Publication | Closed Access
Soil analysis: an interpretation manual
572
Citations
0
References
1999
Year
Precision AgricultureEnvironmental MonitoringEngineeringAgricultural EconomicsSoil StabilityLand DegradationEarth ScienceGeotechnical EngineeringSoil PropertySoil CharacterizationSoil PropertiesSoil Fertility ManagementBiogeochemistrySoil Physical QualitySoil TestsSoil PedologySoil FunctionInterpretation ManualSoil Analysis
Soil Analysis: An Interpretation Manual is the first nationally accepted guide for Australian soils, outlining soil tests, their reliable use, limitations, and foundational principles, sampling, and handling. The manual aims to equip soil and environmental professionals with a structured framework for interpreting soil tests to guide nutrient management and fertiliser recommendations. It presents morphological indicators with colour plates, calibration data for individual elements and related tests, and a step‑by‑step methodology for interpreting soil test results. The manual, commissioned by ASPAC and peer‑reviewed by 37 experts, compiles widely used soil tests and calibration data for Australian soils.
Soil Analysis: An Interpretation Manual is a practical guide to soil tests. It considers what soil tests are, when they can be used reliably and consistently, and discusses what limits their application. It is the first nationally accepted publication that is appropriate for Australian soils and conditions.
 The first three chapters review the general principles and concepts of soil testing, factors affecting soil test interpretation and soil sampling and handling procedures. The next two chapters describe morphological indicators of soil and include colour plates of major Australian agricultural soils.
 These are followed by a series of chapters which present soil test calibration data for individual elements or a related group of tests such as the range of soil tests used to interpret soil acidity. Each of these chapters also summarises the reactions of the particular element or parameter in the soil and describes the tests commonly used in Australia.
 The final chapter presents a structured approach to nutrient management and making fertiliser recommendations using soil test data.
 The manual will be of particular interest to soil and environmental scientists, farm advisers, consultants and primary producers who will find the manual an essential reference to understanding and interpreting soil test data. Many of the soil tests evaluated in the book are used throughout the world.
 Soil Analysis: An Interpretation Manual was commissioned and developed by the Australian Soil and Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC). It comprises the work of 37 experts, which has been extensively peer reviewed.