Soil pH and the amount of lime required for optimum yields are crucial parts of the soil test report. The amount of phosphate and potash recommended decreases as soil test level increases. Most field crops with soil test indices of 50 or greater for phosphorus and potassium do not require additional amounts of these nutrients. Certain crops, however, will require additional amounts under these circumstances.
Some growers apply phosphorus as a starter fertilizer, although none is recommended by soil test.
The recommendations given for nitrogen, phosphate and potash are adequate for optimum yields. Guidelines for evaluating soil test indices and crop response to applied fertilizers are shown in the table below.