Bodentests

Bodentests, or soil tests, are analytical procedures used to assess the properties of soil in order to guide agricultural, horticultural, and environmental management. They are typically conducted by laboratories or extension services and provide data on nutrient availability, pH, salinity, and soil physical properties to support fertilizer and lime recommendations and crop planning.

Most Bodentests evaluate chemical properties such as soil pH, electrical conductivity (a measure of salinity), and extractable nutrients. This includes nitrogen (in nitrate and ammonium forms), phosphorus, potassium, and, in many cases, micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, and molybdenum. Physical parameters commonly reported include soil texture, organic matter content, and sometimes cation exchange capacity. Some analyses also estimate lime requirements to adjust soil pH to a target level.

Sampling and preparation are critical for reliable results. Sampling typically involves collecting multiple soil cores from representative spots within a field to a specified depth (for example 0–20 cm or 0–30 cm). The samples are combined into a composite sample, air-dried, and sometimes sieved according to laboratory instructions. It is important to follow guidelines regarding recent fertilizer or lime applications, moisture conditions, and handling to avoid bias.

Uses and interpretation: laboratory reports translate soil properties into practical recommendations, such as fertilizer rates, lime or gypsum needs, and management strategies tailored to the crop, yield goal, and local conditions. Bodentests help optimize input use, improve yields, protect water quality, and support sustainable soil management.

Limitations: soil tests provide estimates that can vary with sampling time, weather, and management practices. They are most effective when used alongside field observations and, when appropriate, plant tissue analysis.