A spreadsheet for determining critical soil test values using the modified arcsine‐log calibration curve. Issue 1 (8th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bolster, Carl H.; Correndo, Adrian A.; Pearce, Austin W.; Spargo, John T.; Slaton, Nathan A.; Osmond, Deanna L.
• Is Part Of: Soil Science Society of America Journal. Volume 87:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2022-12-08
• Subjects: Soils -- United States -- Periodicals; Soil science -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 631.4973
• DOI: 10.1002/saj2.20498
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0361-5995

Abstract

Abstract: Soil test correlation data are often used to identify a critical soil test value (CSTV), above which crop response to added fertilizer is not expected. Oftentimes, models are used to determine the CSTV from soil test correlation data, yet most commonly used models have inherent assumptions that may not be valid for these data. The arcsine‐log calibration curve (ALCC) was developed in response to the statistical limitations of other commonly used models. A modified ALCC model using standardized major axis regression further improves this model's applicability to soil test correlation data. Here, we describe a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for calculating CSTV from soil test correlation data using the modified ALCC model. The spreadsheet is available for download providing an accessible and easy‐to‐use tool for those who would like to use this method but who lack the experience with more sophisticated coding programs. The spreadsheet is available for download at http://www.ars.usda.gov/ALCC . Core Ideas: Soil test correlation data are often modeled to identify critical soil test values. Ordinary least squares regression methods are often inadequate for modeling these data. The arcsine‐log calibration curve is an alternative approach. A publicly available spreadsheet increases the accessibility of the arcsine‐log calibration curve method. Attention must be given to influence of extremely high soil test values when using this method.