Fertilizing

Interest in protecting soil integrity is not a new topic. Soil conservation came to the forefront after the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Since then, producers have recognized the importance of the macroorganisms and microorganisms that call the soil home, as well as their roles in producing healthy plants.

Nitrogen fertilizer management is highly impacted by changes and variability in climatic conditions. The specific aspects with the greatest effect include wet conditions in the fall, shortened winters, delayed spring fieldwork season, excessive precipitation early in the growing season and unusually heavy individual rainfall events.

The economically optimum fertilizer rate is less than the rate where highest yield is achieved due to the concept of diminishing returns.

Fall is a busy time of year on farms. Besides harvesting crops, never-ending field operations and routine chores, timely decisions are needed.

On the first day in soil science class, we teach that soil is definitely not the same as dirt. Dirt has no value. That’s why your momma fussed at you about tracking it in her house. But soil has value.

Some farmers in Pennsylvania and New York grow winter annual small grains for forage before and after corn silage. Producing two crops in succession, or double-cropping, offers multiple benefits such as reducing soil erosion; improving nutrient retention and weed suppression; and enhancing soil structure and biological activity.