does soil testing provide all the answers?
Combined with other agronomic information, soil testing is a powerful tool for deciding how best to specifically manage nutrients. Without soil testing, nutrient applications are a guess, and there is no room for guessing in today’s atmosphere of narrow margins and public concern with the environment. Let’s consider how soil testing helps reduce the risks involved with applying nutrients. Consider the risk of over or under applying nutrients. Over applying nutrients means putting on more than crops need to produce economically optimum yields. Too many nutrients waste money that can be put into other areas of the operation. Excesses also pose an increased threat to the water we drink and enjoy for recreation. Applying too few nutrients cuts into much needed profits by reducing yields and quality. Nutrient management is a balancing act. Knowing the quantity of nutrients already available in the soil gives the best chance of purchasing or redistributing the right amount. Soil testing help
