Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Reams Test
Ideal
Actual
Notes
Nitrates
40
70
Ammonia
40
0
Phosphorus
1:1 P:K
200
60
1:2.2 P:K
Potassium
100
130
10:1
Ca:Mg
7.6:1
Ca:Mg
Calcium
>2,000
3,200
Magnesium
14% Ca
280
420
Sodium
<70
100
Very High
ERGS
200
2,100
Very High
The base saturation is more in line for this soil than in the previous sample, but potassi-
um and sodium are high. The Reams test shows a 7.6:1 calcium to magnesium ratio, with
potassium and sodium also showing high. The phosphate to potash ratio should be 2:1 in-
stead of 1:2. That ratio is often backwards in damaged soils. Ammonia is 0, which is com-
mon, I think because the soil test doesn't measure the nitrogen in the organic matter.
The ERGS is way too high, indicating a salt problem — not just sodium, but other salts.
Even though the calcium to magnesium ratio is good, this heavy clay is probably com-
pacted with the current phosphate to potash ratio and the high ERGS reading. Salty fertil-
