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The Importance of Soil Analysis in Regenerative Agriculture
Soil is a natural, biologically active formation developed over millennia as a result of rock weathering. It is estimated to underpin the production of up to 95% of food. Considering these figures, it is concerning that just a few decades of overly intensive, irrational cultivation have led to 33% of land worldwide being moderately or severely degraded. Regenerative agriculture aims to enhance soil health to serve current and future generations. How important is soil analysis in regenerative agriculture?
What is a sorption complex?
Soil possesses various physico-chemical properties that determine its quality, such as organic carbon content, total nitrogen, assimilable micro and macronutrients, pH, alkaline cation saturation, and electrical conductivity. However, in terms of fertility and yield potential, sorption capacity—the ability to retain ions and substances in the soil—is crucial. The soil sorption complex constitutes the most active, fragmented portion of the solid phase. It directly relates to the cation exchange capacity, which in turn influences nutrient retention and prevents them from being washed out by rainwater infiltration.
The sorption complex comprises mineral and organic components of the solid phase:
- Clay minerals
- Organic matter and humus, with humus being a significant part.
These components typically possess a negative charge, enabling them to retain positively charged ions (e.g., calcium, magnesium) based on the principle of opposite charges attracting each other. The abundance of these components in the soil enhances its cation exchange capacity. The sorption complex functions similarly to a reservoir of ions (i.e., macro and micronutrients), including essential plant nutrients.
Micro and Macronutrients Necessary for Proper Plant Development
What minerals do plants need for proper growth? Currently, 30 elements have been recognized:
- Macronutrients: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, magnesium
- Micronutrients: manganese, zinc, iron, boron, copper, nickel, chlorine, molybdenum, cobalt.
The primary condition for proper plant nutrition is the balance between the amounts of individual elements and their undisturbed availability to plants. The appropriate pH is also crucial — typically neutral (pH 6.6-7.2) or slightly acidic (pH 5.6-6.5). Excessive acidity negatively impacts the composition of the sorption complex, releasing large amounts of aluminum and manganese into the soil in toxic doses, which reduces crop quantity and quality. Conversely, overly alkaline soil changes the availability and absorption capacity of nutrients for plants.
Regenerative agriculture emphasizes understanding soil function, analyzing its condition, and applying the findings in practice. Limiting NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilization does not supplement all necessary nutrients, disrupting the natural soil balance and deteriorating yield parameters. According to the law of minimum, developed by Justus von Liebig, the yield's quality and quantity are determined by the nutrient present in the smallest quantity. Insufficient availability of even one nutrient can reduce yield, underscoring the importance of knowing the abundance of all necessary macro and micronutrients and regulating pH in regenerative agriculture. This is the purpose of conducting extended soil analysis.
Soil Analysis in Regenerative Agriculture
Conduct soil analysis for diagnosis prior to any fertilization to determine the initial level of regeneration. Ensure soil test samples are taken from the same location (using GPS coordinates), at the same time each year, and by the same individual to maintain sample uniformity. Additionally, performing the analysis annually is recommended.
The essential research in regenerative agriculture involves analyzing the soil sorption complex (CEC) and determining its cation saturation degree, expressed as the percentage of basic cations in the CEC base (ions: Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, and H+). Dr. William Albrecht's research indicates that the "healthiest" sorption complex is saturated with:
- 65% Ca2+
- 15% Mg2+
- 4% K+
- 1-5% Na+ (percentages do not total 100%).
The strongest and best-nourished plants thrived in such soil. This composition of CEC ensured appropriate mineral levels for crops and positively influenced pH and soil structure. Alongside the sorption complex, the physical, water, and biological properties of the soil also impact plant development, but this is another matter.
Tests recommended in regenerative agriculture
The Mehlich 3 (M3) test, conducted in strongly acidic soils (pH 2.5), is recommended to balance soil nutrient levels. It determines both the available nutrients and the reserves potentially available to plants. For comprehensive results, it is advisable to test for all mineral elements essential for plants:
- Primary cations: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium
- Primary anions: phosphorus, sulfur
- Others: boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc.
