Soil Test question

Picked up a test kit from the local extension service.
The instructions list 3 kinds of tests
For vegetable garden which should I test for - or should I
do all of them? I hope they send info on what the results mean as I don't know myself.

The tests are

routine (soil ph, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and B)
Organic Matter
Soluble Salts

The first two sound important - what is the third one?

I would get all three, the following is an explanation of the salt tests. Sodium is a natural occuring mineral, if you have too much you would need gypsum to neutralize it.
Hope this helps.

Paul


Evaluation of sodium status of the soil. This test is necessary when pH is above 8.5 or when salts are high. Amendments are recommended. If gypsum content is high, no amendment will be necessary. Good soil drainage is a must for reclamation.