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
For many farm businesses, property taxes on business assets have become a significant and highly visible expense, threatening liquidity, discouraging investment, and creating a disproportionate burden when compared to other industries.
The ACRE Act modestly reduces farmland borrowing costs now, with more savings possible once federal guidance clarifies which loans qualify.
Longtime MLF pro angler Fred “Boom Boom” Roumbanis shares how he and Jeff Sprague of Team YETI are preparing for the Team Series Summit Cup.
AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.

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:

Manure from a hog farm is more than just waste; it is also becoming a key renewable resource for operations.
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig recaps discussions surrounding a potential federal aid package for farmers and shares insights on producer sentiment in the Heartland.
FarmHER Katey Jo Evans of The Frozen Farmer joins us for a sneak peek of the latest episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.