Schedule soil testing as part of your autumn season preparation

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.

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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:

With autumn testing, you can use the winter to plan next year’s crop nutrition program.

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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.

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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:

Next, create an action plan around fertilizer application based on site- and grower-specific information. Keep the following tips in mind:

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.