The effects of these elements are well known. While determining the amount of micronutrients is not essential for practicing regenerative agriculture, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the soil's capabilities and limitations. It is noteworthy that standard soil tests do not measure micronutrient quantities.
In addition to the M3 test, the recommended tests in regenerative agriculture are:
- pH in KCl/H2O, for determining liming needs in mg/kg
- content of organic carbon (C-org) or humus (in %)
- conductivity (in µS/cm).
What are the benefits of soil analysis in regenerative agriculture?
Soil is a living organism. Understanding its "health" helps identify deficiencies or problems, as well as strengths. This is as important as, for example, athletes who, through detailed knowledge of their bodies, can enhance their fitness and achieve significantly better results.
Proper interpretation of research results in regenerative crop management allows for:
- Implementation of appropriate cultivation practices (e.g., no-till cultivation, sowing catch crops, or mulching)
- Reducing production costs
- Improving efficiency and effectiveness while respecting the environment
- Ensuring long-term stability
- Producing sustainable food.
Terminology
Alkaline cations - A cation is an ion with a positive charge. Alkaline cations positively affect soil properties, regulate pH, improve structure, and are crucial for maintaining fertility. Their action influences nutrient availability for plants, essential for their growth and development.
Humus - Increases the water and sorption capacity of the soil.
NPK fertilizers - Multi-component mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a form absorbable by plants.
Ca2+ - (Calcium ion) is crucial for soil function and plant health. Calcium is a primary component of the soil sorption complex (GPS), ideally constituting 65% as the Ca2+ cation.
Mg2+ - (Magnesium ion) is vital for carbohydrate transport in plants. Adequate magnesium ensures reliable supply of photosynthesis products to growth organs; deficiency inhibits root growth.
K+ - (Potassium ion) is essential for crop yield and quality, nitrogen uptake regulation, water management, and stress resistance.
Na+ - (Sodium ion) mainly exists as salt in the upper soil layers, deteriorating soil structure and water management by limiting water uptake, and tends to replace potassium in plants.
H+ - (Hydrogen ion) indicates soil reaction, reflecting the ratio of hydrogen ions H+ to hydroxide ions OH- in the soil solution and solid phase. It determines the direction and speed of biological and physicochemical processes.
KCl/H2O - Soil reaction measurements are performed in water (pH in H2O) or potassium chloride solution (pH in KCl).
Organic carbon (C-org) - Refers to soil organic matter, primarily humus. Adequate organic carbon content is necessary for plant growth, development, and profitable production.
Conductivity - The electrical conductivity of the soil indicates its compactness, largely depending on grain size and sorption capacity, indirectly affecting fertility.
- Organic matter and humus, with humus being a significant part.
These components typically possess a negative charge, enabling them to retain positively charged ions (e.g., calcium, magnesium) based on the principle of opposite charges attracting each other. The abundance of these components in the soil enhances its cation exchange capacity. The sorption complex functions similarly to a reservoir of ions (i.e., macro and micronutrients), including essential plant nutrients.
Micro and Macronutrients Necessary for Proper Plant Development
What minerals do plants need for proper growth? Currently, 30 elements have been recognized:
- Macronutrients: carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, magnesium
- Micronutrients: manganese, zinc, iron, boron, copper, nickel, chlorine, molybdenum, cobalt.
The primary condition for proper plant nutrition is the balance between the amounts of individual elements and their undisturbed availability to plants. The appropriate pH is also crucial — typically neutral (pH 6.6-7.2) or slightly acidic (pH 5.6-6.5). Excessive acidity negatively impacts the composition of the sorption complex, releasing large amounts of aluminum and manganese into the soil in toxic doses, which reduces crop quantity and quality. Conversely, overly alkaline soil changes the availability and absorption capacity of nutrients for plants.
Regenerative agriculture emphasizes understanding soil function, analyzing its condition, and applying the findings in practice. Limiting NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilization does not supplement all necessary nutrients, disrupting the natural soil balance and deteriorating yield parameters. According to the law of minimum, developed by Justus von Liebig, the yield's quality and quantity are determined by the nutrient present in the smallest quantity. Insufficient availability of even one nutrient can reduce yield, underscoring the importance of knowing the abundance of all necessary macro and micronutrients and regulating pH in regenerative agriculture. This is the purpose of conducting extended soil analysis.
