The Wisconsin Soil Test Recommendation Program

The Wisconsin Soil Test Recommendation

Program

UWEX Publication A2809:

Nutrient Application Guidelines for Field,

Vegetable, and Fruit Crops in Wisconsin

A2809 – “The Bible”

• Incorporates over 80 years of research

• The official recommendations for NRCS 590 NMP

• Supported by UW Soil Science Department

• Two state-run labs

• Uses local calibration

• Continuously updated

• Revised in 2006

Philosophy of the Wisconsin Soil Test

Recommendation Program• Establishes Soil Sampling and

Testing Methods• Interprets Fertilizer and Lime

Needs• Wide Range of Field Crops and

Soils• Uses a Sufficiency Approach

– Index of available nutrients– Degree of sufficiency for specific crops– Provide recommendation to correct– Allows economic and informed

decision

Soil Sampling Method for Single-Rate Nutrient

Application

UW Soil Testing Methods

Soil Groups

MRTN Guidelines for Corn

Soil Test Categories for P and K

P and K Fertilization Guidelines

Sulfur Availability Index● Soil test S● Subsoil S● Precipitation● Organic matter● Manure history

Soil pH Management