Interpreting Soil Test Results: High Calcium, Magnesium, and Lime Requirement

Soil test shows pH 5.95, high Ca (2328) and Mg (451). Adams-Evans LRI 7.50 indicates moderate buffer capacity.

Key Points

• High Ca and Mg are common in some regions; ratio matters more than absolute values.
• Lime (calcium carbonate) will raise pH but add more Ca. Consider gypsum (calcium sulfate) if Mg is excessive—it adds Ca without raising pH, helping displace Mg.
• Do not avoid liming if pH is low; correct pH first, then manage nutrients.

Next Steps

1. Add recommended lime.
2. Retest in 6 months.
3. Monitor K; sandy loam leaches K, so annual application is normal.