Soil Testing Lecture Notes

These flashcards include key vocabulary and definitions related to soil testing concepts and methods discussed in the lecture.

Soil Sample

A representative portion of soil taken for testing to assess its nutrient content and other characteristics.

Soil Test Extractants

Chemical solutions used to extract nutrients from soil samples for analysis.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)

A measure of how well soil can retain cations (positively charged ions) and is important for nutrient availability.

pH Levels

A measure of acidity or alkalinity of the soil; low pH indicates acidic conditions.

Soil Nutrients

Elements essential for plant growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Organic Matter

Decomposed plant and animal material in soil that improves fertility and structure.

Extractant Dilution

The process of mixing soil with a particular volume of solution to extract needed nutrients.

Nitrogen (N)

A key nutrient that promotes plant growth; often limited in soils and needed for crops.

In-Season Nitrogen Application

Application of nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season to match crop nutrient needs.

Soil Mineralization Rate

The rate at which soil organisms convert organic nitrogen into inorganic forms available to plants.

Sufficiency Levels

Defined nutrient levels in soil below which crops will respond positively to added fertilizers.

Soil Texture

The relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil, affecting drainage and nutrient retention.

Soil Labile Amino Nitrogen

The fraction of soil nitrogen that is readily available for microbial uptake and mineralization.

Saturated Paste Extracts

A method to determine salt content and pH in the soil solution.

Estimation Nutrient Release

Predicting the amount of nutrients that will be available for plant uptake over time.

Bicarbonate (HCO3)

An anion that indicates the presence of alkaline conditions in soil solutions.

Visual Color Rating

A subjective measure of plant color, used to assess plant health and nutrient status.

Active Crop Canopy Sensors

Equipment used to measure plant health and direct variable-rate applications of nutrients.