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
Benchmark machinery costs against those of similar-sized, high-performing operations to inform equipment and investment decisions.
Oregon FFA CEO Kjer Kizer discusses the proposed budget reductions, potential consequences, and the importance of protecting learning opportunities for students interested in agriculture.
Farms and major food companies use AI to improve efficiency and forecast demand. Still, developers said that training AI for different uses is only possible with support from knowledgeable workers.
The report shows that, despite production challenges, dairy farmers are producing more milk with fewer resources per gallon across the industry.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
The U.S. Forest Service takes us on the same journey from a tree farm in Nevada across America to experience the magic of Christmas in the U.S. Capitol.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.