Center of Agricultural Sciences

Center of Agricultural
Sciences
DEPARTMENT OF
FITOTECNIA
CROP NUTRITION EXERCISE
NOTEBOOK
Dr. Fernando Ramos Gourcy

Tel. (449)910-74-00 Ext. 8121 Academic Group in Plant Production www.fernandoramos.net
Fax (449)910-74-00 Ext. 8125 framosg@correo.uaa.mx
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
SOIL ________________________________________________________________1
Definition __________________________________________________________1
The Soil Profile ______________________________________________________1
A Horizon ________________________________________________________2
B Horizon ________________________________________________________2
C Horizon ________________________________________________________2
Fertile Soil _______________________________________________________3
Soil Texture, Structure and Color _________________________________________3
Soil Classes and Textures _____________________________________________3
Soil Structure ______________________________________________________4
Soil Color ________________________________________________________4
Soil Organisms ______________________________________________________5
Harmful Microorganisms _____________________________________________6
Soil Components _____________________________________________________7
Organic Matter ____________________________________________________7
Humus and Clay — The Seat of Soil Activity ________________________________7
Humus___________________________________________________________8
Clay ____________________________________________________________8
Montmorillonite Clays _______________________________________________8
Kaolinite Clays ____________________________________________________9
Cation Exchange Capacity _____________________________________________10
Determining Soil Cation Exchange Capacity. ______________________________11
CEC by a Lab ____________________________________________________12
Estimate of CEC___________________________________________________13
Anion Adsorption ___________________________________________________14
Soil pH ___________________________________________________________14
Desirable soil pH for optimum crop production ____________________________16
INTERPRETATION OF SOIL ANALYSIS _______________________________17
Physical properties of the soil samples. ____________________________________18
a) Texture _______________________________________________________18
b) Soil moisture parameters __________________________________________19
c) Bulk density (g/cm3) ______________________________________________19
Table of Contents
Chemical properties of the soil samples.____________________________________20

a) pH __________________________________________________________20
b) Electrical conductivity (dS m-1) ______________________________________21
c) Organic matter (%)_______________________________________________23
d) Nitrogen ______________________________________________________23
e) Phosphorus (ppm), _______________________________________________24
f) Exchangeable Potassium (ppm) ______________________________________25
g) Exchangeable calcium (ppm) ________________________________________26
h) Exchangeable magnesium (ppm) _____________________________________27
i) Exchangeable calcium, magnesium and potasium in meq/100 g of soil ___________28
j) Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) _____________________________________28
k) Sulphur (ppm) __________________________________________________32
l) Micronutrients (ppm)______________________________________________33
DESIGN FERTILIZATION PROGRAMS _______________________________35
General exercise ____________________________________________________42
a) Nitrogen dose. __________________________________________________42
b) Phosphorus dose ________________________________________________44
c) Potassium Dosage _______________________________________________46
d) Calcium dose ___________________________________________________48
e) Magnesium dose _________________________________________________49
IMPROVES THE CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOIL ______________54
FINAL EXERCISES __________________________________________________57
CONTACT INFORMATION ___________________________________________61
INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION ____________________________________61
Pág. 01 General Concepts on Plant Nutrition
SOIL1
Definition
Soil is the unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the
earth, and serves as a natural medium for the growth of land. This surface material has
been affected by environmental factors such as climate and organisms acting on parent
material over a period of time.
Figure 1.- Soil composition with a good condition for plant development.
The Soil Profile

The soil profile comprises two or more soil layers called horizons, one below the other,
each parallel to the surface of the land. Important characteristics that differentiate the
various horizons are:
 Color, texture, structure, consistency, porosity and soil reaction.

 Thicknesses ranging from several feet thick to as thin as a fraction of an inch.
 Generally, the horizons merge with one another and may or may not show sharp
boundaries.
1
http://www.cropnutrition.com/efu-soil-defined
Figure 2.- Horizons of a soil
A Horizon
The uppermost layer in the soil profile or surface soil. It includes the mulch layer and
plow layer. Living organisms are most abundant in this horizon, consisting of plant roots,
bacteria, fungi and small animals. Organic matter is most plentiful, particularly in the
mulch layer. When a soil is tilled improperly, the A Horizon may be eroded away.
B Horizon
Lies immediately beneath the A Horizon and above the C Horizon. It is called the
subsoil. The B Horizon has properties of both A and C. Living organisms are fewer in
number than in the A Horizon, but more abundant than in the C Horizon. Color is
transitional between A and C as well. It is frequently higher in clay than either of the
other horizons.
C Horizon
The deepest of the three. This is the material from which the mineral part of the soil
forms. It is the parent material of soils. It may have accumulated in place by the
breakdown of hard rock, or it may have been placed there by the action of water, wind
or ice.
Fertile Soil
A fertile soil contains an adequate supply of all the nutrients required for plant growth.
The full potential of crops is not realized if a shortage of nutrients occurs at any time
during the growth cycle. This is true even though plants are capable of remarkable
recovery from short periods of starvation.
A fertile soil is not necessarily a productive one. The second major requirement is that
the soil must be adequate for plant growth. This soil is based on environmental factors
including texture, structure, soil water supply, pH, temperature and aeration.
Soil Texture, Structure and Color

Soil Classes and Textures
An important factor in soil productivity is texture, defined as the relative percentage of

sand, silt and clay. Soils are classified on the basis of texture of each of the horizons. The
relative proportions of clay, silt and sand determine the soil textural class.
Clays are the smallest particles in soil; silts are somewhat larger in size, followed by
sands that are coarse enough that the individual particles are visible to the naked eye.
The following table shows the proportion of sand, silt and clay normally found in the
various textural classes of soils.
Table 1.- Soil classes and textures according to the percentage of sand, silt and clay.
Soil Classes % Sand % Silt % Clay

Sand 85+ 0-10
Loamy Sand 70-90 0-15
Sandy Loam 43-85 0-20
Silt 80+ 0-12
Silt Loam 50-88 0-27
Loam 0-52 0-50 7-27
Sandy Clay Loam 45+ 0-28 20-35
Clay Loam 0-45 0-53 27-40
Silty Clay Loam 0-20 40+ 27-40
Sandy Clay 45+ 0-20 35-55
Silty Clay 40+ 40+
Clay 0.45 0-40 40+
Soil Structure
The arrangement of soil particles into groups or aggregates determines the "structure."
A single mass or cluster of soil particles held together in a particular way imparts
physical characteristics to the soil, such as a clod, prism, crumb or granule. Soil structure
is often more important than the texture to the farmer. Soil structure can be changed to
produce improved soil conditions for maximum yield and profits. Structure is especially
important to water movement and in preventing root growth restrictions, both of which
affect nutrient availability to the crop. Examples of various types of soil structure are
shown at left.
Figure 3.- Aggregation of individual particles of a soil (sand, silt and clay) in larger
granules (structure).
Soil Color
Color in various types of soils is due primarily to the amount of organic matter and the
chemical state of the iron and other compounds in the mineral fraction of the soil. Other
minerals such as quartz, granite and heavy black minerals may also influence soil color.
Unweathered parent materials tend to be gray in color, or else will have the color of the
natural minerals from which they are derived.
The color of subsoils can reveal a great deal about the age and drainage conditions in the
soil. Iron compounds can exist as oxidized forms (red), hydrated oxides (yellow), and as
reduced forms (gray).
Table 2.- The relationship between subsoil color and drainage.
Subsoil color Drainage condition

Red Excellent
Reddish Brown or Brown Good
Bright Yellow Moderately Good
Pale Yellow Imperfect to Fair
Gray Poor
Dark (Black) Variable
Soil Organisms
The mineral soil harbors a varied population of living organisms that play an important
role in the dynamic changes occurring within the soil. Many groups of organisms live in
the soil, and range from microscopic to those visible to the naked eye.
Some of the microscopic-sized organisms are the bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae
and protozoa. Most soil organisms depend upon organic matter for food and energy.
Consequently, they are generally found in the top 12 inches of soil. One of the most
important functions of soil microorganisms is the decomposition of crop residue. Some
of it is converted into more stable organic compounds that are stable in the soil over long
periods of time. But a large percentage of the organic material is released to the
atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Also, nitrogen and other essential plant nutrients are
released and made available to growing crops.
Rhizobium bacteria form a symbiotic relationship that results in nitrogen fixation in

legume plants. These organisms penetrate plant roots, causing the formation of small
nodules on the roots. They then live in symbiotic relation with the host plant. The
beneficial effect of this process is realized when cultivated legumes, such as alfalfa,
clovers, soybeans, etc., are inoculated at seeding with the proper strain of the rhizobium
bacteria.
The millions of microorganisms in the soil play critical roles in plant nutrition, although
many are unidentified. The improved understanding of the microbiology of plant
nutrition is one of the important unmet challenges of crop nutrient management.
Figure 4.- Main microscopic-sized soil organisms.
Harmful Microorganisms
Some soil microorganisms are harmful to soils and growing plants, in the form of
diseases, toxins produced and denitrification. When the supply of air in a soil is limited,
certain aerobic soil organisms can get their supply of oxygen by reducing highly oxidized
compounds, such as nitrates. Further reducing action may result in free nitrogen (N2)
being produced and lost to the atmosphere. This is not an environmental problem,
because 78 percent of the atmosphere is N2 gas, but the result is a net loss of N available
for the crop. Other microorganisms contribute to loss of N as NOx gases, potent
greenhouse gases that can be an environmental problem.
Table 3.- Nitrogen fixation by crop.
Crop kg/ha N fixed

Alfalfa 219
Ladino Clover 199
Sweet Clover 130
Red Clover 125
White Clover 115
Soybeans 110
Peanuts 47
Soil Components
Organic Matter
Soil organic matter represents an accumulation of partially decayed and partially