Soil Analysis in Regenerative Agriculture
Conduct soil analysis for diagnosis prior to any fertilization to determine the initial level of regeneration. Ensure soil test samples are taken from the same location (using GPS coordinates), at the same time each year, and by the same individual to maintain sample uniformity. Additionally, performing the analysis annually is recommended.
The essential research in regenerative agriculture involves analyzing the soil sorption complex (CEC) and determining its cation saturation degree, expressed as the percentage of basic cations in the CEC base (ions: Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, and H+). Dr. William Albrecht's research indicates that the "healthiest" sorption complex is saturated with:
- 65% Ca2+
- 15% Mg2+
- 4% K+
- 1-5% Na+ (percentages do not total 100%).
The strongest and best-nourished plants thrived in such soil. This composition of CEC ensured appropriate mineral levels for crops and positively influenced pH and soil structure. Alongside the sorption complex, the physical, water, and biological properties of the soil also impact plant development, but this is another matter.
Tests recommended in regenerative agriculture
The Mehlich 3 (M3) test, conducted in strongly acidic soils (pH 2.5), is recommended to balance soil nutrient levels. It determines both the available nutrients and the reserves potentially available to plants. For comprehensive results, it is advisable to test for all mineral elements essential for plants:
- Primary cations: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium
- Primary anions: phosphorus, sulfur
- Others: boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc.
The effects of these elements are well known. While determining the amount of micronutrients is not essential for practicing regenerative agriculture, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the soil's capabilities and limitations. It is noteworthy that standard soil tests do not measure micronutrient quantities.
In addition to the M3 test, the recommended tests in regenerative agriculture are:
- pH in KCl/H2O, for determining liming needs in mg/kg
- content of organic carbon (C-org) or humus (in %)
- conductivity (in µS/cm).
What are the benefits of soil analysis in regenerative agriculture?
Soil is a living organism. Understanding its "health" helps identify deficiencies or problems, as well as strengths. This is as important as, for example, athletes who, through detailed knowledge of their bodies, can enhance their fitness and achieve significantly better results.
Proper interpretation of research results in regenerative crop management allows for:
- Implementation of appropriate cultivation practices (e.g., no-till cultivation, sowing catch crops, or mulching)
- Reducing production costs
- Improving efficiency and effectiveness while respecting the environment
- Ensuring long-term stability
- Producing sustainable food.
Terminology
Alkaline cations - A cation is an ion with a positive charge. Alkaline cations positively affect soil properties, regulate pH, improve structure, and are crucial for maintaining fertility. Their action influences nutrient availability for plants, essential for their growth and development.
Humus - Increases the water and sorption capacity of the soil.
NPK fertilizers - Multi-component mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a form absorbable by plants.
Ca2+ - (Calcium ion) is crucial for soil function and plant health. Calcium is a primary component of the soil sorption complex (GPS), ideally constituting 65% as the Ca2+ cation.
Mg2+ - (Magnesium ion) is vital for carbohydrate transport in plants. Adequate magnesium ensures reliable supply of photosynthesis products to growth organs; deficiency inhibits root growth.
K+ - (Potassium ion) is essential for crop yield and quality, nitrogen uptake regulation, water management, and stress resistance.
Na+ - (Sodium ion) mainly exists as salt in the upper soil layers, deteriorating soil structure and water management by limiting water uptake, and tends to replace potassium in plants.
H+ - (Hydrogen ion) indicates soil reaction, reflecting the ratio of hydrogen ions H+ to hydroxide ions OH- in the soil solution and solid phase. It determines the direction and speed of biological and physicochemical processes.
KCl/H2O - Soil reaction measurements are performed in water (pH in H2O) or potassium chloride solution (pH in KCl).
Organic carbon (C-org) - Refers to soil organic matter, primarily humus. Adequate organic carbon content is necessary for plant growth, development, and profitable production.
Conductivity - The electrical conductivity of the soil indicates its compactness, largely depending on grain size and sorption capacity, indirectly affecting fertility.
