Corn and soybean take up relatively large amounts of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and much of this P and K ends up in the grain that is taken off the field during harvest. In order to keep soil nutrient levels from dropping over time, the amounts removed need to be replaced by applying fertilizer or manure. In order to know how much nutrient a crop removes, we need to know how much there is in a bushel of harvested grain.

Starter fertilizer can be used to complement pre-plant fertilization of crops to increase yield and economic returns to production.

Ben Pederson shares his journey to adopting strip-till and offers six lessons to other growers considering strip-till or zone tillage.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends considering the cost of the lime, its calcium carbonate equivalent and spreading rates when choosing a lime source.

The International Plant Nutrition Institute found that when other nutritional needs are met, plants use nitrogen more efficiently.

Ways to keep phosphorus and nitrogen from impacting water resources, will be the focus of a day-long discussion by industry and university experts during the Conservation Tillage Conference, March 3-4.

While agricultural scientists, policymakers and farmers are investigating ways to reduce the risk of severe algal blooms that stem from phosphorus, an Ohio State University environmental economist suggests an economic response could be the most cost-effective one.

Recent surveys indicate that 20% of the fields in Pennsylvania do not have a current soil test. With high yields, the plant food contained in the soil is depleted more rapidly. A 200-bushel corn crop pulls out 80 pounds of phosphorus and 60 pounds of potassium. It is important to get a benchmark as to what is left.