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Soil analysis: An interpretation manual (Book)

This practical book (and eBook) explains what soil tests are, when they should be used and how to understand and interpret soil test data. It discusses what limits their application and provides a structured approach to nutrient management for Australian soils. 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. This book is no longer available in a print edition but the eBook is available from eRetailers (e.g. Apple Store, Google Play) or, with institutional access, through CSIRO Publishing [369 pages]. #

Contents:
Soil testing – principles and concepts
Factors affecting soil test interpretation
Soil sampling and sample handling for chemical analysis
Soil morphological indicators and their importance to soil fertility
Major soils used for agriculture in Australia
Interpretation of some soil physical indicators for assessing soil physical fertility
Soil pH, aluminium, manganese and lime requirement
Soil salinity – electrical conductivity and chloride
Cation exchange capacity, exchangeable cations and sodicity
Soil organic carbon/soil organic matter
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Sulfur
Potassium
Calcium
Magnesium
Copper
Zinc
Manganese
Iron
Molybdenum
Boron
Cobalt
Selenium
Making recommendations based on soil tests.

  • Audience: RSP, tertiary students, landholders, SFSG, consultants
  • State: NSW, ACT, VIC, NT, SA, TAS, QLD, WA
  • Author/Editor: K Peverill, L Sparrow and D Reuter
  • Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
  • Resource Type: Book
  • Copyright Year: 1999
  • ISBN/ISDN: 978-0-643-10135-7
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Resource Last Updated: August 9, 2023

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This is a carefully curated database of important soil resources. The data base is not exhaustive but rather a library of what we believe are the most useful for the audience we are trying to serve – you. Where numerous items cover the same content, we have chosen the one we believe to be the best.

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