Fertilizer is one of the largest investments of any farming operation. These investments can be maximized when careful attention is paid to your soil composition.
Soil sampling and mapping will help you determine where nutrients are needed most, so you can best plan your nutrient investment.
Knowing what you need, and where you need it, means:
- Crops are supported to maximize yields
- Fertilizer (and dollars) are kept in the field
- Soil and water resources are maintained
While there are different sampling methods, many producers prefer the grid method. By sampling soil in a grid pattern, producers can easily identify the areas that have the highest need. When nutrients are applied only where they are needed, fertilizer costs are reduced, and crop yields are enhanced.
As grid sampling is done over time, variables like precipitation, crop type, and crop yields can help producers further anticipate the ideal nutrients for their operations.
This understanding and enhancements in soil sampling techniques and applications allow your soil map to become the digital blueprint for your preferred applicator.
With this blueprint, your fertilizer applicator will apply only the nutrients that are needed in the locations that need them. This variable rate technology protects your investment and improves your plant uptake.
Soil sampling not only guides where to place your nutrients but also indicates when there is a nutrient buildup. When the nutrients are available, but the plant is unable to use them due to imbalances in pH, productivity and yield can suffer. Thus, soil sampling before lime application can decrease your costs dramatically and encourage plant uptake.
For producers concerned about the cost associated with soil sampling, there are many programs available to assist with the implementation of soil sampling and nutrient management.
The USDA has incentives through the University of Missouri’s CRCL Grant for putting focus on soil health and improving nutrient stewardship. The Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program is also piloting a 4R cost-share practice.
By implementing soil sampling and mapping, producers can see a decrease in overall nutrient input costs, resulting in uniformity on yield maps.
During times of higher risk due to higher input costs, it is vital to squeeze as much profitability as possible out of each acre.
Establishing a routine with soil sampling will allow you to utilize soil to its fullest potential while increasing nutrient use efficiency and productivity.
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