What will a general soil test determine?

• A. Amount of P and K present in your soil
• B. Soil color
• C. Soil texture
• D. Drainage class

Answer: (A)

Soil fertility and nutrient availability are what this question is about. A general soil test determines the amounts of plant-available phosphorus and potassium in the soil, which helps you decide how much fertilizer to apply. Phosphorus supports root development and energy transfer, while potassium helps with water regulation and enzyme activity. These values come from chemical extractants that mimic what plants can access, so they guide fertilization decisions rather than describe physical soil properties. Color, texture, and drainage are determined by different aspects of the soil: color relates to minerals and organic matter, texture is the ratio of sand, silt, and clay, and drainage depends on texture and structure—properties you assess separately from nutrient availability.