The essential research in regenerative agriculture involves analyzing the soil sorption complex (CEC) and determining its cation saturation degree, expressed as the percentage of basic cations in the CEC base (ions: Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, and H+). Dr. William Albrecht's research indicates that the "healthiest" sorption complex is saturated with:
- 65% Ca2+
- 15% Mg2+
- 4% K+
- 1-5% Na+ (percentages do not total 100%).
The strongest and best-nourished plants thrived in such soil. This composition of CEC ensured appropriate mineral levels for crops and positively influenced pH and soil structure. Alongside the sorption complex, the physical, water, and biological properties of the soil also impact plant development, but this is another matter.
Tests recommended in regenerative agriculture
The Mehlich 3 (M3) test, conducted in strongly acidic soils (pH 2.5), is recommended to balance soil nutrient levels. It determines both the available nutrients and the reserves potentially available to plants. For comprehensive results, it is advisable to test for all mineral elements essential for plants:
- Primary cations: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium
- Primary anions: phosphorus, sulfur
- Others: boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc.
The effects of these elements are well known. While determining the amount of micronutrients is not essential for practicing regenerative agriculture, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the soil's capabilities and limitations. It is noteworthy that standard soil tests do not measure micronutrient quantities.
In addition to the M3 test, the recommended tests in regenerative agriculture are:
- pH in KCl/H2O, for determining liming needs in mg/kg
- content of organic carbon (C-org) or humus (in %)
- conductivity (in µS/cm).
What are the benefits of soil analysis in regenerative agriculture?
Soil is a living organism. Understanding its "health" helps identify deficiencies or problems, as well as strengths. This is as important as, for example, athletes who, through detailed knowledge of their bodies, can enhance their fitness and achieve significantly better results.
Proper interpretation of research results in regenerative crop management allows for:
- Implementation of appropriate cultivation practices (e.g., no-till cultivation, sowing catch crops, or mulching)
- Reducing production costs
- Improving efficiency and effectiveness while respecting the environment
- Ensuring long-term stability
- Producing sustainable food.
Terminology
Alkaline cations - A cation is an ion with a positive charge. Alkaline cations positively affect soil properties, regulate pH, improve structure, and are crucial for maintaining fertility. Their action influences nutrient availability for plants, essential for their growth and development.
Humus - Increases the water and sorption capacity of the soil.
NPK fertilizers - Multi-component mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a form absorbable by plants.
Ca2+ - (Calcium ion) is crucial for soil function and plant health. Calcium is a primary component of the soil sorption complex (GPS), ideally constituting 65% as the Ca2+ cation.
Mg2+ - (Magnesium ion) is vital for carbohydrate transport in plants. Adequate magnesium ensures reliable supply of photosynthesis products to growth organs; deficiency inhibits root growth.
K+ - (Potassium ion) is essential for crop yield and quality, nitrogen uptake regulation, water management, and stress resistance.
Na+ - (Sodium ion) mainly exists as salt in the upper soil layers, deteriorating soil structure and water management by limiting water uptake, and tends to replace potassium in plants.
H+ - (Hydrogen ion) indicates soil reaction, reflecting the ratio of hydrogen ions H+ to hydroxide ions OH- in the soil solution and solid phase. It determines the direction and speed of biological and physicochemical processes.
KCl/H2O - Soil reaction measurements are performed in water (pH in H2O) or potassium chloride solution (pH in KCl).
Organic carbon (C-org) - Refers to soil organic matter, primarily humus. Adequate organic carbon content is necessary for plant growth, development, and profitable production.
Conductivity - The electrical conductivity of the soil indicates its compactness, largely depending on grain size and sorption capacity, indirectly affecting fertility.
- Primary cations: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium
- Primary anions: phosphorus, sulfur
- Others: boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc.
The effects of these elements are well known. While determining the amount of micronutrients is not essential for practicing regenerative agriculture, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the soil's capabilities and limitations. It is noteworthy that standard soil tests do not measure micronutrient quantities.
- content of organic carbon (C-org) or humus (in %)
- conductivity (in µS/cm).
