Soil test results can help farmers be more strategic with input investments, agronomists stress

Farmers are expecting another year of tight profits, and it is why agronomists stress the importance of soil testing and viewing the results from a wide lens.

“It’s not individual nutrients that we’re looking at. We need to take the test as a whole. Many of these nutrients interact with each other. There are ratios that we keep in mind. We think that the law of minimum crop production can only be as good as the limiting factor. And with so many metrics on a soil test, it’s important to understand how we balance those things out. So again, understanding the soil test as a whole, sitting down with your local agronomist, it’s a great opportunity this time of year to set yourself up for success out in the field in 2025,” said Nick Frederking.

Agronomists are well aware some farmers are looking at trimming fertilizer costs this year. They say it is possible, but you need to make sure you are not sacrificing yield.

Related Stories
“When you’re a small family farm, security is often an afterthought, if a thought at all.”
“I don’t think we’re going to see cattle coming across the border at all because of that increase in their cases in Mexico.”
“People got to start small and build themselves up.”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Producers and processors should watch trade policy closely as tariff impacts ripple through seafood markets.
While symbolic, the WTO’s youth hackathon reflects growing calls for creative approaches to food trade and security, with potential implications for reducing losses, expanding biofuel markets, and stabilizing grain flows.
Chad Collin, founder of The Quack Pack USA, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share his expertise in training Border Collies to serve as indispensable farm and ranch dogs.
Ethanol producers face a widening opportunity window as aviation and marine fuel markets expand, with the potential to add billions in demand if policy and certification align.
Lawmakers and ag industry groups welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
All eyes will be on today’s Cattle on Feed Report, which analysts say could give a clearer picture of where the market goes next.