resynthesized plant and animal residues. Such material is in an active state of decay by
soil microorganisms. Consequently, it is transitory and must be renewed constantly by
additional plant residues.
The organic matter content of a soil is only about 3 to 5 percent by weight in most
topsoils. However, it may actually be less than 0.5 percent in very sandy soils. Organic
matter serves as a "granulator" of the mineral particles, being largely responsible for the
loose, friable condition of productive soils. Also, organic matter is a major source of two
important mineral elements, phosphorus and sulfur, and is essentially the sole source of
inherent soil nitrogen.
Through its effect on the physical condition of soils, organic matter also tends to increase
the amounts of water a soil can hold and the proportion of this water that is available for
plant growth. The capacity of decomposed organic matter (humus) to hold water and
nutrient ions greatly exceeds that of clay, its inorganic counterpart. Therefore, small
amounts of humus can greatly improve the soil’s capacity to promote plant production.
Humus and Clay — The Seat of Soil Activity
Much of the dynamic nature of soils is attributed to the portions of the finer components,
humus and clay. Both of these soil constituents exist in the colloidal state. The individual
particles of each are characterized by extremely small size, large surface area per unit
weight, and the presence of surface charges to which ions and water are attracted. Clay
and humus act as centers of activity around which chemical reactions and nutrient
exchanges occur. By attracting ions to their surfaces, they temporarily protect many
essential nutrients from leaching and then release them slowly for plant use. Because of
their surface charges, they are also thought to act as "contact bridges" between larger
particles, thus helping to maintain stable granular structure that results in a soil that is
easily tilled and has good air and water movement.
On a weight basis, the humus colloids have greater nutrient and water-holding capacities
than clay. Clay is generally present in larger amounts, however. For that reason, the total
contribution of clay to soil chemical and physical properties will generally equal or
exceed that of humus. The best agricultural soils contain a good balance of humus and
clay.
Humus
Humus is a highly complex substance that plays an important role in moisture and
nutrient retention in the soil, and encourages the formation of good soil structure. It is
black or dark brown in color and spongy or jelly-like in consistency. Oftentimes, humus
is referred to as the life force of the soil because it boosts soil fertility. Soil organisms
feed and reproduce within humus. Because humus is a colloid, it increases the cation
exchange capacity of the soil.
Clay
Because of its critical role in nutrient availability in the soil, it is important to know some
of the basic characteristics of clay. Clay minerals are composed of layers, or sheets, of
silica and alumina — two of the most prominent elements of the Earth's crust. The edges
of these sheets expose negative charges that attract positively charged nutrients.
Understanding the clay mineral makeup of the soil for any given field provides important
information to help determine nutrient management practices best suited for that field.
The type of clay minerals, along with texture, structure and organic matter, helps guide
nutrient decisions.
There are predominantely two broad types of clays, montmorillonite and kaolinite. They
are found in the temperate regions, which include most of the important agricultural soils
of the world and practically all of the agricultural soils in the United States. Other types
of clays, such as illite, are present in smaller quantities.
Montmorillonite Clays
Montmorillonite clays, found largely in arid regions and in colder climates such as the
western and Midwestern states, are composed of one alumina layer between two silica
layers. The layers of silica and alumina are not held together tightly, and they tend to
expand when wet and contract upon drying. This expanding nature gives them a high
surface area relative to weight (like opening the "pages" of a book), resulting in a high
capacity to hold water and nutrients. Soils with a high percentage of montmorillonite are
very difficult to cultivate when wet, being sticky and hard to manage. When these soils
dry, cracks appear on the surface.
Figure 5.- Diagram of Montmorillonite clays colloid
The interlayer space expands and contracts with wetting and drying. Negative charges
are on particle surfaces, interlayers and broken edges of the colloid.
Kaolinite Clays
Kaolinite clays are found generally in the more humid and temperate climates, such as
the southeastern United States, and are more weathered. These clays are composed of
one layer of silica and one layer of alumina, often referred to as a 1:1-type clay. The
layers are held together more tightly than montmorillonite and, therefore, do not tend to
expand when wet and contract upon drying. Their negative charges are primarily along
the broken edges of the colloids. As a result, kaolinite-type clay soils are easier to
cultivate and hold less water than montmorillonite clays.
Figure 6.- Diagram of Montmorillonite clays colloid

Cation Exchange Capacity

Each soil colloid contains a net negative electrical charge due to its structural and
chemical makeup. Soil colloids have the ability to attract and hold positively charged
elements by electrical attraction. Most chemical compounds when in solution dissolve
into electrically charged particles called ions. Ions with positive charges are called
cations and ions containing negative charges are referred to as anions. Consequently,
positively charged cations such as potassium (K+), calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg++)
and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) are attracted and held to the surface of soil colloids
much like a magnet attracts and holds iron filings.
Montmorillonite clay and organic colloids have more surface area exposed than
kaolinite-type colloids and, therefore, have a higher net negative electrical charge. Thus,
montmorillonitic soils have more capacity to hold positively charged nutrient ions, or
cations. This characteristic is called Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Knowledge of a
soil’s CEC is basic to understanding how to manage lime and fertilizer additions. Since
kaolinite clays have less surface area exposed, they have lower (CEC) values, meaning
less capacity to hold nutrients.
CEC helps to explain why certain fertilizer elements such as positively charged
potassium, calcium and magnesium, as well as ammonium nitrogen are not as easily
leached from the soil as the negatively charged ions, or anions, of nitrate nitrogen,
sulfates or chlorides.
Cations adsorbed on the surface of soil colloids, and those contained in the soil solution,
are available for plant use. Adsorbed cations, however, can be replaced by other cations
present in the soil solution through the process of cation exchange. These replaced
cations may then combine with an anion and be leached from the soil.
Figure 7.- Schematic view of the Cation Exchange Capacity
For example, when large amounts of a fertilizer material such as muriate of potash (KCI)
are applied to the soil, the KCI dissolves in soil moisture and disassociates into K+ and
Cl- ions. The K+ in solution tends to exchange with Mg++ adsorbed on the clay and
organic matter. The K+ is held on the soil particles, and the Mg++ combines with Cl- to
form MgCl, a soluble compound that is then leached from the soil with rainfall. As plants
remove nutrients from the soil solution throughout the growing season, the
concentrations change, and this dynamic exchange of nutrients continues.
The force by which cations are held by soil colloids will depend upon several factors.
The smaller the cation and the less water it has adsorbed, generally the tighter the cation
is held on the soil particles. Hydrogen ions, therefore, are more tightly held and more
difficult to replace than larger and more hydrated cations such as ammonium, calcium,
magnesium and potassium. Divalent cations (two charges) are generally held tighter by
soil colloids than monovalent cations (one charge). Therefore, calcium and magnesium,
divalent cations, are more difficult to replace than the monovalent cations such as
potassium and ammonium. Soils with high sand and silt content have a lower percentage
of clay and organic matter, and thus have lower CEC. This explains why coarse-textured
soils require more frequent applications of lime and fertilizer.
Determining Soil Cation Exchange Capacity.
The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of a soil is typically expressed in terms of

milliequivalents. A milliequivalent is defined as "one milligram of hydrogen or the
amount of any other element that will displace it." When applied to soils,
milliequivalents are generally expressed on the basis of 100 grams of oven-dried soil.
One milligram of hydrogen per 100 grams of soil equates to 10 parts of hydrogen per
one million parts of soil. An acre (top 6 2/3 inches) of soil weighs about 2,000,000
pounds. Therefore, 10 parts per million of hydrogen (whose atomic number is one)
equals about 20 lb/acre of hydrogen.
This calculation provides a standard of measurement for converting the milliequivalent

of other elements to pounds per acre. The standard is one milliequivalent of hydrogen
equals 20 lb/acre of hydrogen. Since the atomic weight of hydrogen is 1, to convert a
milliequivalent of other elements to pounds per acre, multiply its atomic weight by 20.
Remember, divalent elements have two positive electrical charges and replace two
hydrogen ions; therefore, to arrive at the equivalent atomic weight of divalent cations,
divide its atomic weight by 2.
Table 4.- Milli-equivalents (meq) of selected cations and their equivalent in ppm.2
Equivalent
Cation Atomic weight Valence Milli-equivalents
ppm Lbs/acre
H+ 1 1 1 10 20
Ca++ 40 2 20 200 400
Mg++ 24 2 12 120 240
K+ 39 1 39 390 780
NH4+ 18 1 18 180 360
Al+++ 27 3 9 90 180
Zn++ 65 2 32.5 325 650
Mn++ 55 2 27.5 275 550
Fe++ 56 2 28 280 560
Cu++ 64 2 32 320 640
Na+ 23 1 23 230 460
CEC by a Lab
One laboratory method of determining the exchange capacity of a soil is to remove all
of the adsorbed cations by leaching a weighed portion of soil with a salt solution such as
one normal ammonium acetate. All of the adsorbed cations are replaced by the
ammonium ions. All excess ammonium ions are then removed by leaching with alcohol.
The adsorbed ammonium ions are then removed from the soil by extracting with a
different salt, such as one normal potassium chloride. The potassium ions replace the
adsorbed ammonium ions. The quantity of ammonium ions in the leachate can then be
measured, and is then expressed as milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil — the CEC
2
https://www.spectrumanalytic.com/support/library/ff/CEC_BpH_and_percent_sat.htm
value. This laboratory procedure is laborious and time consuming. Generally, an estimate
of the soil's CEC value is sufficient.
Estimate of CEC
An estimate of the cation exchange capacity of a soil can be made from soil test results.
This can be accomplished by dividing the pounds per acre of the element as determined
by the soil test by the milliequivalent weights of the cations. First, the equivalent weights
of cations must be converted into pounds per acre. The cations used in the calculation of
CEC are hydrogen, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
To arrive at the estimated cation exchange capacity of this soil, divide the lb/acre of each
element as determined by soil test by one milliequivalent (m.e.) in lb/acre of each
element. As shown in the next table, for calcium, divide the 800 lb/acre soil test value
by the 400 me value, which yields a value of 2.0 me/100 g of calcium. The sum of the
me/100 g for each of the four nutrients is the calculated CEC for that soil.
Table 5.- Converting soil test to Milliequivalents for cations.
Cation Soil test Lb/Acre 1 meq Lb/Acre meq/100 grams

Hydrogen 50 20 2.50
Calcium 800 400 2.00
Magnesium 120 240 0.50
Potassium 250 780 0.32
CEC 5.32
The proportion of adsorbed base cations (calcium, magnesium and potassium) relative
to hydrogen is expressed in terms of percent base saturation. Generally, the higher the
percent base saturation of a soil, the higher the soil pH and fertility level. In the above
example, the percent base saturation would be:
((Ca 2.0 + Mg 0.5 + K 0.32) /5.32) X 100 = 53% Base Saturation
This base saturation number is then used with the appropriate calibration database for
the area to guide fertilizer recommendations.
The next table shows the CEC values for representative soils across the United States
and illustrates the wide range of values that can occur.
Table 6.- CEC values for representative soils.
Soil or Soil Component Location CEC meq/100 g

Grundy Silt Loam Illinois 23.6
Clarion Loam Iowa 19.1
Sac Silty Clay Loam Iowa 35.1
Delta Light Silt Loam Massachusetts 9.4
Cecil Sandy Loam South Carolina 5.5
Norfolk Sandy Loam South Carolina 3.0
Lakeland Sand Florida 1.5
Kaolinite Clay – 5-15
lllite Clay – 10-45
Montmorillonite Clay – 60-150
Humus – 140
Anion Adsorption
Anions are the opposite of cations, in that they contain a net negative charge. The most
common anions in soils are chloride, sulfate, phosphate and nitrate.
In addition to cation-adsorbing capacity, soils also have the ability to adsorb anions, but
to a lesser extent than cations. Anion adsorption is pH dependent and increases with a
decrease in soil pH. Phosphates and sulfates are adsorbed more strongly than nitrates and
chlorides. Anion adsorption is not as important agriculturally as cation adsorption. Most
agricultural soils have a pH higher than that at which anion adsorption is at its maximum
strength; and with the exception of phosphate, and to a lesser degree sulfate, anions are
largely lost from the soil by leaching.
Soil pH3
Soil pH is a measure of the concentration of the positively charged hydrogen ions (H+)
in the soil solution. When a soil solution contains more H+ ions, it is acidic. When there
are fewer H+ ions, the soil solution is alkaline.
3
http://fertsmart.dairyingfortomorrow.com.au/dairy-soils-and-fertiliser-manual/chapter-7-managing-
limiting-soil-factors/7-6-soil-ph/#target-7-6-6
Figure 8.- Effect of pH (1:5 water) on nutrient availability. Source: Incitec Pivot LTD
(2008) Agronomy Advantage Manual.
The width of the bar represents the relative availability of that particular nutrient at that
pH level.
Figure 9.- Effect of pH (1:5 water) on nutrient availability. Source: Incitec Pivot LTD
(2008) Agronomy Advantage Manual.
Desirable soil pH for optimum crop production4
The desirable pH range for optimum plant growth varies among crops. While some crops
grow best in the 6.0 to 7.0 range, others grow well under slightly acidic conditions. Soil
properties that influence the need for and response to lime vary by region. A knowledge
of the soil and the crop is important in managing soil pH for the best crop performance.
Soils become acidic when basic elements such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and
potassium held by soil colloids are replaced by hydrogen ions. Soils formed under
conditions of high annual rainfall are more acidic than are soils formed under more arid
conditions. Thus, most southeastern soils are inherently more acidic than soils of the
Midwest and far West.
Soils formed under low rainfall conditions tend to be basic with soil pH readings around
7.0. Intensive farming over a number of years with nitrogen fertilizers or manures can
result in soil acidification. In the wheat-growing regions of Kansas and Oklahoma, for
example, which have soil pH of 5.0 and below, aluminum toxicity in wheat and good
response to liming have been documented in recent years.
Table 7.- Desirable soil pH for optimum crop production.
pH Range
5.0 – 5.5 5.5 – 6.5 6.5 – 7.0
Blueberries Barley Alfalfa
Irish Potatoes Bluegrass Some clovers
Sweet Potatoes Corn Sugar beets
Cotton
Fescue
Grain sorghum
Peanuts
Rice
Soybeans
Watermelon
Wheat
4
http://www.cropnutrition.com/efu-soil-ph
Pág. 17 Interpretation of Soil Analysis
INTERPRETATION OF SOIL ANALYSIS

