yield
potential. These factors include:

• soil type and stored soil water at time of planting.

• pest control.
• irrigation water quality and management.
• other agronomic and cropping system factors
(e.g., seeding date, rate, planting system, fertilizer
application method, crop rotation, variety selection,
etc.).

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Practical Use of Soil Analysis Results

Figure 3.4.5 Decision Making Model Used by AFFIRM to Develop Fertilizer Recommendations

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 Chapter 3.4

summary
• Key information in a soil analysis report • Organic matter acts as a revolving nutrient
includes: client information, sample bank account by releasing crop available
identification, date sample was received nutrients over an extended period.
and processed, nutrient analyses, soil quality • Soil texture directly affects soil water
parameters (e.g., pH, organic matter, EC) holding capacity and water infiltration rate,
and fertilizer recommendations. and indirectly affects soil fertility through
• Soils with pH near 7.0 are considered CEC.
neutral. Extremes in pH will affect crop • Crop yield potential is directly related
productivity. Fertilizer recommendations to stored soil water plus growing season
are adjusted for reduced yields. rainfall or irrigation.
• High soil salinity causes poor and spotty • Fertilizer recommendations may vary
crop stands, uneven and stunted growth, considerably among labs because of
and poor yields. Fertilizer recommendations different analytical methods, yield response
are adjusted for reduced yields. models, yield predictions, expected
• Cation exchange capacity indicates the precipitation and fertilizer use efficiency.
ability of a soil to retain nutrients in the root
zone. It can be estimated from the clay
and organic matter content of soil.

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