Saturated paste extracts, and why we rarely use them

We frequently get questions about the use of saturated paste extract analytical tests (also sometimes called saturated media extracts, or SME) for evaluation of soil nutritional status. We rarely use this test when evaluating turf soils, and in this update, we want to explain why.

The most important issue with using saturated paste tests is that they underestimate many important plant available nutrients. Another way of saying this is that recommendations based on saturated pastes may result in application of…