The following table shows the results of laboratory analysis of a soil samples5.
Table 8.- Results of soil fertility analysis.
Methodology Soil sample

Indicator
used 1 2 3
% sand Bouyoucos 23.8 35.8 47.8
% silt Bouyoucos 32.0 30.0 30.0
% clay Bouyoucos 44.2 34.2 22.2
Clay
Textural class Clay Loam
loam
% Saturation Estimated 44.7 42.0
34.6
Bulk density (g/cm3) Test tube 1.1 1.0
1.2
pH (1:2 Soil:water) 7.3 7.2
8.1
Estimated (1:2
E. C. dS/m-1 2.3 2.3 1.6
water)
% O. M. Walkley y Black 3.4 4.8 4.1
Total inorganic nitrogen (mg/kg) Micro-Kjeldahl 17.4 10.9 8.7
Phosphorus available (mg/kg) Olsen 24.0 40.3 30.4
Ammonium
Exchangeable Potassium (mg/kg) 638.1 309.5 711.0
acetate
Ammonium
Exchangeable Calcium (mg/kg) 5,779.3 2,551.5 1,680.0
acetate
Ammonium
Exchangeable Magnesium (mg/kg) 165.2 229.6 175.0
acetate
Ammonium
Exchangeable Sodium (mg/kg) 154.2 90.9 269.0
acetate
CEC meq/100 g Estimated 32.55 15.82 12.82
Iron available (mg/kg) DTPA 1.5 4.4 7.3
Manganese available (mg/kg) DTPA 2.3 3.0 2.9
Zinc available (mg/kg) DTPA 1.6 3.4 1.6
Copper available (mg/kg) DTPA 1.0 0.5 1.4
Boron available (mg/kg) Azometina-H 0.7 2.2 2.4
5
Laboratorio de Análisis de Suelo, Agua y Nutrientes Vegetales. Departamento de Disciplinas Agrícolas
del Centro De Ciencias Agropecuarias de la Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes.
Physical properties of the soil samples.

a) Texture6
Figure 10.- Determination of the textural class of three soil samples.
As can be seen in the previous figure, sample 1 (red point) has a clay texture, sample 2
(brown point) has a clay loam texture and sample 3 (blue point) has a loam texture. These
characteristics influence in soil management, crop development, use of agricultural
machinery and soil moisture parameters.
6
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/nedc/training/soil/?cid=nrcs142p2_054167
b) Soil moisture parameters7
In the following table, the hydraulic properties of the three soil samples analyzed in the
laboratory are presented.
Table 9.- Hydraulic properties of three soil samples.
Soil sample
Indicator Measurement units
1 2 3
Field capacity cm³ water/cm³ soil 0.39 0.32 0.26
Permanent wilting point cm³ water/cm³ soil 0.25 0.19 0.14
Available water cm³ water/cm³ soil 0.14 0.13 0.12
Drainage rate. (cm/hr) 0.21 0.27 0.63
Field Capacity (FC): Is the water content when the soil is saturated but not yet
overflowing. If soils are worked with heavy machinery when they are at or above field
capacity, long term damage may be done to the soil structure.
Permanent Wilting Point (PWP): Is the water level at which water remaining in the soil
is held so tightly by capillary action that it is unavailable to plants.
Available water (AW): It corresponds to the difference between field capacity and
permanent wilting point (AW = FC – PWP).
Drainage rate: Is measured as the speed water travels through saturated soil. The higher
this value, the more rapidly the soil will drain.
As can be seen in the table above, soil sample number three (loam texture), has lower
water storage capacity and its drainage rate is highest (0.63 cm/h). These physical
properties influence in the frequency of reigo and the fertilization of crops.
c) Bulk density (g/cm3)8
The critical value of bulk density for restricting root growth varies with soil type, but in
general bulk densities greater than 1.6 g/cm3 tend to restrict root growth. Sandy soils
usually have higher bulk densities (1.3–1.7 g/cm3) than fine silts and clays (1.1 – 1.6
g/cm3) because they have larger, but fewer, pore spaces. In clay soils with good soil
structure, there is a greater amount of pore space because the particles are very small,
and many small pore spaces fit between them. Soils rich in organic matter (e.g. peaty
7
http://resources.hwb.wales.gov.uk/VTC/env-sci/module2/soils/soilwatr.htm
8
Katharine Brown (The University of Western Australia) and Andrew Wherrett (Department of
Agriculture and Food, Western Australia). http://soilquality.org.au/factsheets/bulk-density-measurement.
soils) can have densities of less than 0.5 g/cm3. Bulk density increases with compaction
at depth and very compact subsoils or strongly indurated horizons may exceed 2.0 g/cm3.
In the following table are presented values of Bulk density that influence the
development of roots according to textural groups9.
Table 10.- Values of Bulk density that influence the development of roots according to
the texture.
Ideal Bulkt density Bulk density that Bulk density that

Soil texture for root growth affects the growth of restricts the growth
(g/cm3) roots (g/cm3) of roots (g/cm3)
Sand and sandy loam < 1.60 1.69 > 1.80
Sandy loam and loam < 1.40 1.63 > 1.80
Sandy clay loam and
< 1.40 1.60 > 1.75
clay loam
Silt y silt loam < 1.40 1.60 > 1.75
Silt loam and silty clay
< 1.40 1.55 > 1.65
loam
Sandy clay, silty clay
< 1.10 1.49 > 1.58
and clay loam
Clay (> 45% de arcilla) < 1.10 1.39 > 1.47
Chemical properties of the soil samples.

a) pH
The values for the interpretation of the pH in the soil samples are presented at the
following table.
9
Tasistro, A. 2017. Manejo de suelos y su fertilidad. International Plant Nutrition Institute.
Table 11.- Classification of the soils according to the acidity measured in a soil:water
ratio (1:2).
Degree of acidity or alkalinity pH

Extremely acidic < 4.6
Acid 4.6 – 5.4
Moderately acidic 5.5 – 6.4
Neutral 6.5 – 7.3
Moderately alkaline 7.4 – 8.1
Alkaline 8.2 – 8.8
Extremely alkaline > 8.9
As can be seen in the results of the laboratory analysis, samples 1 and 2 have a neutral
pH. Sample number three has a moderately alkaline pH. This chemical property has to
be taken into account when selecting a crop to establish in the field, the soil management,
the application of fertilizers (acid and/or alkaline reaction), use of of soil amendments,
etc.
b) Electrical conductivity (dS m-1)10
The soil test to measure soluble salts is Electrical conductivity (E.C.). It is determined
from a saturated paste extract and is reported in units of dS m-1. The sensitivity of plants
to soluble salt levels is shown in Table 9. The salt tolerances of specific horticultural
crops is given in Table 10.
Table 12.- Soluble salt levels and relative plant sensitivity.
Electrical Conductivity
Salinity level Effect on plant growth
dS m-1
0 to 2 Non-saline None
2.1 to 4 Very slightly saline Sensitive plants are inhibited
4.1 to 8 Moderately saline Many plants are inhibited
8.1 to 16 Strongly saline Most cultivated plants inhibited
> 16 Very strongly saline Few plants are tolerant
Soil samples 1 and 2 have a very slightly saline level, while soil sample number 3 does
not contain salts.
10
Nathan, M. and. J. Stecker. 1999. Soil Test Interpretations and Recommendation Guide. Commercial
Fruits, Vegetables and Turf. College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources University of Missouri
Extension.
The following table presents tolerance to salts by crops.
Table 13.- Salt tolerances of horticultural crops.
Moderately
Non-tolerant Slightly tolerant Tolerant
tolerant
0 to 2 dS m-1 2 to 4 dS m-1 4 to 8 dS m-1 8 to 16 dS m-1
Blueberry Apple Beet Asparagus
Carrot Cabbage Broccoli
Beans Cucumber Musk Melon
Onion Grape Spinach
Pea Lettuce Squash
Radish Peach Tomato
Raspberry Pear
Strawberry Pepper
Plum
Potato
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potato
In case a salinity analysis of the soil sample is requested, the reference values for the
interpretation of the results of the saturated paste extract analysis are presented
below.11.
Table 14.- Reference values for the interpretation of saturated paste extract analysis.
Bajo Medio Alto

Elemento
meq/L
Calcium (Ca++) hasta 5.0 de 5.0 a 10.0 mayor de 10
Magnesium (Mg++) hasta 3.0 de 3.0 a 5.0 mayor de 5
Sodium (Na+) hasta 5.0 de 5.0 a 8.0 mayor de 8
Potassium (K+) hasta 2.0 de 2.0 a 3.0 mayor de 3
Nitrates (NO3-) hasta 5.0 de 5.0 a 8.0 mayor de 8
Chlorides (Cl-) hasta 4.0 de 4.0 a 6.0 Mayor de 6
Sulfates SO4= hasta 4.0 de 4.0 a 6.0 Mayor de 6
Carbonates CO3= de 0.0 a 0.2 Mayor de 0.2
Bicarbonates HCO3- hasta 2.0 De 2.0 a 4.0 mayor 5.0
11
Castellanos, J. Z. 2004. Manual de producción hortícola en invernadero. 2da. Edición, INTAGRI,
México. 469 p.
c) Organic matter (%)12
In the following table the classification of the cultivated soils of semitropical to

temperate climate is presented, according to their content of organic matter and their
textural group.
Table No. 15.- Classification of temperate climate soils according to their content of
organic matter and textural group.
Organic matter (%)

Textural
Very Moderately Moderately Very
Group Low Medium High
low low high high
Fine texture <1.0 1.01-1.50 1.51-2.00 2.01-2.50 2.51-3.20 3.21-4.20 >4.21
Medium
<0.80 0.81-1.20 1.21-1.80 1.81-2.30 2.31-3.00 3.01-4.00 >4.01
Texture
Thick
<0.50 0.51-0.80 0.81-1.20 1.21-1.60 1.61-2.00 2.01-3.00 >3.01
texture
Fine texture: clay, silt, silty clay and sandy clay.
Medium Texture: loam, silt loam, sandy clay loam, clay loam, silty clay loam.
Thick texture: sand, loamy sand and sandy loam.
In general, the three samples analyzed have a high content of organic matter. This
characteristic indicates that the soils are fertile, have a good capacity to store water,
improve the structure of the soil and promote the development of beneficial
microorganisms.
d) Nitrogen
1.- Total Nitrogen13
This test determines the total nitrogen (TN) content of the soil including that present as
both chemically stable humus (or passive) and partially decomposed plant and animal
residues (or active) organic matter fractions. The test gives some indication of the N
supplying power of a soil, but it’s primary use is to enable the expression of other, related
parameters (Organic C) relative to this property.
12
Castellanos, J. Z., J. X. Uvalle Bueno y A. Aguilar Santelises. 2000. Manual de interpretación de análisis
de suelos y aguas. 2da. Edición, INTAGRI, México. 201 p.
13
https://www.hill-laboratories.com/assets/Technical-Notes/3196v5View.pdf
Table 16.- Interpretation of total Nitrogen content (%) in soil samples.
Level Total nitrogen content (%)

Very low < 0.1
Low 0.1 – 0.2
Medium 0.2 – 0.5
High 0.5 – 1.0
Very high > 1.0
2.- Inorganic nitrogen (NO3- + NH4+)14
In the following table, the classification of soil fertility according to the content of
inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium) is presented.
Table 17.- Classification of soil fertility as a function of inorganic nitrogen.
Level N inorganic nitrogen in the soil (ppm).

