What does a soil test measure to guide fertilization?

• A. Soil texture
• B. Nutrient levels and pH
• C. Moisture content
• D. Color of soil

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that a soil test guides fertilization by showing what nutrients are available and how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It analyzes plant-available levels of major nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and often calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients, along with the soil pH. The pH is crucial because it affects how easily plants can take up nutrients, so knowing it helps tailor both fertilizer amounts and lime or sulfur adjustments. Texture, moisture, and color describe physical aspects of the soil or its condition, but they don’t directly measure nutrient levels or pH to guide fertilizer decisions. So the soil test’s purpose is to report nutrient levels and soil pH to inform accurate, efficient fertilization.