Special Analysis Interpretation Sheet
Aluminum (Al)
by J Stevens
Specialist – Soils and Fertilizers

	Aluminum is present in large quantities in almost all Louisiana soils.  The amount active in the soil solution is dependent upon soil pH.  The more acidic the soil, the more Al is in solution.  Aluminum may become toxic if the soil pH fells below 5.2.  Aluminum is not an essential nutrient for plants.

	Our lab extracts Al with a combination of barium chloride plus ammonium chloride.  The interpretation for Al levels in Louisiana soil are as follows:

Aluminum Level (parts per million)	Interpretation	
<10	Low	
10-50	Medium 	
>50	High	

	High levels of al in the soil would indicate either a need for an application of lime or a contamination from an outside source.