How to Read a Soil Test: The 2026 Protocol for Precision Amendment

A professional laboratory report on a digital screen highlighting Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and Buffer pH metrics, surrounded by a stainless steel soil probe and glass laboratory equipment.

The 3-Minute Lab Report Summary A professional soil test reveals Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Buffer pH, and Base Saturation—the trinity of soil chemistry that dictates nutrient availability. These metrics expose the soil’s capacity to hold nutrients, the precise lime requirement, and whether calcium-magnesium ratios support proper flocculation. Simple N-P-K numbers ignore the soil’s ability to