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
“What we’re hoping to do is just help our farmers have one more tool that they can help protect their livestock...”
“We don’t need to mandate these on the highway.”
“We’re going to get this $280 million out to those Rio Grande Valley farmers and make sure they can see another day and farm another crop.”
“I can tell you that it is, in my estimation, a smart thing to do.”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Watch On the Record every Friday at 7:30 PM ET/6:30 PM CT on RFD-TV and also on the RFD-TV Now App.
Tens of millions of Americans eat beef every single day. As a staple of grilling season and a go-to for major holidays, beef can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are six savory recipes for beef.