Very low 0 - 10
Low 10 - 20
Medium 20 - 40
High 40 - 60
Very high > 60
Samples 1 and 2 show a “low” content of inorganic N, while sample 3 shows a “very
low” N content. The concentrations of N-NO3- and N-NH4+ in the soil depend on
biological activity, so they fluctuate with changes in conditions such as temperature and
humidity.
e) Phosphorus (ppm)15,16
The Phosphorus Bray P1 tests (for acid soils) and the Olsen Phosphorus test (for alkaline
soils) estimate the availability of phosphorus in the plant.
Soil phosphorus analyzes are an index of the availability of P. The values of the analysis
can not be used to calculate the availability of P2O5 per hectare.
14
Norma Oficial Mexicana 021-RECNAT 2000.
15
16
http://www.agrolab.com.mx/sitev002/sitev001/assets/interpretacion_fertsuel.pdf
Phosphorus is relatively immobile in the soil. If phosphorus has been applied in a layer
of fertilizer, P concentrations may persist where the layer was placed. Avoid fertilizer
layers when taking soil samples.
Table No. 18.- Classification of phosphorus content in soils according to various

extraction procedures or methods of analysis.
Phosphorus content (ppm)

Analysis
method Low Medium High
low low high high
Bray P1 0-4 5-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-60 >61
Olsen 0-4 5-9 10-15 16-20 21-25 26-35 >36
Melich 1 0-6 7-12 13-22 23-35 36-60 61-90 >91
Melich 3 0-15 15-40 40-60 60-80 80-120 120-200 >200
Sample 1 has a “moderately high” content, sample 2 shows a “very high” content and
sample 3 has a “high” phosphorus content.
f) Exchangeable Potassium (ppm)17
potassium is presented.
Table No. 19.- Classification of potassium content in soils according to various

extraction procedures or methods of analysis.
Ammonium acetate Melich 3 Soltanpour

Potassium level
ppm ppm ppm
Very low < 100 < 150 < 100
Low 100 – 150 150 – 200 100 – 150
Moderately low 150 – 200 200 – 250 150 – 200
Medium 200 – 400 250 – 350 200 – 300
Moderately high 400 – 800 350 – 650 300 – 600
High 800 – 1,200 650 – 1,200 600 – 800
Very high > 1,2000 > 1,2000 > 800
In general, soil samples 1 and 3 contain “moderately high” levels of potassium. Sample
number 2 presents an “medium” content of this nutrient.
17
Castellanos, J. Z., J. X. Uvalle Bueno y A. Aguilar Santelises. 2000. Manual de interpretación de
análisis de suelos y aguas. 2da. Edición, INTAGRI, México. 201 p.
Table 20.- Classification of potassium levels in the soil, extracted by neutral ammonium
acetate and according to the textural group.
Exchangeable Potassium (ppm)

Textural
low low high high
Fine texture < 125 125-175 175-250 250-450 450-800 800-1200 > 1200
Medium
< 100 100-150 150-200 200-300 300-600 600-1000 > 1000
Texture
Thick
< 50 50-100 101-150 151-250 251-400 401-600 > 600
texture
With respect to the textural group, sample 3 (loam) has a “high” exchangeable potassium
content, probably due to the fact that the soil sample has a high content of organic matter.
g) Exchangeable calcium (ppm)18
calcium is presented.
Table No. 21.- Classification of calcium content in soils according to various extraction
procedures or methods of analysis.
Calcium content (ppm)

Analysis
low low high high
NH4Ac1 < 500 500-750 750-1500 1500-2500 2000-3000 3000-4500 > 4500
NH4Ac2 < 500 500-750 750-1500 1500-2500 2000-3000 3000-4500 > 4500
Melich 33 < 700 700-1200 1200-2000 3000-5000 5000-8000 8000-10000 > 10000
1
pH =7 for neutral non-calcareous soils.
2
pH=8.5 for neutral and calcareous soils.
3
Only for non-calcareous soils.
18
Table 22.- Classification of calcium levels in the soil, extracted by neutral ammonium
Exchangeable Calcium (ppm)

Textural
low low high high
Fine texture < 750 750-1250 1250-2000 2000-4000 4000-6000 6000-8000 > 8000
Medium
< 500 500-750 750-1500 1500-2500 2500-4000 4000-6000 > 6000
Texture
Thick texture < 250 250-500 500-1000 1000-1750 1750-2250 2250-3000 > 3000
The soil sample 1 has a "very high" content, sample 2 has a "moderately high" level and
sample 3 has a "medium" calcium content.
h) Exchangeable magnesium (ppm)19
magnesium is presented.
Table 23.- Classification of magnesium content in soils according to various extraction

Magnesium content (ppm)

Analysis
low low high high
NH4Ac1 < 50 50-100 100-200 200-400 400-800 800-1400 > 1400
NH4Ac2 < 50 50-100 100-200 200-400 400-800 800-1400 > 1400
Soltampour3 < 35 35-70 71-140 141-280 281-560 561-1120 > 1120
Melich 34 < 100 100-200 200-450 450-750 800-1500 1500-2500 > 2500
1
pH =7 for neutral non-calcareous soils.
2
pH=8.5 for neutral and calcareous soils.
3
Only for neutral and calcareous soils.
4
Only for non-calcareous soils.
19
Table 24.- Classification of magnesium levels in the soil, extracted by neutral ammonium
Exchangeable Magnesium (ppm)

Textural
low low high high
Fine texture < 75 75-150 150-250 250-500 500-1000 1000-1600 > 1600
Medium
< 50 50-100 100-200 200-400 400-800 800-1200 > 1200
Texture
Thick texture < 25 25-50 50-100 100-200 200-400 400-600 > 600
With respect to magnesium, soil samples 1 and 3 present a "moderately low" level, while
sample 2 has a "medium" content.
i) Exchangeable calcium, magnesium and potasium in meq/100 g of soil20
The following table shows the levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium in meq/100
grams of soil.
Table 25.- Levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium in meq/100 grams of soil.
Calcium Magnesium Potasium

Clase
meq/100 g
Very low <2 < 0.5 < 0.2
Low 2-5 0.5 – 1.3 0.2 – 0.3
Medium 5 - 10 1.3 – 3.0 0.3 – 0.6
High > 10 > 3.0 > 0.6
j) Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)21
The Cation Exchange Capacity helps characterise the soil type under consideration. For
example, because organic matter in the soil is a major source of negative electrostatic
sites there is a strong correlation between CEC values, and the amount of organic matter
present in the soil. Typical CEC values for different soils are as follows
20
Norma Oficial Mexicana 021-RECNAT 2000.
21
https://www.hill-laboratories.com/assets/Technical-Notes/3196v5View.pdf
Table 26.- Classification of Cation Exchange Capacity levels in the soil.
CEC
Rating Effect on soil
(me/100g)
Low 5 - 12 Soil very low in organic matter. Typical of sandy soils.
Pumice soils often in the range 13-18; lower fertility mineral soils
Medium 12 - 25
in the range 15-25.
High fertility soils may be in the range 25-35. Also may have high
High 25 - 40
clay content.
Values typically found in peat soils. Consolidated peats typically
Very high > 40
in range 40-65; raw peat may be as high as 100.
1.- What Is Total Base Saturation?.
The exchangeable cations can be divided into two groups:
a) Bases Cations which are alkaline and therefore raise the soil pH: Ca++,Mg++, K+,
Na+.
b) Acids Cations which increase soil acidity and therefore lower pH: H+, Al+++.
The Total Base Saturation is the fraction of the negative binding sites occupied by bases.
For example, a base saturation level of 75% means that three out of every four sites is
occupied by basic cations. (The remaining 25% of the sites must therefore be occupied
by acid cations). Total Base Saturation is simply calculated by summing together the
levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium found in the soil; then expressing
this sum as a percentage of the CEC value.
𝐶𝑎 (meq/100g) + 𝑀𝑔 (meq/100g) + 𝑘 (meq/100g) + 𝑁𝑎 (meq/100g)

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (%) =
𝐶𝐸𝐶 (meq/100g)
Figure 11.- Graphic representation of the percentage of saturation of exchangeable

bases. (Adapted from McLaren and Cameron, 1998)
2.- Individual Base Saturation Levels.
Individual base saturations can also be used to gauge the balance of cations within the
soil. For a soil where the pH should be in the range 5.8 – 6.5, the following base
saturation levels can be regarded as being 'ideal'.
Table 27.- Percentage of saturation ranges of soil cation nutrients.
Cation Individual base saturation level (%)

Ca++ 50 - 75
Mg++ 5 - 15
K+ 2-5
Na+ 1-2
Table 28.- Classification of the soil based on the saturation of exchangeable cations.
Percentage of base saturation in the exchange phase

Cation Very Moderately Moderately Very
Low Medium High
low low high high
Ca++ < 25 26 - 40 41 - 60 61 - 75 76 - 80 81 – 85 > 86
Mg++ <3 4-5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16 - 20 21- 30 > 30
K+ <1 1.1 - 2 2.1 - 3 3.1 – 4 4.1 - 6 6.1 - 10 > 10.1
Na+ <1 1-2 2.1 - 3 3.1 - 5 5.1 - 10 10.1 - 20 > 20
The following table lists some suggested saturation ranges that would likely be
considered acceptable by most agronomists22.
Table 29.- Individual base saturation level and CEC.
Soil CEC (me/100g) % Ca++ % Mg++ % K+

0-5 50 - 70 10 - 20 4-6
6 - 10 50 - 70 8 - 20 3-5
11 - 15 50 - 70 8 - 20 3-4
16 - 20 50 - 70 8 - 20 2-4
21 - 25 50 - 70 8 - 20 2-4
26 - 30 50 - 70 5 - 20 1.5 - 3
> 30 50 - 70 5 - 20 1.5 - 3
3.- Methodology to calculate the Cation Exchange Capacity and individual base
saturation of the three soil samples.
22
https://www.spectrumanalytic.com/support/library/ff/CEC_BpH_and_percent_sat.htm
3.1- Convert the parts per million (ppm) of each cation to milliequivalent (meq) per 100
grams of soil, as shown below.
𝒑𝒑𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂 𝒑𝒑𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒈
𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂 = 𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒈 =
𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝒑𝒑𝒎 𝟏𝟐𝟐 𝒑𝒑𝒎
𝒑𝒑𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑲 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑎
𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑲 = 𝑚𝑒𝑞/100 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑎 =
𝟑𝟗𝟏 𝒑𝒑𝒎 230 𝑝𝑝𝑚
3.2.- Calculate the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC).
𝐶𝐸𝐶 = 𝐶𝑎 (meq/100 g) + 𝑀𝑔 (meq/100 g) + 𝑘 (meq/100 g) + 𝑁𝑎 (meq/100 g)
3.3.- Calculate the saturation percentage of each cation.
𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒈
% 𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒂 = % 𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒈 =
𝑪𝑬𝑪 𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈𝒓 𝑪𝑬𝑪 𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈𝒓
𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑲 𝑚𝑒𝑞/100 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑎
% 𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑲 = % 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑎 =
𝑪𝑬𝑪 𝒎𝒆𝒒/𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒈𝒓 𝐶𝐸𝐶 𝑚𝑒𝑞/100 𝑔𝑟
3.4.- Interpretation of results.
In the following figures, the interpretation of the laboratory results for the three soil
samples is presented.
Very high Very high Very high
High High High
Moderately Moderately Moderately

high high high
Medium Medium Medium
Moderately Moderately Moderately

low low low
Low Low Low
Very low Very low Very low

++ ++ + + ++ ++ + +
Cation Ca Mg K Na CEC Cation Ca Mg K Na CEC Cation Ca++ Mg++ K+ Na+ CEC
% Sat. 88.77% 4.16% 5.01% 2.06% 100% % Sat. 39.19% 5.78% 2.43% 1.21% 49% % Sat. 25.80% 4.41% 5.59% 3.59% 39%
meg/100 gr 28.90 1.35 1.63 0.67 32.55 meg/100 gr 12.76 1.88 0.79 0.40 15.83 meg/100 gr 8.40 1.43 1.17 1.17 12.82
Sample #1 Sample # 2 Sample # 3
Figure 12.- Interpretation of the results of CEC of three soil samples.

