While there are many factors that contribute to a good yield at harvest time, top producers understand that soil health is paramount. Good soil management is a large part of any farmer’s job, and year after year, new understandings of the components necessary for optimal crop growth continue to influence how producers grow their crops from start to finish.
At the most basic level, farmers attempt to ensure their fields contain the optimal amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (N-P-K). They generally accomplish this through timed applications in the spring and fall, or after the crop has emerged post-planting. In general, nitrogen is responsible for increased yield and quality, and as nitrogen rates increase, so does yield. The role of phosphorus and potassium in the plant is maintenance; phosphorus to promote root development and potassium to assist with the absorption of moisture and help the plant resist drought.
Combined, the three provide a balanced diet for crops, and pave the way for a healthy field and an excellent yield in the fall.
The application of nitrogen can be more difficult, in that failing to apply enough will result in poorer crop health and reduced yield, while adding too much will be cost prohibitive. Many ag companies, including Pioneer, are employing new technology to assist farmers in reading their soils to determining the optimal amounts of NPK fertilizers to apply to their specific fields, under specific conditions.
Pioneer launched a nitrogen service first because it is one of the most difficult inputs to use efficiently and misuse can be costly. According to the Pioneer website:
“Research shows some growers are losing an estimated $50 to $60 per acre by applying too much or too little nitrogen. The Encirca Yield Nitrogen Management Service helps growers limit these losses and secure more profit from each acre.”
The company is now offering similar services for phosphorus and potassium application, as well.
While “the big three” are undoubtedly the most critical components to soil health, farmers and agronomists are paying increasing attention to another important component of soil health: Microorganisms. Microorganisms are microscopic organisms, usually in the form of a bacteria, virus, or fungus, that allow soil to store and release more nutrients, thereby reducing fertilizer expense over time.
According to Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie,
“Although microbial activity affects all nutrients, it is especially important with nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. That’s because a high percentage of those nutrients is tied up in the organic form. Organic nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur is unavailable to plants. Microbes make nutrients available to plants by converting them to the inorganic form through mineralization.”
The result? Higher yield and lower input cost.
Producers may promote high levels of beneficial microorganisms through a variety of practices, including no-till, leaving residue on the soil surface post-harvest, eliminating compacted layers, installing adequate drainage to reduce excess water, planting cover crops, diversifying crop rotation with grasses and/or legumes, and applying manure.
Working toward a healthy, balanced soil profile is an important part of producing a successful crop and keeping input costs down. If you’re concerned about the health or your soil, and need some input, feel free to contact UFARM, and we’d be happy to seek solutions for your land.
UFARM offers a full range of Nebraska land management services, including real estate sales, rural property appraisals, consultations and crop insurance. UFARM has operated in Nebraska since the early 1930’s. Contact us today!
Sources consulted: “Boost Nutrient Supplying Power.” Agweb.com. Farm Journal. Web. 09 Jun. 2015. “DuPont Pioneer Expanding EncircaSM Yield Input Management Offering.” Encirca Services. Dupont Pioneer. 25 Aug. 2015. Web. 09 Jun. 2015.
