Understanding Soil Test Results

What is the role of organic matter in soil productivity?

• It makes the soil more acidic.

• It helps retain water and improves soil structure.

• It decreases soil fertility.

• It reduces the soil's ability to hold nutrients.

How does soil pH affect plant nutrient uptake?

• Low pH always decreases nutrient uptake.

• It has no effect on nutrient uptake.

• High pH always increases nutrient uptake.

• Extreme pH levels can limit or increase nutrient uptake.

What does a Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) value of 15-20 indicate?

• The soil is in good shape to hold nutrients.

• The soil is poor in holding nutrients.

• The soil needs more organic matter.

• The soil is too acidic.

Why is phosphorus important for plants?

• It is not needed in large amounts by plants.

• It helps in the formation of chlorophyll.

• It is vital for energy transfer and flower formation.

• It increases soil acidity.

Why is nitrogen often not included in a basic soil test?

• Its levels change constantly due to its mobility.

• It is always present in sufficient amounts.

• It is too expensive to test.

• It is not important for plant growth.