Annual soil testing is recommended for vegetable production in order to prevent and manage nutrient deficiencies or toxicities. More than 200 soil samples related to commercial vegetable production were processed by UK Regulatory Services in 2024. Despite the testing, many county agents and growers do not know how to interpret the results of the soil tests, let alone make the proper management decisions based on the soil test results. When soil fertility is not properly addressed, this leads to reduced crop quality, crop yield loss, and a loss in profits. Between 2020 and 2024, there were over 100 plant sample submissions to the UK Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab that were diagnosed as nutrient or fertilizer related, not disease.  

Training county Extension agents on correctly interpreting soil test results for vegetable crops and making accurate and helpful soil fertility recommendations can help growers maintain and improve crop yield and prevent many abiotic (non-disease) issues. Extension Vegetable Specialist Rachel Rudolph led an online agent training on Interpreting Soil Test Results for Vegetable Crops. 

There were 30 agents in attendance. Agents were asked to respond to a two-question survey, both before and after the training to determine knowledge change. The questions were:  

• How confident are you interpreting/understanding soil test results for commercial vegetable production?  

• How confident are you in your ability to provide accurate fertilizer recommendations to commercial vegetable growers? 

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For question one, 12% of agents indicated they were not confident at all, 53% said they were only somewhat confident, and 35% of responding agents indicated they were confident. No one indicated they were very confident. For question 2, 17% of agents were not confident at all, 61% were somewhat confident, and 22% were confident. Again, zero agents responded with very confident. 

Extension Specialist Rudolph then proceeded with the training. It included an explanation of soil fertility, nutrient requirements, where to find guidelines for specific vegetable crops, how to understand soil test results, and making recommendations based on results and crop-specific nutrient guidelines. This was interactive with questions and answers throughout. Dr. Rudolph also explained fertilizer calculations with several examples.  

After the presentation, agents were asked to respond to the same survey questions. For question one, 0% of agents indicated they were not confident at all, 26% indicated they were somewhat confident, 58% were not confident, and 16% said they were very confident. There was a 33% increase in agents who now feel confident about interpreting and understanding soil test results for vegetable production. For question two, 0% indicated not confident, 42% said they were now somewhat confident, 42% said they were confident (20% increase from the pre-survey), and 16% of agents said that they now felt very confident and would not need to consult with a specialist. 

The agent training increased agent confidence and understanding with respect to understanding soil test results and making recommendations. This is good for agents, but even better for growers who often rely on their county agents to help with soil fertility recommendations. With improved soil fertility recommendations comes increased yields and profits.