What are the benefits of soil analysis in regenerative agriculture?
Soil is a living organism. Understanding its "health" helps identify deficiencies or problems, as well as strengths. This is as important as, for example, athletes who, through detailed knowledge of their bodies, can enhance their fitness and achieve significantly better results.
Proper interpretation of research results in regenerative crop management allows for:
- Implementation of appropriate cultivation practices (e.g., no-till cultivation, sowing catch crops, or mulching)
- Reducing production costs
- Improving efficiency and effectiveness while respecting the environment
- Ensuring long-term stability
- Producing sustainable food.
Terminology
Alkaline cations - A cation is an ion with a positive charge. Alkaline cations positively affect soil properties, regulate pH, improve structure, and are crucial for maintaining fertility. Their action influences nutrient availability for plants, essential for their growth and development.
Humus - Increases the water and sorption capacity of the soil.
NPK fertilizers - Multi-component mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a form absorbable by plants.
Ca2+ - (Calcium ion) is crucial for soil function and plant health. Calcium is a primary component of the soil sorption complex (GPS), ideally constituting 65% as the Ca2+ cation.
Mg2+ - (Magnesium ion) is vital for carbohydrate transport in plants. Adequate magnesium ensures reliable supply of photosynthesis products to growth organs; deficiency inhibits root growth.
K+ - (Potassium ion) is essential for crop yield and quality, nitrogen uptake regulation, water management, and stress resistance.
Na+ - (Sodium ion) mainly exists as salt in the upper soil layers, deteriorating soil structure and water management by limiting water uptake, and tends to replace potassium in plants.
H+ - (Hydrogen ion) indicates soil reaction, reflecting the ratio of hydrogen ions H+ to hydroxide ions OH- in the soil solution and solid phase. It determines the direction and speed of biological and physicochemical processes.
KCl/H2O - Soil reaction measurements are performed in water (pH in H2O) or potassium chloride solution (pH in KCl).
Organic carbon (C-org) - Refers to soil organic matter, primarily humus. Adequate organic carbon content is necessary for plant growth, development, and profitable production.
Conductivity - The electrical conductivity of the soil indicates its compactness, largely depending on grain size and sorption capacity, indirectly affecting fertility.
- Implementation of appropriate cultivation practices (e.g., no-till cultivation, sowing catch crops, or mulching)
- Reducing production costs
- Improving efficiency and effectiveness while respecting the environment
- Ensuring long-term stability
- Producing sustainable food.
Terminology
Alkaline cations - A cation is an ion with a positive charge. Alkaline cations positively affect soil properties, regulate pH, improve structure, and are crucial for maintaining fertility. Their action influences nutrient availability for plants, essential for their growth and development.
Humus - Increases the water and sorption capacity of the soil.
NPK fertilizers - Multi-component mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a form absorbable by plants.
Ca2+ - (Calcium ion) is crucial for soil function and plant health. Calcium is a primary component of the soil sorption complex (GPS), ideally constituting 65% as the Ca2+ cation.
Mg2+ - (Magnesium ion) is vital for carbohydrate transport in plants. Adequate magnesium ensures reliable supply of photosynthesis products to growth organs; deficiency inhibits root growth.
K+ - (Potassium ion) is essential for crop yield and quality, nitrogen uptake regulation, water management, and stress resistance.
Na+ - (Sodium ion) mainly exists as salt in the upper soil layers, deteriorating soil structure and water management by limiting water uptake, and tends to replace potassium in plants.
H+ - (Hydrogen ion) indicates soil reaction, reflecting the ratio of hydrogen ions H+ to hydroxide ions OH- in the soil solution and solid phase. It determines the direction and speed of biological and physicochemical processes.
KCl/H2O - Soil reaction measurements are performed in water (pH in H2O) or potassium chloride solution (pH in KCl).
Organic carbon (C-org) - Refers to soil organic matter, primarily humus. Adequate organic carbon content is necessary for plant growth, development, and profitable production.
Conductivity - The electrical conductivity of the soil indicates its compactness, largely depending on grain size and sorption capacity, indirectly affecting fertility.
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