We’ve known for many years that soil organic matter (SOM) is important for production agriculture. When soils were tilled initially, the soil organic matter concentration decreased fairly rapidly supplying nutrients essential for crop production. Some have been alarmed by this … Read More
There are sixteen nutrients that are essential for plant growth and development. Thirteen are absorbed by the roots. After taken in by the roots, the nutrients move into the plant and are used for various functions and processes. Nutrient absorption … Read More
In much of the world, water is the most limiting factor that affects crop plant growth. In Minnesota, the challenge is to manage crop production where relatively small amounts are held by the sandy soils. Conversely, it’s necessary to remove … Read More
Nitrogen inputs are essential for optimum corn production. This essential nutrient can be supplied from: 1) soil organic matter, 2) a previous legume crop, 3) livestock manure, and, 4) commercial fertilizers. Nitrogen in soils is a complex and dynamic system. … Read More
Citizens of Minnesota, both urban and rural, are concerned about water quality. Attendance at The Governor’s Water Summit at the end of February is strong evidence for this interest. There are numerous perceptions, but few actual measurements. There are two … Read More
Recycling is good for many things. However, when bogus concepts in fertilizer use are recycled, it can be expensive for farmers. One example is the idea that there are “ideal” ratios of calcium (Ca) to magnesium (Mg) to potassium (K) … Read More
Just as the return of the robins is a sure sign of spring; so, too, are the sales campaigns for the various “foo –foo” juice products. This year is no exception. The marketing has started. It seems that the marketing … Read More
Looking through a popular farm magazine recently, I noticed an article which focused on soybean fertilization and the use of tissue testing (plant analysis) to direct the fertilization program. I was especially interested in the comments about manganese (Mn). The … Read More
There’s no doubt that money spent for fertilizer will be a major consideration for crop production in 2016. Growers are looking at fertilizer use as one important input that will help to keep costs in line. With fertilizer costs … Read More
Money spent for fertilizer is always a major consideration and because of low commodity prices, crop producers are looking at costs – particularly at efficiency in fertilizer use. There will be important decisions made this winter. Participants in the 2014 … Read More