SoilView Expert: Soil Testing Now Essential to Stretch Fertilizer Dollars

SoilView’s Chris Nelson explains why soil testing is essential, how it enhances nutrient management, and why growers should focus on data-driven strategies to guide planting and fertilization this year.

STORY CITY, IOWA (RFD NEWS) — Farmers are increasingly looking to enhance nutrient management as mixed weather patterns and shifting input prices continue to impact spring planting decisions. Soil sampling and data-driven fertilization strategies are now a central focus for growers aiming to maximize efficiency and return on investment.

Chris Nelson with SoilView joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the role of soil testing in modern crop management and why it’s critical for farmers navigating rising input costs.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Nelson said that relying on average yield instead of soil testing results in only about 10 percent of a field being optimally fertilized. He says, even if growers did not complete sampling last fall, there is still a window to get fields tested in early spring.

Nelson also emphasized that soil sampling allows growers to know exactly where every fertilizer dollar is applied, giving them greater certainty and improving ROI. Finally, he advises farmers to prioritize soil testing and other data-driven decisions to make the most of their resources this season.

LEARN MORE: www.soilview.com

Related Stories
Surging energy markets are quickly becoming a cost story for U.S. agriculture as crude oil climbs on supply fears tied to the Middle East conflict.
Technology-driven lending decisions may shape the future availability of farm credit.
Logistics remain firm, but freight costs continue to rise.
Fertilizer investigation may impact input costs and margins.
New research shows that most farmers do not have a formal resiliency plan in place. Devin Fuhrman highlights how Nationwide’s Farm Risk Ready initiative supports farmers in building stronger, more resilient operations.
The American Coalition for Ethanol reacts as the Farm Bill heads to a full House vote — while ethanol expansion, including year-round E15, is left out — as well as the USDA’s pursuit of global markets for ethanol.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
Heavy cattle weights are cushioning beef supplies despite shrinking herd numbers.
Purdue University’s Dr. Michael Langemeier discusses the survey’s findings in February and broader signals in the months ahead.
Roger McEowen of Washburn University School of Law joined us to discuss key legal and tax issues ranchers should consider as they recover from recent prairie fires across the Southern Plains.
Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.