Above the soil test results section is the sample name that you assigned your sample when they were submitted. This is helpful to know especially when you have submitted more than one sample. The names allow you to differentiate which report page corresponds to which sample.
Below the Sample Name is a row of boxes that begins with “Estimated Soil Texture”. Let's briefly go through these from left to right:
Estimated Soil Texture is determined by an experienced researcher based on how a moist soil sample feels when it is manipulated between the thumb and fingers. Estimated Soil Texture will fall into one of five categories:
Coarse - sands, loamy sand, sandy loam
Medium - loams and silt loams
Fine - clay loams, silty clay loams, silty clay
Peat - organic soil greater than 19% organic matter
Muck - organic soil
The rest of the categories in this section are the results of various laboratory analyses that were performed on your soil sample.
Organic Matter is the determined as a percentage and is used in determining the plant nitrogen needs.
Soluble Salts is measured by determining the electric conductivity of the soil water and measured in millimhos per centimeter (mmhos/com).
pH is a measurement of the acidity/alkalinity of the soil water.
Buffer Index is used to determine how much lime is required when soil pH is low (acidic). The Buffer Index is run if the pH of a mineral soil is less than 6.0. The box will be blank if the pH is equal to or greater than 6.0. Soils differ in their buffering capacity, or ability to resist a change in pH, so soils with the same pH may need different amounts of lime to achieve a similar pH change. The pH measurement tells you whether you need to apply lime, and the Buffer Index is used to calculate how much lime will be required to affect the desired pH adjustment.
Nitrate NO3-N is the amount of nitrate nitrogen in parts per million (ppm) in the sample.
Olsen Phosphorus and Bray Phosphorus are two measurements of phosphorus in ppm in the soil. All samples the receive the Regular test will have a result for Bray Phosphorus. The Olsen Phosphorus test is analyzed for all Regular tests when the pH is above 7.4. If an Olsen Phosphorus result is noted, then the fertilizer recommendations for phosphorus are based on that number. If only a Bray Phosphorus results is noted, then the fertilizer recommendations for phosphorus are based on that number.
Potassium is a measurement of potassium in ppm in the soil.
Estimated soil texture, organic matter, pH (buffer index), phosphorus, and potassium make up the Regular Series soil test.
Soluble salts and the rest of the nutrients listed on the report (except for lead) are often measured under specific circumstances in which a problem is suspected or likely to occur. These circumstances include certain soil types and plants that are prone to develop deficiencies of specific nutrients. Most soils in Minnesota contain adequate secondary macronutrients and essential micronutrients to meet plant needs, and keeping pH in the optimum range will help maintain adequate availability. The addition of nutrient sources like compost and composted manure will also supply micronutrients and help keep deficiencies from occurring. See the Soluble Salts (pdf), Secondary Macronutrients (pdf), and Micronutrients (pdf) sections in the University of Minnesota Extension bulletin Soil Test Interpretations and Fertilizer Management for Lawns, Turf, Gardens, and Landscape Plants (pdf) for more information on these topics.
Lead is a measurement of lead in ppm in the soils. While lead is not a plant nutrient, it can be a human health concern. For more information about lead and whether you should test your soil see Lead (pdf) and Lead in the Home Garden and Urban Soil Environment (pdf).