Soil Health Score
100%
Rating
Excellent
Optimal
5/5
Amendments
0
Soil texture affects lime and sulfur application rates. Clay soils require more amendment than sandy soils.
No amendments needed
All nutrient levels and pH are within acceptable ranges. Continue regular soil management practices.
| Parameter | Very Low | Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (ppm) | 0–5 | 5–10 | 10–25 | 25–40 |
| Phosphorus (ppm) | 0–5 | 6–11 | 12–15 | 16–20 |
| Potassium (ppm) | 0–40 | 41–80 | 81–120 | 121–160 |
| pH | <5.0 | 5.0–6.0 | 6.0–7.0 | 7.0–7.8 |
| Organic Matter (%) | <1.0 | 1.0–2.0 | 2.0–3.5 | 3.5–5.0 |
| Soil Texture | Lime (lbs) | Sulfur (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | 25 | 5 |
| Sandy Loam | 35 | 7 |
| Loam← yours | 55 | 10 |
| Silt Loam | 70 | 12 |
| Clay Loam | 80 | 15 |
| Clay | 110 | 20 |
Inputs
Result
Low nitrogen and phosphorus with acidic pH. Needs blood meal for N, bone meal for P, and 55 lbs lime per 1,000 sq ft to raise pH from 5.5 to 6.5 in loam soil.
Inputs
Result
All nutrient levels fall in the medium/adequate range with optimal pH. No amendments needed. Retest in 2-3 years to maintain levels.
Soil tests measure nutrient levels in parts per million (ppm). Each nutrient has ranges from deficient to excessive. Nitrogen 10-25 ppm is medium, phosphorus 12-15 ppm is medium, and potassium 81-120 ppm is medium. Your pH should be 6.0-7.0 for most gardens.
| Nutrient | Low | Medium | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (ppm) | <10 | 10–25 | >25 |
| Phosphorus (ppm) | <12 | 12–15 | >20 |
| Potassium (ppm) | <80 | 81–120 | >160 |
| pH | <6.0 | 6.0–7.0 | >7.0 |
Lime rates depend on your soil texture and how much you need to raise pH. Sandy soil needs about 25 lbs per 1,000 sq ft per pH unit, loam needs 55 lbs, and clay needs 110 lbs. Never apply more than 50 lbs per 1,000 sq ft at once.
| Soil Type | Lime per pH Unit | Sulfur per pH Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | 25 lbs/1000sqft | 5 lbs/1000sqft |
| Loam | 55 lbs/1000sqft | 10 lbs/1000sqft |
| Clay | 110 lbs/1000sqft | 20 lbs/1000sqft |
Blood meal (12% N) is the fastest organic nitrogen source at 8.3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for 1 lb of actual nitrogen. Feather meal (12% N) releases over 2-4 months. Fish meal (10% N) also provides phosphorus.
| Amendment | N% | Rate for 1 lb N | Release Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blood Meal | 12% | 8.3 lbs | Fast (2–6 wk) |
| Feather Meal | 12% | 8.3 lbs | Medium (2–4 mo) |
| Fish Meal | 10% | 10 lbs | Medium (1–4 mo) |
| Soybean Meal | 7% | 14.3 lbs | Medium |
Test your soil every 2-3 years for established gardens, or annually for new gardens and after major amendments. Sample in fall for best results, as it gives time to apply lime or sulfur before spring planting.
| Situation | Test Frequency | Best Timing |
|---|---|---|
| New garden | Annually | Fall before planting |
| Established | Every 2–3 years | Fall |
| After liming | After 6 months | Following spring |
| Problem areas | Annually | Before amendment |
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.