🌱 Introduction
In 2025, smart farming begins with soil testing. A soil test report is like a health check-up for your land. It tells you what your soil needs and helps you apply the right fertilizers and nutrients at the right time for better crop yields and sustainable agriculture.
But many farmers still ask — “How do I read my soil test report?”
In this guide, we’ll explain each part of a soil health report, what the values mean, and how you can use it to plan your next crop.
🧾 What Is a Soil Test Report?
A soil test report gives the nutrient status and physical condition of your farm’s soil. It includes levels of:
Macronutrients – N (Nitrogen), P (Phosphorus), K (Potassium)
Micronutrients – Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Boron (B)
pH value – acidity or alkalinity
Organic carbon – soil fertility indicator
Electrical Conductivity (EC) – soil salinity level
📋 How to Read Each Section of the Soil Test Report
1️⃣ pH Value
Ideal Range: 6.0 – 7.5
pH < 6.0: Acidic soil → Apply lime (dolomite)
pH > 7.5: Alkaline soil → Apply gypsum or organic matter
Impact: Affects nutrient availability. Wrong pH can block NPK uptake.
2️⃣ Organic Carbon (%)
Ideal Range: 0.75% – 1.0%
Low (< 0.5%): Poor fertility → Add compost, FYM, green manure
High (> 1.5%): Good fertility
Improvement Tip: Use vermicompost, cover crops, crop residues.
3️⃣ Available Nitrogen (N) – kg/ha
Low (< 280 kg/ha): Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer (urea)
Medium (280–560 kg/ha): Balanced application
High (> 560 kg/ha): Reduce nitrogen fertilizer
4️⃣ Available Phosphorus (P) – kg/ha
Low (< 10 kg/ha): Use DAP, single super phosphate
Medium (10–25 kg/ha): Partial DAP application
High (> 25 kg/ha): Avoid excess phosphate use
5️⃣ Available Potassium (K) – kg/ha
Low (< 110 kg/ha): Add MOP (Muriate of Potash)
Medium (110–280 kg/ha): Use small quantity
High (> 280 kg/ha): Avoid adding K
6. Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Ideal Range: 0–1.0 dS/m
High (>1.5 dS/m): Saline soil → avoid over-irrigation, use gypsum
Low: Good for all crops
7. Micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, B)
| Nutrient | Ideal Level | Deficiency Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc (Zn) | >1.2 ppm | ZnSO₄ – 10 kg/acre |
| Iron (Fe) | >4.5 ppm | FeSO₄ – 10 kg/acre |
| Boron (B) | >0.5 ppm | Borax – 5 kg/acre |
| Copper (Cu) | >0.5 ppm | CuSO₄ – 5 kg/acre |
🧪 Sample Soil Test Report Table (for Easy Understanding)
| Parameter | Value | Rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 8.0 | High | Apply gypsum |
| Organic Carbon | 0.40% | Low | Add FYM & compost |
| Nitrogen (N) | 240 kg/ha | Low | Apply urea (60–80 kg/acre) |
| Phosphorus (P) | 12 kg/ha | Medium | Use DAP (40–50 kg/acre) |
| Potassium (K) | 300 kg/ha | High | No need for MOP |
| Zinc | 0.8 ppm | Low | Add ZnSO₄ – 10 kg/acre |
📈 How Soil Test Helps You Improve Yield
✅ Apply exact fertilizer dose → reduce cost
✅ Avoid under/overuse of NPK → protect crop health
✅ Improve soil structure over time
✅ Higher yield with better-quality produce
🏛️ Government Support for Soil Testing (2025)
| Scheme | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Soil Health Card Yojana | Free testing every 3 years |
| Krishi Vigyan Kendra | Testing & expert recommendations |
| FPO Lab Subsidies | Shared testing kits for farmers |
📦 Where to Get Your Soil Tested?
Local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
Private agri labs (approved by govt)
Mobile soil testing vans
State agriculture department labs
📝 Conclusion
Reading a soil test report is the first step toward modern farming success. In 2025, with rising input costs and unpredictable weather, your soil report is your farming GPS.
✅ Know what your soil lacks
✅ Apply the right fertilizer at the right time
✅ Improve your yield, quality, and profit
A healthy crop starts with healthy soil.