As can be seen in the previous figure, sample 1 has a high calcium and a low magnesium
content. Potassium is moderately high and sodium has an adequate level (low). Being a
clay soil with a high level of organic matter, the soil sample has a high cation exchange
capacity. It is recommended to apply an amendment that increases the exchangeable
magnesium content in order to balance the calcium and potassium.
Sample number 2 has a low content of calcium, magnesium and potassium. It is a clay
loam soil with a high level of organic matter. The CEC is adequate (closer to lower limit).
It is recommended to apply an amendment that allow increasing the contents of calcium,
magnesium and potassium in a balanced way.
Sample number 3 has a low calcium and magnesium content and a moderately high
potassium level. The percentage of exchangeable sodium is slightly high with respect to
the "ideal" value. It is recommended to apply an amendment that promote an increase in
the content of calcium and magnesium and reduce the exchangeable sodium. Soil
management should promote a slight decrease in pH.
The following table shows the relationships between the cations.
Table 30.- Relationship between cations (based on meq/100 g).
Relationship between cations (meq/100 g)

Sample number
Ca/Mg Mg/K Ca+Mg/K Ca/K
1 21.3 0.8 18.5 17.7
2 6.8 2.4 18.5 16.1
3 5.9 0.8 5.4 4.6
Optimum23 2-5 2.5 - 15 10 - 40 5 - 25
As can be seen in the previous table, the relationships between the cations clearly indicate
the imbalance that exists between them.
k) Sulphur (ppm)
Sulphur is presented.
23
Bertsch, F. 1998. La fertilidad de los suelos y su manejo. 1ª. Edición. San José, Costa Rica: Asociación
Costarricence de la Ciencia del Suelo (ACSS). 157 p.
Table No. 31.- Classification of sulphur content in soils according to various extraction
Sulphur content (ppm)

Analysis
low low high high
NH4Ac <3 4-5 6-7 8 - 12 13 - 18 18 – 25 > 25
CaCl2 <3 4-5 6-7 8 - 12 13 - 18 18 – 25 > 25
Monocalcium
<3 4-5 6-7 8 - 12 13 - 18 18 – 25 > 25
phosphate
The methods to diagnose the level of sulfur available in the soil are not very effective
due to the dynamics of this element in the soil, particularly if rainfall is high 24. The soil
analysis laboratory of the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes does not include in
the report the level of sulfur in the soil.
l) Micronutrients (ppm)
Micronutrients are so named because of the small amounts that are required by crops.
However, they are as important as macronutrients to maintain the productive potential
of the crop, the quality of agricultural products and soil fertility.
The following table presents the classification of iron, manganese, zinc, copper and
boron levels.
Table 32.- Classification of micronutrients levels in the soil.
Micronutrients (ppm)
Cation Very Moderately Moderately Very
Low Medium High
low low high high
Fe* <3 3-5 5-8 9 - 12 13 - 25 26 – 49 > 50
Mn* <2 2-4 4-7 7 - 12 12 - 25 25 - 50 > 50
Zinc* < 0.3 0.3 – 0.6 0.7 – 1.2 1.3 – 2.5 2.6 – 5.0 5.1 – 8.0 > 8.1
Cu* < 0.2 0.2 – 0.5 0.5 – 0.8 0.9 – 1.2 1.3 – 1.8 1.8 – 2.5 > 2.5
B** 0 - 0.03 0.4 – 0.6 0.7 – 0.8 0.9 – 1.4 1.5 – 2.0 2.0 – 3.0 > 3.0
*Extracted with DTPA.
**Extracted with Azometina-H.
24
The three soil samples have Fe and Mn contents below the optimal ranges for these
micronutrients, while for Zinc and Copper, the three soil samples approach the ideal
levels. Regarding Boro, samples number 2 and 3 present high contents, situation that can
be toxic for some crops.
The following figure presents a global interpretation of the chemical condition of three
soil samples analyzed in the laboratory.
Sample #1 Sample #2 Sample #3
Figure 13.- Interpretation of the results of fertility of three soil samples.

Pág. 35 Design Fertilization Programs
DESIGN FERTILIZATION PROGRAMS

To design fertilization programs, it is necessary to calculate the amount of nutrients in
kilograms per hectare, based on the results of the laboratory analysis of the soil sample.
1.- Convert ppm to kg/ha:
a) Convert Bulk density in g/cm3 to kg/m3:
For the soil sample # 1, Bd = 1.1 g/cm3
𝑔 1 𝑘𝑔 1′ 000,000 𝑐𝑚3
1.1 ∗ ∗ = 1,100 𝑘𝑔/𝑚,3
𝑐𝑚3 1000 𝑔 1 𝑚3
b) Calculate the volume of one hectare:
1 ha = 100 m * 100 m =10,000 m2
Depth of sampling / radicular: 30 cm = 0.30 m
Volume = 10,000 m2 * 0.30 m = 3,000 m3
c) Calculate the weight of one hectare:
1 m3 1,100 kg
3,000 m3 x
(3,000 𝑚3 ∗ 1,100 𝑘𝑔)

𝑥= = 3′ 300,000 𝑘𝑔
1 𝑚3
d) Remember that: ppm = mg/kg
For sample # 1, the content of inorganic phosphorus (P) in the soil is 24 ppm, which is
equivalent to:
1 kg of soil contains 24 mg de P.
1 kg of soil contains 0.024 g de P.
1 kg of soil contains 0.000024 kg de P.
To convert mg to kg, divide by 1,000,000.

e) Calculate the amount of nutrient in kg/ha:
1 kg of soil 0.000024 kg of P
3’300,000 kg of soil X kg of P
(3′ 300,000 𝑘𝑔 ∗ 0.000024 𝑘𝑔)

𝑥= = 79.2 𝑘𝑔 𝑑𝑒 𝑃
1 𝑘𝑔
It is also possible to transform ppm to kg/ha using the following formula:
𝑔
𝑘𝑔 (𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ (𝑐𝑚) ∗ 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡)
=
ℎ𝑎 10
Below is the nutrient content in kg/ha of the three soil samples.
Table 33.- Nutrient content in kg / ha of the three soil samples.
Soil sample
Indicator
1 2 3
Total inorganic nitrogen (kg/ha) 57.42 32.70 31.32
Phosphorus available (kg/ha) 79.20 120.90 109.44
Exchangeable Potassium (kg/ha) 2,105.73 928.50 2,559.60
Exchangeable Calcium (kg/ha) 19,071.69 7,654.50 6,048.00
Exchangeable Magnesium (kg/ha) 545.16 688.80 630.00
Iron available (kg/ha) 4.95 13.20 26.28
Manganese available (kg/ha) 7.59 9.00 10.44
Zinc available (kg/ha) 5.28 10.20 5.76
Copper available (kg/ha) 3.30 1.50 5.04
Boron available (kg/ha) 2.31 6.60 8.64
2.- Calculate the fertilization dose:25:
To determine the fertilization dose for a crop, the following equation can be used:
𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 − 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑠 =
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦
25
To calculate the Demand of the crop, the following equation is used:
𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 = 𝑅𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 (𝑘𝑔⁄𝑡) ∗ 𝑌𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑔𝑜𝑎𝑙 (𝑡⁄ℎ𝑎)
The nutrient requirements for crops are presented in the following table.
Table No. 34.- Nutrient requirements for various crops.
Phosphorus Potassium Calcium Magnesium

Nitrogen Sulfur
Common name P2O5 K2O CaO MgO
kg/ton kg/ton
kg/ton kg/ton kg/ton kg/ton
Chard 4 0.9 5.2 1.5 0.5 0.5
Garlic 3 1.2 3.6 1 0.3 0.6
Alfalfa 2.7 0.7 2.3 10.9 2.5 2.5
Celery 1.9 1.1 4.6 2.2 0.2 0.2
Oats 29 11 29 5 5.5 7
Eggplant 5 1.5 8 0.6 0.6 1.1
Beetroot 4.6 1 4 5 0.5 1
Broccoli 3 1 2.5 0.9 0.4 0.5
Pumpkin 4 1.5 4.5 9.7 1.3 1.3
Sweet potato 4.2 1.6 7.5 1.5 0.4 0.8
Barley 27 11 26 3.8 4 4
Onion 3.7 1.2 3.2 1 0.3 0.6
Rye 30 12 30 4.5 3 3
Squash 4 1.2 7.2 5 1.1 1
Pea 55 14 37.5 11 6 5
Chili 7.8 5 10 4.7 5.7 5
Habanero pepper 6.94 5.55 8.33 4.7 5.7 5
Plum 3.5 2 4 1 1 1.2
Cabbage 3.9 1 4 1 0.5 0.9
Cauliflower 4.2 1.5 6.2 0.7 0.5 0.8
Peach 3.5 1.8 3.7 1 1 1.2
Asparagus 5.5 1.1 2.5 4 1 1
Spinach 5.5 1.5 12.5 1.6 0.5 1
Strawberry 5 2 6 6 1 0.7
Bean 50 14 38 10 5 4.5
Chickpea 55 14 40 11 5.5 5
Sunflower 37 17 90 15 12.5 4.5
Guava 3.5 1.5 4 0.8 0.8 1
Bean 56 17 42.5 10 5 4.5
Fig tree 9 4 12 0.7 0.7 0.8
Tomato 3.5 1 5.7 6 1 0.7
Lettuce 3.5 1.5 7.5 1 0.4 1.4
Corn 25 15 26 4.5 6 3
Silage corn 4.9 1.6 3.7 1.5 2.8 0.55
Cantaloupe 3.7 1.2 6.7 4.6 1 1
Turnip 4 1.2 4.2 1 0.5 0.6
Potatoes 5 1.8 9 3 1.1 1.5
Pastures 1.8 0.8 2.1 3.2 2.8 2.7
Cucumber 4.5 1.4 8.9 5.6 1.4 1.3
Radish 4 1.2 4.2 1 0.5 0.6
Beet 3.9 1 6.5 4.2 0.4 0.8
Watermelon 3.7 1.2 6.7 4.7 1 1
Sorghum 31 12 27 5 5 5
Sorghum fodder 12.2 4.2 17.8 2.8 2.2 1.1
Soybean 77 16 45 7 7 7
Clover 30 8 25 10 2 2
Wheat 29 14 29 4.5 5.5 4
Vine 9 4 12 0.7 0.7 0.8
Carrot 2 1.1 6 3.8 0.3 0.3
The Supply is calculated as follows:
A) FOR NITROGEN:
𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 = (𝑁𝑚 + 𝑁𝑖 + 𝑁𝑟 + 𝑁𝑜) ∗ 𝐸𝑓
Where;
Nm = Mineralized nitrogen of organic matter (kg/ha).

