The Soil Fertility Extension program at the University of Arizona is focused on conducting research and providing information on nutrient management in soils to professionals and the general public with the goals of optimizing productivity and minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Agricultural and horticultural applications include nutrient and animal manure management for production of pecans, vegetables, turf grass, and other crops in desert environments.
This publication provides information on techniques of soil sampling and analysis for horticulture and agriculture. Soils are sampled to determine physical conditions, fertility (nutrient) status, and chemical properties that affect their suitability as plant growing media. Through a combination of field and greenhouse research, analytical methods have been developed which provide quantitative estimates of plant-available nutrients.