Response from Rex Hopkins in Fertilizer, Soil, Nutrients | AGvisorPRO

I’m certain there are more & better scientific explanations from members more educated in this field, but here is my response as ret’d farmer & crop advisor. 1st off yours in in good shape. Low CEC usually indicates sandier soil (loose, larger soil partials) & high, a. higher clay content ( more likely to compact & higher water-holding capacity. The BALANCE in important (see suggested ranges on your test). The closer your Ca, Mg & K are to suggested levels, the better. Low sodium indicates well drained soil. Hi Na or H likely will require some amendment(s) like lime, gypsum or elemental S, etc. I would advise a QUALIFIED soil advisor & more testing before spending $ on an amendment. If soil drainage is inadequate, any amendment other than possibly tiling may be ineffective. I’ve witnessed soils with low Ca and Hi Mg, and usually that interferes with other nutrient availability, usually K deficiency in fruit formation and maturation. A quick look at CEC and BS%’s can be a very good tool to understand if you are considering renting or buying a piece of ground. It could help avoid disappointment.