Ni = Inorganic nitrogen in the soil profile (kg/ha).
Nr = Effect of residues from the previous crop. Nitrogen mineralized (+) or immobilized
(-).
No = Mineralized nitrogen from organic amendments (kg/ha).
Ef = Efficiency of use of nitrogen (0.25 – 0.90).
The following table shows the mineralized nitrogen of organic matter in kg/ha.
Table 35.- Supply of available nitrogen (Nm) from the mineralization of soil organic
matter during a cycle of 4 to 6 months.
Organic soil matter Kg of N mineralized/ha according to the textural group

% Fine texture Medium texture Thick texture
0.5 10 – 14 10 – 20 13 – 23
1.0 20 – 30 25 – 35 30 – 40
1.5 30 – 44 40 – 50 45 – 61
2.0 40 – 60 50 – 70 60 – 80
2.5 50 – 74 65 – 85 80 – 100
3.0 65 - 85 80 - 100 95 - 115
A mineralization of 2% is assumed for the group of Medium textures.
The following table shows the inorganic nitrogen in soil profile depending on the
sampling depth.
Table 36.- Inorganic nitrogen (Ni) in soil profile depending on the sampling depth.
ppm of N-NO3 0 to 30 cm, kg/ha 0 to 60 cm, kg/ha

< 6.7 < 25 < 50
6.8 – 13.3 26 – 50 50 – 100
13.4 – 26.7 51 – 100 101 – 200
26.8 – 40.1 101 – 150 201 – 300
40.2 – 53.5 151 – 200 301 – 400
53.6 – 66.8 201 – 250 401 – 500
66.9 – 80.2 251 – 300 501 – 600
80.3 – 94.6 301 - 350 601 - 700
The following table shows the supply of Nitrogen to the subsequent crop as a result of
the incorporation of residues from various crops.
Table No. 37.- Supply of Nitrogen (Nr) to the subsequent crop as a result of the
incorporation of residue from several crops.
Previous crop Yield (t/ha) N supplied to the next crop (kg/ha)*

Corn 8 -40**
Sorghum 8 -40**
Wheat 6 -30**
Rice 3 -20**
Cotton 4 0
Soybean 2 +10
Bean 2 +25
Chili 15 +25
Potatoes 40 +30
Broccoli 15 +60
Cauliflower 10 +70
Jicama 80 +100
Alfalfa 2 – 3 años +120
* Immediate effect of residue on the next crop.
** When the vegetable waste is incorporated, an immobilization of N occurs. If the vegetal residues are
removed from the land or burned, the value is zero.
The following table presents the Nitrogen available from organic amendments applied
to the soil before the establishment of crops.
Table 38.- Nitrogen available (No) from 1 t of organic fertilizer on a dry basis, depending
on its N concentration, for a crop cycle.
N in organic fertilizer (%) N (kg/t)

0.50 0.7
0.75 1.3
1.0 2.1
1.25 2.9
1.5 3.9
2.0 6.5
2.5 9.9
3.0 14.6
4.0 32.5
The following table shows the efficiencies of use of nitrogen by the crop for various
water, soil, fertilizer and crop management conditions.
Table No. 39.- Expected efficiencies in the use of Nitrogen by crops for diverse
conditions of water, soil, fertilizer and crop management.
Superficial Deep root

Water Compaction No. of
Soil texture root crop crop
management problems applications
Expected efficiency (%)
Very Thick or very
Very important 1 30 50
inefficient thin
Thick or very
Inefficient Important 1–2 40 60
thin
Moderately
Moderate Anyone 2–3 50 70
efficient
Efficient Missing Anyone 3–4 60 80
Very efficient Missing Medium >4 70 90
B) FOR OTHER NUTRIENTS (PHOSPHORUS, POTASSIUM, CALCIUM,

MAGNESIUM, ETC.).
The Supply of other nutrients is calculated from the content in ppm and transformed to
kg/ha, according to the following equation.
𝑔
𝑘𝑔 (𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ (𝑐𝑚) ∗ 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡)
=
ℎ𝑎 10
Pág. 42 General Exercise
General exercise
Determine the dose of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P2O5), Potassium (K2O), Calcium
(CaO) and Magnesium (MgO) for production of silage corn. The yield goal is 75 t/ha.
The results of laboratory analysis are from the sample number 1.
Soil: Clay.
Organic Matter: 3.4%.
N mineral in the stratum from 0 to 30 cm: 17.4 mg/kg.
Phosphorus available (Olsen): 24 mg/kg.
Exchangeable potassium: 638.10 mg/kg.
Exchangeable calcium: 5,779.30 mg/kg.
Exchangeable magnesium: 165.20 mg/kg.
Bulk density: 1.1 g/cm3.
Use of organic fertilizers: No application.
Previous cultivation: Silage corn.
Cultivation to establish: Silage corn.
Yield goal: 75 t/ha.
Water management: Efficient.
pH: 7.3.
Hydraulic conductivity: 0.21 cm/hora.
a) Nitrogen dose.
To calculate the dose of Nitrogen, the following equation is used:
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑁 =
1.- Calculate the Demand of the crop.
From table 34 we obtain the Requirement of N. Are needed 4.9 kg of N per hectare to
produce one ton of silage.
𝑘𝑔 𝑡 𝑘𝑔
𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑁 = 4.9 ∗ 75 = 367.5
𝑡 ℎ𝑎 ℎ𝑎
2.- Calculate the nitrogen Supply by the soil.

𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑁 = (𝑁𝑚 + 𝑁𝑖 + 𝑁𝑟 + 𝑁𝑜) ∗ 𝐸𝑓
a) Calculate the mineralized nitrogen of Organic Matter (Nm) in kg/ha. In the soil
analysis, the value of M. O. is 3.4%. From table 35, the value of Nm is 65 kg/ha.
The mineralized organic nitrogen can also be estimated using the procedure described
by Castellanos et al., (2005) 26. In this it is assumed that the mineralization rate of organic
nitrogen is 1%, Organic Matter consists of 55% organic carbon, the C/N ratio is 10:1,
the soil surface is of one hectare and the depth is 30 cm. This procedure is described by
the following equation:
[(𝑂. 𝑀.∗ 0.55) ∗ (3′ , 000,000 ∗ 𝐵𝑑)]

𝑁𝑚 = ∗ 0.001
100
Where:
Nm= Mineralized nitrogen from organic matter in a crop cycle (kg/ha).

O. M.= Organic matter (%).
Bd = Bulk density of the soil (g/cm3).
With the example data, the result of the equation is:
[(3.4 ∗ 0.55) ∗ (3′ , 000,000 ∗ 1.1)]

𝑁𝑚 = ∗ 0.001 = 61.71 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑁
100
b) Calculate the inorganic nitrogen in soil profile (Ni) in kg/ha.
In the soil analysis, the inorganic N value is 17.4 mg/kg. From table 36, the Ni value is
51 kg/ha.
c) Calculate the effect of crop residues (Nr).
The previous crop was silage corn. From table 37, the effect of the crop is -40 kg/ha.
d) They weren´t applied organic amendments, therefore, the mineralized Nitrogen of

organic amendments (No) is 0 kg/ha.
26
Castellanos R. J. Z., Cueto W. J. A., Macías C. J., Salinas G. J. R., Tapia V. L. M., Cortes J. J. M.,
González A. I. J., Mata V. H., Mora G. M., Vásquez H. A., Valenzuela S. C. y Enríquez R. S. A. 2005. La
fertilización de los cultivos de maíz, sorgo y trigo en México. SAGARPA, INIFAP. 44 pag.
3.- Obtain the efficiency factor of nitrogen use (Ef).
For a soil with an efficient use of water, without compaction, any type of texture, with 3
to 4 applications of fertilizer, the value of Ef is equal to 80% (table 39).
Substituting the values, the equation is as follows:
𝑘𝑔
𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑁 = (65 + 51 + (−40) + 0) ∗ 0.8 = 60.8 𝑑𝑒 𝑁
ℎ𝑎
4.- Calculate the dose of Nitrogen with the equation.
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑁 =
Substituting the values, the result is:
367.5 − 60.8 𝑘𝑔
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑁 = = 383 ⁄ℎ𝑎
0.8
If the efficiency is 70%, the dose of N is equal to 438 kg for a yield goal of 75 t/ha of
corn silage.
b) Phosphorus dose
To calculate the Phosphorus dose, the equation is used:
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑃2 𝑂5 =
From table 34 we obtain the Requirement of P2O5. Are needed 1.6 kg of P2O5 per hectare
to produce one ton of silage.
𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑃2 𝑂5 = 1.6 ∗ 75 = 120
2.- Calculate the Phosphorus Supply by the soil.

The supply of Phosphorus through the soil can be calculated with the following equation:
𝑔
(𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ (𝑐𝑚) ∗ 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑃)
𝑃2 𝑂5 = ∗ 2.29
10
𝑔
(1.1 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 30 𝑐𝑚 ∗ 24 𝑚𝑔/𝑘𝑔) 𝑘𝑔
𝑃2 𝑂5 = ∗ 2.29 = 181 ⁄ℎ𝑎
10
Note: 2.29 is the constant that allows changing the value from P to P2O5.
PhD Francisco Rodríguez, a professor-researcher of Soil Department at Autonomous

University Chapingo, proposes the following methodology to calculate the supply of
phosphorus by the soil.
𝑘𝑔⁄
𝑃2 𝑂5 ℎ𝑎 = 𝑃 𝑂𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑛 ∗ 𝐸𝑐 ∗ 2.29
Where:
P Olsen = Phosphorus content in in mg/kg.

Ec = Phosphorus absorption efficiency index for crops. For cereals = 1.7; legumes and
oilseeds = 1.3 and vegetables = 1.0.
To transform P Bray1 to P Olsen, the following equations are used:
𝑃 (𝑂𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑛) = 4.09 + 0.579 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑦 1; (𝑝𝐻 4.5 − 5.0)

𝑃 (𝑂𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑛) = 3.51 + 0.552 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑦 1; (𝑝𝐻 5.0 − 5.5)
𝑃 (𝑂𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑛) = 3.06 + 0.582 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑦 1; (𝑝𝐻 5.5 − 6.0)
𝑃 (𝑂𝑙𝑠𝑒𝑛) = 2.46 + 0.678 𝐵𝑟𝑎𝑦 1; (𝑝𝐻 6.0 − 6.6)
Substituting the values, the result is:
𝑘𝑔⁄ 𝑚𝑔 𝑘𝑔
𝑃2 𝑂5 ℎ𝑎 = 24 ⁄𝑘𝑔 ∗ 1.7 ∗ 2.29 = 93 ⁄ℎ𝑎
3.- Obtain the efficiency (Ef) of the nutrient.
It is considered that the P2O5 Efficiency is from 15 to 25%. In fertigation, Efficiency

may be 35%24.
4.- Calculate the dose of Phosphorus, according to the equation.

𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑃2 𝑂5 =
120 − 93∗ 𝑘𝑔
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑃2 𝑂5 = = 108 ⁄ℎ𝑎
0.25
* Supply according to equation of Professor Francisco Rodríguez Neave.
c) Potassium Dosage
Calculate the dose of Potassium, according to the equation:
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐾2 𝑂 =
From table 34 we obtain the Requirement of K2O. Are needed 3.7 kg of K2O per hectare
𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎 𝑑𝑒 𝐾2 𝑂 = 3.7 ∗ 75 = 278 ⁄ℎ𝑎
𝑡 ℎ𝑎
2.- Calculate the Supply of Potassium.
𝑔
(𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ (𝑐𝑚) ∗ 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐾)
𝐾2 𝑂 = ∗ 1.2
10
𝑔 𝑚𝑔
(1.1 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 30 𝑐𝑚 ∗ 638.1 ⁄𝑘𝑔) 𝑘𝑔
𝐾2 𝑂 = ∗ 1.2 = 2,527 ⁄ℎ𝑎
10
Note: 1.2 is the constant that allows changing the value from K a K2O.
PhD Francisco Rodríguez27, a professor-researcher of Soil Department at Autonomous

University Chapingo, proposes the following methodology to calculate the supply of
Potassium by the soil.
𝑘𝑔⁄
𝐾2 𝑂 𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑎 = 𝐾 𝑒𝑥𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 ∗ 𝐸𝑐 ∗ 1.2
Where;
K exchangeable = K content in soil in mg / kg.
Ec = Efficiency of absorption of Potassium by crops.
The constant 1.2 is used to convert K a K2O.
The following table shows the value of Absorption efficiency (Ec) for the three types of
crops (cereals, legumes and oilseeds and vegetables) and the type of soil.
Table 40.- Absorption efficiency (Ec) of Potassium depending on the type of crop and
the texture of the soil.
Crop Grupo textural Valor de Ec

Clay soil 1.3
Cereals Loam soil 1.4
Sandy soil 1.5
Clay soil 1.1
Legumes and oilseeds Loam soil 1.2
Sandy soil 1.3
Clay soil 0.8
Vegetables Loam soil 0.85
Sandy soil 0.9
The Ec value for silage corn and clay soil is 1.3.
Substituting the values in the equation:
𝑘𝑔⁄ 𝑘𝑔⁄
𝐾2 𝑂 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑎 = 638.1 ∗ 1.3 ∗ 1.2 = 995 ℎ𝑎
3.- Obtain the Efficiency (Ef) of nutrient.
27
Rodríguez Neave, F. 2011. Análisis de suelo y manejo de la fertilidad. Simposio Internacional de
Nutrición Vegetal. León, Gto. México.
The efficiency of K is 30 to 50%. In fertigation, Efficiency may be 65%.
3.- Calculate the dose of K with the equation.
240 − 995∗ 𝑘𝑔
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐾2 𝑂 = = −1,510 ⁄ℎ𝑎
0.50
* Supply according to calculation of PhD Francisco Rodríguez Neave.
There is a very important supply of Potassium in the soil. It is advisable not to apply
Potassium or only 25% of the demand (60 kg of K2O per hectare).
d) Calcium dose
To calculate the dose of Calcium, the equation is:
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑑𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑂 =
From table 34 we obtain the Requirement of CaO. Are needed 1.5 kg of CaO per hectare
𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑂 = 1.5 ∗ 75 = 112
2.- Calculate the Calcium Supply by the soil.
𝑔
(𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ (𝑐𝑚) ∗ 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎)
𝐶𝑎𝑂 = ∗ 1.4
10
Note: 1.4 is the constant that allows changing the value from Ca to CaO.
𝑔
(1.1 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 30 𝑐𝑚 ∗ 5,779.3 𝑚𝑔/𝑘𝑔) 𝑘𝑔
𝐶𝑎𝑂 = ∗ 1.4 = 26,700 ⁄ℎ𝑎
10
As can be seen in the previous equation, the supply of CaO through the soil is very high.
It is recommended not to apply this nutrient. In addition, the saturation percentage of Ca
is 88.77%. It is recommended to apply some amendment that allows to decrease the

presence of Calcium in soil and increase Magnesium (4.16%).
e) Magnesium dose
To calculate the dose of Calcium, the equation is:
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑒 𝑀𝑔𝑂 =
From table 34 we obtain the Requirement of MgO. Are needed 2.8 kg de MgO per
hectare to produce one ton of silage.
𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑𝑒 𝑀𝑔𝑂 = 2.8 ∗ 75 = 210
2.- Calculate the Magnesium Supply by the soil.
𝑔
(𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ (𝑐𝑚) ∗ 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔)
𝑀𝑔𝑂 = ∗ 1.66
10
Note: 1.66 is the constant that allows changing the value from Mg a MgO.
𝑔
(1.1 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 30 𝑐𝑚 ∗ 165.2 𝑚𝑔/𝑘𝑔) 𝑘𝑔
𝑀𝑔𝑂 = ∗ 1.66 = 905 ⁄ℎ𝑎
10
Although the supply of Magnesium is apparently superior to the demand, it is

recommended to apply an amendment containing this nutrient, before establishing the
crop and carrying out the fertilization program. The objective is to balance the contents
of Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium. The ideal saturation percentages are
70, 15, 5 and 2%, respectively.
In summary, the fertilization formula of N, P, K, Ca and Mg for the production of 75 t/ha

of silage corn is:
Table 41.- Fertilization formula of N, P, K, Ca and Mg for the production of 75 t/ha of

silage corn.
Nutrient Dose (kg/ha)

N 383
P2O5 108
K2O 0
CaO 0
MgO 0
To fertilize the soil, the following fertilizers can be used as a source of nutrients..
Table 42.- Nutrient content (percentage) of the most common fertilizers in the market.
N P2O5 K20 CaO Mg S Fe Zn Mn Cu B

Fertilizer
Nutritional content (%)
MAP 11 52
DAP 18 46
Triple calcium superphosphate 46 14 0.3 10
Simple calcium phosphate 21 17 12
Microessentials SZ 12 40 10 1
Anhydrous ammonia 82
Urea 46
Sulfate Ammonium 21 72
Ammonium nitrate 33
Calcium nitrate 15 19
Phosphonitrate 31 4
Potassium nitrate 13 46
Potassium chloride 60
Potassium sulfate 50 0 18
Kmag 22 11 22
Magnesium Nitrate 11 16
Magnesium sulphate 15 15
17-17-17 17 17 17
12-24-12 12 24 12
Ferrous sulfate 4 14
Manganese sulphate 4 30
Zinc sulfate 5 36
Copper sulphate 4 35
Granubor 14
For the selection of fertilizers it is very important to evaluate the reaction in the soil (pH),
the salinity index and the chemical compatibility between them.
The following table shows the equivalent of acidity, alkalinity and saline index of some
fertilizers 28.
Table 43.- Equivalent of acidity, alkalinity and saline index of some fertilizers no.
Kg of CaCO3
Salinity index
Nutrient Nutritional that move by kg
Fertilizers per unit of
contentl (%) Form of N of the
nutrient
fertilizer
Anhydrous
82 N 1.80 A 0.572
ammonia
Ammonium
33 N 1.80 A 2.990
nitrate
Ammonium
21 N 5.35 A 3.253
sulphate
Potassium nitrate 13 N 2.00 B 5.336
Sodium nitrate 16 N 1.80 B 6.060
Urea 46 N 1.80 A 1.618
Simple calcium
21 P2O5 0.0 N 0.390
phosphate
Triple calcium
46 P2O5 0.0 N 0.210
superphosphate
Potassium
60 K2O 0.0 N 2.189
chloride
Potassium sulfate 50 K2O 0.0 N 0.853
A = Acid reaction, B = Alkaline reaction and N = Neutral.
The following figure shows the compatibility of chemical fertilizers 29.
28
Salgado García, S. y R. Núñez Escobar. 2010. Manejo de fertilizantes químicos y orgánicos. Primera
Edición, Mundi-Prensa, México. 146 p.
29
Finck, A. 1985. Fertilizantes y fertilización: Fundamentos y métodos para la fertilización de los cultivos.
Ed. Reverte, S.A., España. 439 p.
Simple and triple superphosphate
Potassium sulfate, K-Mg S.

Diammonium phosphate
Ammonium nitrosulfate
Ammonium sulphate
Calcium cyanamide
Ammonium nitrate
Potassium chloride
Calcium carbonate
Phosphoric rock
Basic slag
Urea
Calcium nitrate
Ammonium sulphate
Ammonium nitrosulfate
Ammonium nitrate
Urea
Calcium cyanamide
Simple and triple superphosphate
Diammonium phosphate
Basic slag
Phosphoric rock
Potassium chloride
Potassium sulfate, K-Mg S
Compatible
Limited compatibility
Not compatible
Figure 14.- Fertilizer mixtures and compatibility
To provide the nutrients required by the crop and given that the pH is slightly alkaline,
it was decided to use Ammonium sulphate and Urea as a source of N, and Triple
superphosphate as a source of P.
The amount of fertilizer to be added is presented below.

Table No. 44.- Amount of fertilizer for the fertilization dose.
Application Nutritional Amount of

Phenological Dose
Nutrient percentage Fertilizer content fertilizer
stage (kg/ha)
% (%) kg/ha
Establishment Ammonium
N 25 96 21 96/0.21 = 457
of the crop sulphate
Vegetative
N 75 287 Urea 46 287/0.46 = 624
development
Total 100 383 1,081 kg/ha
Establishment Triple
P 2O 5 100 108 46 108/0.46 = 235
of the crop superphosphate
Total 100 108 235 kg/ha
The fertilizers Ammonium sulfate and Triple superphosphate are chemically compatible
and their reaction in the soil is acid, so they can be mixed and applied during the
establishment of the crop. The Urea is applied during the phenological stage of
vegetative development, it is very soluble (1 kg in 1 l of water) and its application can
be divided into three or four times.
Pág. 54 Amendments
IMPROVES THE CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE

SOIL
As indicated above, it is advisable to apply an amendment of Magnesium, since the
percentage of base saturation of this cation is unbalanced with respect to the other
interchangeable cations (Calcium, Potassium, and Sodium), as presented in the following
table.
Table 45.- Percentage of base saturation of interchangeable cations and their

interpretation.
meq/100 gr of % de
Cation ppm* Equivalence Interpretation
soil saturation
Ca++ 5,779 200 28.90 89% Very high
Mg++ 165 122 1.35 4% Low
K+ 638 391 1.63 5% Moderately high
Na+ 154 230 0.67 2% Low
CEC 32.55 100% High
*ppm of the sample number 1.
The following table presents the procedure to calculate the amount of Magnesium
sulphate that is required to balance the saturation percentage of the interchangeable
cations.
Table 46.- Amount of Magnesium Sulphate required (t/ha) to balance the percentage of
interchangeable soil bases.
SATURATION OF INTERCHANGEABLE BASES

Saturation percentage CEC
Indicator
Ca++ Mg++ K+ Na+ (meq/100g)
Observed (%) 89 4 5 2 32.55
Expected (%) 65-75 10-20 5-7 0-5 25
Difference (%) -24 6 0 -2
Difference (meq/100g of soil) -7.81 1.95 0 -0.65
kg/ha*,** 0 785 0 0
Amendment Magnesium sulphate (t ha-1)*** 0 5.2 0 0
*Bulk density = 1.1 gr/cm3.
** Root depth = 30 cm.
***100 kg of Magnesium sulphate = 15 kg de Mg.
For the calculation, the following equations are used.
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 (%) = % 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 − % 𝑂𝑏𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑

Pág. 55 Amendments
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 (%) = 10 − 4 = 6
Convert % saturation to meq/100 gr of soil. From the equation:
𝑚𝑒𝑞/100 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔
% 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 =
𝐶𝐸𝐶 𝑚𝑒𝑞/100 𝑔𝑟
Clear meq/100 g of Mg, leaving the equation as follows:
𝑚𝑒𝑞⁄100 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 = % 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 ∗ % 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔
𝑚𝑒𝑞⁄100 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 = 0.06 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 ∗ 32.55 = 1.95
Convert meq/100 g of Mg to ppm of Mg. With the equation:
𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔
𝑚𝑒𝑞/100 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 =
122 𝑝𝑝𝑚
Clear ppm of Mg, leaving the equation as follows:
𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 = 𝑚𝑒𝑞⁄100 𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 ∗ 122 𝑝𝑝𝑚
𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 = 1.95 ∗ 122 𝑝𝑝𝑚 = 238 𝑝𝑝𝑚
Convert ppm of Mg to kg/ha of Mg with the following equation:
𝑔
(𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 𝑅𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ (𝑐𝑚) ∗ 𝑝𝑝𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔)
𝑘𝑔⁄ℎ𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 =
10
𝑔
(1.1 ⁄𝑐𝑚3 ∗ 30 𝑐𝑚 ∗ 238 𝑝𝑝 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔)
𝑘𝑔⁄ℎ𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 = = 785 𝑘𝑔
10
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has 15% Mg. The equation is used to calculate the amount
of amendment:
𝑘𝑔⁄ℎ𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔 785
𝑘𝑔⁄ℎ𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑔𝑆𝑂4 = = = 5,233 𝑘𝑔
0.15 0.15
Pág. 56 Amendments
The amendment is recommended to apply fractionated in at least two years of cultivation.

