Soil test for higher yields

It’s simple: Growers with higher yields soil test more often

One of your most valuable assets is the soil in which your crops grow. Knowing what nutrients are available is key to growing higher-yielding crop. And with higher fertilizer prices hitting the expense side of the ledger extra hard this season, having accurate and current soil test is also key to profitability.

A survey of Canadian growers in 2019 in Fertilizer Canada found that 50.6% of growers producing higher yielding crops, soil test for nitrogen every year. That’s compared to 24.4 % of growers producing lower yields.

50.6% of growers producing higher yielding crops soil test for nitrogen every year

Peter Drucker, the famous business management consultant said, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Drucker might have been thinking more profit and loss statements than soil test reports, but the wisdom proves true in the field just as much as the boardroom. One of the best ways to beef up your bottom line is to do regular soil tests.

Soil test often to maximize your profitability

Almost every farm has had a soil test done. But basing your decisions off outdated soil test numbers is like trying to drive a truck down the highway by staring into the rear-view mirror. And with fertilizer prices continuing to climb, now would be a really good time to get a read on the current state of your soils.

Use a crop advisor to interpret the results

Soil, made up of inorganic particles and organic matter, is a complicated system that can vary considerably in the way it behaves, even within a few meters of the same field.

A crop advisor can turn a lab-generated report into customized recommendations. That can be especially important in pinpointing the greatest limiting factor. Addressing that deficiency is often your biggest opportunity.

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

Growers regularly producing higher yields are also more likely to use a crop advisor to help interpret the results and translate data into a nutrient management plan.

Find the gold within five broad categories

The most valuable information from a soil test will likely come by measuring these five broad groups:

• Organic Matter – Carbon-based compounds in the soil which often serve as a reserve for nutrients
• Soil pH – The acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which can affect nutrient availability
• Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) – An inherent soil characteristic that is difficult to alter significantly and influences the soil’s ability to hold onto essential nutrients
• Nitrate-N – The water-soluble form of nitrogen that is readily available for plant uptake
• Extractable macro and micronutrients – The essential nutrients that are available to the plant and needed by the crop to produce maximum economic yield

As growers and their nutrient advisors receive more information about these five areas, they will be able to make more informed fertility decisions.

Focus on the 4R principles to maximize profitability

In the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship, the goal is to apply the right source, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place.

Right Source

• Choose the correct source of nutrient for your soil
• Ensure a balanced supply of essential plant nutrients through granular or liquid fertilizers or manure

Right Rate

• Perform annual soil testing to measure the availability of nutrients from all sources such as manure, commercial fertilizers and atmospheric nitrogen fixed by legumes
• Account for nutrients already in the soil and calibrate application equipment to deliver target rates to fill in the gaps

Right Time

• Avoid fertilizer or manure application on snow or frozen soils
• Carry out nutrient management planning on an annual basis

Right Place

• Respect recommended setback distances for nutrient application near waterways
• Place nutrients below the soil surface where they can be taken up by growing roots when needed