What is the purpose of soil testing?

The purpose of soil testing primarily revolves around determining nutrient levels and pH within the soil. This is crucial for effective soil management and crop production. Soil tests analyze the chemical composition of the soil, including essential macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients that are vital for plant health. Additionally, soil pH can significantly influence nutrient availability to plants; for instance, certain nutrients are more accessible to crops at specific pH levels. By understanding these factors, farmers can make informed decisions about fertilization and soil amendments, ultimately leading to optimized plant growth and productivity.

The other options touch on relevant agricultural topics but do not directly relate to the specific function of soil testing. Assessing plant growth indicators, measuring crop yield potential, and evaluating weather conditions are important in their own right but are distinct activities that do not provide the detailed information regarding soil chemistry that soil testing does.