It is expected that the exchangeable Magnesium content will increase gradually and be
balanced with respect to the other interchangeable cations.
If the Sodium (Na+) is above the allowed limits (greater than 2% saturation), it is
recommended to apply Gypsum (CaSO4 2H2O). The methodology to calculate the
amount of plaster to be applied is presented in the article published by Ramos (2017) in
the magazine Productores de Hortalizas of the month of August. The article can be
downloaded from the following links:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/archivos.hortalizas.com/wp-
content/uploads/revista_digital/2017/PdH_Aug2017_Digital_Edition.pdf
http://www.hortalizas.com/miscelaneos/como-calcular-la-dosis-de-yeso-en-un-suelo-
con-problemas-de-sodio/
Pág. 57 Exercises
FINAL EXERCISES
A) PRACTICE PROBLEMS FOR CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY.
1.- What is the valence of Ca++ and what is its milliequivalent weight if the atomic weight
is 40?
2.- If the soil sample number 2 has 15.82 meq of CEC/100 g, how many milligrams of
Ca++ will this equal? How many grams?
3.- If the soil sample number 3 has a CEC of 12.82 meq/100 g. How many grams of Na+
will it take to saturate the CEC? (The atomic weight of Na+ = 23).
4.- Soil sample number 1was determined to have 32.55 meq/100 g of CEC. How many
cmol/kg would this equal?
5.- Convert the following concentrations into parts per million (ppm). See atomic
weights at table 24.
5.1) 28.90 meq/100 gr of soil de Ca++

5.2) 35 meq/100 gr of soil de Mg++
5.3) 63 meq/100 gr of soil de K+
5.4) 0.67 meq/100 gr of soil de Na+
5.5) 1 meq/100 gr of soil de H+
B) PRACTICE PROBLEMS FOR FERTILIZER ANALYSIS.
Quick review: Nutrients are present in a fertilizer; thus, the amount of nutrient in a
fertilizer will depend on the fraction of the material that is the nutrient. Also, P and K
are often expressed as P2O5 and K2O, respectively. For example, P X 2.29 = P2O5; or
P2O5/2.29 = P. In converting P2O5 to P, one may either divide by 2.29 or multiply by
0.436 to get the same answer. The constant 1.2 is used to convert K a K2O. In converting
K2O to K, one may either divide by 1.2 or multiply by 0.830 to get the same answer.
% nutrient = (kg of nutrient/kg of fertilizer) X 100

kg of nutrient = (% nutrient/100) * kg of fertilizer
kg of fertilizer = kg of nutrient/(% nutrient/100)
6.- What is the % of N in the fertilizer NH4NO3? (The atomic weight of N=14, H=1,
O=16).
Pág. 58 Exercises
7.- If 240 kg of NH4NO3 were applied per ha, how many kg of N are applied?
8.- If 360 kg of fertilizer 17-17-17 were applied per ha, how many kg of N, P2O5, and
K2O are applied?
9.- To produce 75 t/ha of silage corn, the crop demands 108 kg of P2O5, how many
kilograms of MAP fertilizer should be applied in the soil to satisfy this requirement?.
10.- Some fertilizers are "dual labeled" in that they have both elemental and oxide form
on the label. Also, most scientific literature reports all nutrient analyses on the elemental
basis. If a bag of fertilizer were labeled as containing 40% K2O, what is the analysis
when expressed as %K.
11.- In a similar problem, assume the bag is labeled as 20% P. Calculate the percentage
P2O5 in the bag.
12.- If a 50 kg bag of Urea (46-0-0) costs $315.00, what is the cost per kg of N?.
13.- Assume that you wish to make a bulk blend and add 300 kg of 0-46-0 and 200 kg
of 0-0-60. What is the analysis of this blend (assume everything is on the oxide basis)?
14.- To produce 80 t/ha of silage corn, the crop demands 392 kg de N, 128 kg de P2O5 y
296 kg de K2O. You have 20 hectares that need fertilized. If the source of N is
Ammonium sulfate (21-00-00), the source of P2O5 is 18-46-0 and the source of K2O is
0-0-50, how many kg of each fertilizer must you blend together to fill the truck going to
the field? What will be the final analysis of the blended fertilizer?
Pág. 59 Exercises
C) WITH THE FOLLOWING SOIL ANALYZES, CARRY OUT THE

INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS.
Table No. 47.- Results of laboratory analysis of soil samples from different places in
Aguascalientes.
Soil sample
Indicator
1 2 3 4 5 6
% sand 29.5 38.8 58.0 50.0 16.9 48.8
% silt 30.0 42.0 24.0 29.3 32.0 27.2
% clay 40.5 19.2 18.0 20.7 51.1 24.0
Textural class
% Saturation 33.3 43.0 26.3 21.5 38.3 25.6
Bulk density (g/cm3) 1.1 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.0 1.3
pH 7.1 6.9 7.0 8.1 7.1 8.6
E. C. dS/m-1 1.0 0.3 0.7 2.4 0.9 1.9
% O. M. 2.1 1.6 2.3 1.7 3.4 1.2
Total inorganic nitrogen (mg/kg) 5.3 6.5 4.1 7.4 7.6 10.8
Phosphorus available (mg/kg) 25.7 14.5 33.9 48.8 56.1 6.3
Exchangeable Potassium (mg/kg) 1,168.6 628.1 354.8 1,358.8 1,302.8 338.6
Exchangeable Calcium (mg/kg) 3,940.5 552.6 2,212.9 2,880.5 3,132.0 1,542.2
Exchangeable Magnesium (mg/kg) 158.6 50.8 60.5 218.0 193.6 98.7
Exchangeable Sodium (mg/kg) 309.4 12.1 93.2 549.2 93.2 854.4
CEC meq/100 g
Iron available (mg/kg) 3.5 6.8 3.3 11.5 3.4 7.0
Manganese available (mg/kg) 2.8 3.3 2.5 3.7 4.1 11.9
Zinc available (mg/kg) 1.7 0.5 5.0 1.3 1.4 1.9
Copper available (mg/kg) 0.5 0.1 3.0 0.5 0.3 0.7
Boron available (mg/kg) 1.7 0.2 0.7 2.7 0.2 1.3
15.- Interpret soil analyzes and their impact on soil fertilization and crop nutrition.
16.- Determine the textural class of each soil sample.
17.- Calculate the Cation Exchange Capacity.
18.- Calculate and interpret the saturation percentage of Ca++, Mg++, K+ y Na+.
19.- Elaborate graphs to the interpretation of each nutrient and percentage of saturation
(the scales are very low, low, moderately low, medium, moderately high, high, very
high).
20.- Calculate the hydraulic properties of soil samples.
21.- If necessary, recommend a soil improver (source and dose).
Pág. 60 Exercises
D) DESIGN THE FERTILIZATION PROGRAM FOR THE FOLLOWING CROPS.
Table 48.- Surface and production system of various crops.
Crop Surface (ha) Production system

Broccoli 5 Beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation
Corn for grain 12 Extensive, rows and sprinkler irrigation (central pivot)
Forage barley 10 Extensive, full coverage and spray irrigation (side roll)
Lettuce 5 Beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation
Chile 10 Beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation
Potatoes 5 Beds and drip irrigation
Bell pepper 10 Beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation in macrotunel
Silage corn 18 Extensive, rows and sprinkler irrigation (central pivot)
Grapevine 5 Drip irrigation
Peach 10 Cup shape, in lines (5 m), drip irrigation
Onion 5 Beds and drip irrigation
Guava 10 Cup shape, in lines (5 m), drip irrigation
Alfalfa 10 Extensive, full coverage and spray irrigation (side roll).
Tomato 5 Beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation
Distance between beds: 1.56 m.
Distance between rows: 0.75 m.
22.- Calculate the fertilization dose for N, P, K, Ca and Mg, according to the equation:
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
23.- Calculate the amount of fertilizer for the fertilization dose.

24.- Identify the lowest cost fertilizer mix.
25.- Calculate the kilograms of the nutrient applied according to the requirements of the
crop, the yield goal and the mixture of fertilizers.
26.- Calculate the kilograms per hectare of the fertilizers that will be applied in the
production plot for soil fertilization and crop nutrition.
27.- Calculate the kilograms per hectare to be used in sowing, during vegetative stage
and total of the surface.
28.- Calculate the total fertilizers according to the crop, nutrient requirements, yield goal,
surface, and fertilizer mix.
29.- Calculate the number of bags to be used, which allows decisions to be made as to
the mix of fertilizers in sowing and the cost of moving to the production plot.
30.- Compare the costs of the fertilization formulas of three synthetic chemical fertilizers
distributors.
Pág. 61 General Information
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Fernando Ramos Gourcy

Professor/researcher
Tel. (449) 9107400 Ext. 8121
Fax (449)9107400 Ext. 8125
www.fernandoramos.net
framosg@correo.uaa.mx
INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION
Autonomous University of Aguascalientes
Center of Agricultural Sciences
Department of Fitotecnia
Academic Group in Plant Production

Center of Agricultural Sciences

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Chemical properties of the soil samples.____________________________________20

The Soil Profile

 Color, texture, structure, consistency, porosity and soil reaction.

Figure 2.- Horizons of a soil

Soil Texture, Structure and Color

An important factor in soil productivity is texture, defined as the relative percentage of

Soil Classes % Sand % Silt % Clay

Table 2.- The relationship between subsoil color and drainage.

Subsoil color Drainage condition

Rhizobium bacteria form a symbiotic relationship that results in nitrogen fixation in

Figure 4.- Main microscopic-sized soil organisms.

Table 3.- Nitrogen fixation by crop.

Crop kg/ha N fixed

Soil organic matter represents an accumulation of partially decayed and partially

Humus and Clay — The Seat of Soil Activity

Figure 5.- Diagram of Montmorillonite clays colloid

Figure 6.- Diagram of Montmorillonite clays colloid

Cation Exchange Capacity

Figure 7.- Schematic view of the Cation Exchange Capacity

Determining Soil Cation Exchange Capacity.

The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of a soil is typically expressed in terms of

This calculation provides a standard of measurement for converting the milliequivalent

Table 5.- Converting soil test to Milliequivalents for cations.

Cation Soil test Lb/Acre 1 meq Lb/Acre meq/100 grams

((Ca 2.0 + Mg 0.5 + K 0.32) /5.32) X 100 = 53% Base Saturation

Table 6.- CEC values for representative soils.

Soil or Soil Component Location CEC meq/100 g

Desirable soil pH for optimum crop production4

Table 7.- Desirable soil pH for optimum crop production.

INTERPRETATION OF SOIL ANALYSIS

Table 8.- Results of soil fertility analysis.

Methodology Soil sample

Physical properties of the soil samples.

Figure 10.- Determination of the textural class of three soil samples.

b) Soil moisture parameters7

Table 9.- Hydraulic properties of three soil samples.

c) Bulk density (g/cm3)8

Ideal Bulkt density Bulk density that Bulk density that

Chemical properties of the soil samples.

Degree of acidity or alkalinity pH

b) Electrical conductivity (dS m-1)10

Table 12.- Soluble salt levels and relative plant sensitivity.

The following table presents tolerance to salts by crops.

Table 13.- Salt tolerances of horticultural crops.

Bajo Medio Alto

c) Organic matter (%)12

In the following table the classification of the cultivated soils of semitropical to

Organic matter (%)

1.- Total Nitrogen13

Table 16.- Interpretation of total Nitrogen content (%) in soil samples.

Level Total nitrogen content (%)

2.- Inorganic nitrogen (NO3- + NH4+)14

Table 17.- Classification of soil fertility as a function of inorganic nitrogen.

Level N inorganic nitrogen in the soil (ppm).

Table No. 18.- Classification of phosphorus content in soils according to various

Phosphorus content (ppm)

f) Exchangeable Potassium (ppm)17

Table No. 19.- Classification of potassium content in soils according to various

Ammonium acetate Melich 3 Soltanpour

Exchangeable Potassium (ppm)