October 1, 2023
Coming off an abnormally hot and dry summer and with harvest in full swing, it’s time to think about how to replenish the soil that gave so much this year. Evaluate this year’s growing season and prepare for next by looking both at the yields you gained as well as the nutrients removed from your soil.
After all, soil is an extension of your crops, and soil testing is considered a best soil management practice. If soil testing isn’t already on your post-harvest to-do list, make time now to boost next season’s potential output.
SUBMITTED BY THE MOSAIC COMPANY
For maximum impact, conduct annual soil tests
Aim to test your soil as part of a yearly harvest routine, and be consistent to test at the same time each year. Take advantage of testing back-to-back plantings of the same crop to compare results.
Combined with local calibration data, soil testing results can:
Serve as a guide to determine nutrient needs for growing crops
Pinpoint through grid sampling variations across your field
Provide baseline information to compare and analyze trends over time
With autumn testing, you can use the winter to plan next year’s crop nutrition program.
SUBMITTED BY THE MOSAIC COMPANY
Understand how to collect accurate soil samples
Before collecting soil samples, consult the laboratory administering the test for recommended soil sampling depths, locations and test preparations.
In dry years, like 2023, getting the right depth of sample can be challenging but is critical for accurate results. Work with your lab to account for known sources of variability within your land.
SUBMITTED BY THE MOSAIC COMPANY
Apply your soil test results for maximum effectiveness
With soil test results in hand, you’re ready to apply the 4Rs of Nutrient Stewardship. This science-backed framework supports sustainable plant nutrition management by identifying the:
Right source: Determine fertilizer needs based on soil deficiencies
Right rate: How much nutrients your land needs
Right time: Provide nutrition when the crops need it
Right place: Address site-specific crop needs to limit potential loss
Next, create an action plan around fertilizer application based on site- and grower-specific information. Keep the following tips in mind:
Base your actions around soil test results
Build lower-testing soils to match higher-test levels by adding extra fertilizer
Apply maintenance amounts of plant nutrients to higher-testing soils to sustain productivity
Don’t apply nutrients to soils already testing very high in these nutrients
Reach for a fertilizer with proven results
If this years’ weather taught us anything, it’s to prepare for challenging conditions. Focus on what you can improve: Soil health and yield preparation. Give your soil a boost with a fertilizer that provides the key nutrients it needs, all in one granule.
MicroEssentials provides the optimal amount of phosphorus, nitrogen, two forms of sulfur and zinc, evenly distributed throughout the season, for greater nutrient uptake.
Discover how to supercharge your yields with MicroEssentials.
You May Also Like