Base Saturation in a Soil Test Report

Professor DeBacco


Base Saturation is…
The percentage of a soil’s cation exchange capacity occupied by calcium, magnesium and potassium is referred to as base saturation.
pH has an impact on these levels…



Base Saturation Levels
Base saturation is calculated as the percentage of CEC occupied by base cations.
Figure shows two soils with the same CEC, but the soil on the right has more base cations (in blue).
Therefore, it has a higher base saturation.
Base saturation is closely related to pH; as base saturation increases, pH increases.



Word of Caution
If calculating nutrient/fertilizer amounts from the base saturation numbers this will often lead to an over application.

Best to use the specifics of the actual soil test numbers and other factors (such as pH and organic matter).




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