For many across Michigan, soil sampling has become “second nature,” with farmers and their ag retail advisors recognizing the importance of having a solid view of a field’s nutrient profile to inform decision making. With the growing season upon us, it is a good time to think about the latest soil testing practices and how they are used on fields, especially in terms of determining spring phosphorus and potassium application rates. Nutrient applications should be based on recent soil test data in order to match application rates with crop needs. Close attention to fertilizer management has a wide range of benefits; it helps maximize the economic return of fertilizers, and safeguards against nutrient losses from over-application. Intensive grid or zone soil sampling programs generate high resolution data to enable variable rate application, equipping farmers with the information they need to increase and decrease nutrient application rates across the field to match soil conditions and yield potential. Rates can be lowered in areas with high nutrient concentrations. Just as importantly, areas with low nutrient concentrations can have yield-limiting conditions addressed, an ROI benefit. The environmental aspects of a carefully managed nutrient stewardship program shouldn’t be overlooked either. In fact, with an overwhelming number of Michigan farmers and ag retailers turning to more complex soil sampling methods in the field, it’s a real success story for Michigan agriculture’s stewardship efforts. A better view of each field and acre produces a more tailored approach to nutrient stewardship. Few practices offer such a breadth of economic and environmental benefits as using intensive soil sampling to guide fertilizer applications. Crop advisors and ag retailers are valuable assets to assist with collecting and analyzing the data that can go into nutrient management decisions. Working with these partners to build detailed farm management plans, that take into account specific site conditions and crop rotations, position operations for long-term success.
