What are conversion factors used for in soil analysis?

Conversion factors play a crucial role in soil analysis, particularly for the purpose of transforming one measurement unit into another. In the context of soil analysis, they facilitate the conversion of concentrations measured in parts per million (PPM) into milliequivalents per hundred grams of soil (meq/100g). This conversion is essential because it allows for a standardized way to interpret the nutrient content and other chemical properties of the soil. By doing so, agricultural professionals can better understand soil fertility and make informed decisions about amendments and fertilization practices.

The other options, while relevant to soil analysis, do not specifically pertain to the role of conversion factors in the context of changing units of measurement. Measuring soil texture involves physical observations and classifications of soil particles rather than unit conversion. Determining soil moisture content typically uses gravimetric or volumetric percentages and doesn't require conversion between different units like PPM and meq. Similarly, assessing soil acidity is usually done through pH measurements, which do not involve conversion factors between different unit systems. Hence, the use of conversion factors to convert PPM to meq/100g is the most applicable function in soil analysis.