An index system of reporting soil test results is suggested which is not confounded with the requirements of a particular crop but is based on each laboratory's evaluation of the test results in relation to the predicted relative sufficiency of each element in a fertile soil. It is suggested that soil test—fertilizer rate correlation adjustments begin after the fact rather than in a precursory manner to influence the results reported. A 0–100 index is proposed as a self explanatory measure and correlated with general crop response as follows: 0–15, nutrient deficiencies visible; 16–50, nutrient deficiencies obscured but plant response probable; 51–100, adequate nutrients available for most crops; 100+, amounts available in excess of present needs.