Development of a soil test correlation and calibration database for the USA

Abstract

As part of the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool (FRST) project, the FRST database was developed to consolidate and preserve U.S. soil test correlation and calibration data. Legacy phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) soil test data that met a minimum requirement were included in the database. The FRST database initially included over 1,200 individual trials from a range of years, cropping systems, geographic regions, and management practices. The FRST database is being migrated from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to a relational database format housed within the USDA-ARS Agricultural Collaborative Research Outcomes System (AgCROS) to be accessed via the online FRST decision support tool. Data will be continually added to the FRST database through an online submission form following peer review by the FRST team. The FRST database and associated decision support tool will aid researchers, extension associates, consultants, and farmers in improving fertilizer recommendations for crops across the United States.