What is a limitation of soil tests?

Soil tests are valuable tools for assessing soil health and nutrient availability for plants. A notable limitation of these tests is that they do not typically measure the amount of nitrogen available in the soil, particularly in its organic form. This is significant because nitrogen exists in multiple forms and is critical for plant growth; however, it's often transient and can fluctuate widely depending on environmental factors such as moisture levels and microbial activity.

This limitation means that while soil tests can provide a comprehensive analysis of other nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, they may not fully convey the status of nitrogen. Therefore, relying solely on soil test results without considering nitrogen's variability can lead to imprecise nutrient management decisions for crops or gardens. It is essential to complement soil test results with an understanding of nitrogen dynamics, possibly using additional diagnostic methods or observational practices to ensure proper nutrient availability for healthy plant development.