Searching for "soil fertility"

This publication discusses how soil organic carbon has a wide range of crucial roles in agriculture. It impacts crop productivity, soil health, the movement of water, and removal of contaminants. Key themes of this publication include how soil organic carbon is closely related to soil organic matter, but the two are measured differently; soil organic carbon is linked to many aspects of soil health such as nutrient exchange, soil water holding capacity, and it provides great value on the farm; carbon markets are focused on changes in soil organic carbon stock that result from the application of new agricultural management practices; and the stock of soil organic carbon in a field is based on organic carbon concentration, depth of sampling, area of the field, and adjustments for other soil characteristics.

Soil health or soil quality refers to the ability of soil to function and sustain productivity, enhance and maintain water and air quality, and support plant health. Soils provide many essential functions, such as regulating water, sustaining plant and animal life, reducing potential pollutants, cycling nutrients, and physical stability. Soil health involves physical, chemical, and biological processes and properties.

Although some producers may think about using low rates of fertilizer to reduce input costs, this can adversely affect yields if soil fertility drops below optimal levels. Read about the research to help your decision-making.

Available from North Dakota State University.

Replaces NCR 0341.

This soil health field guide provides information about soil health and its importance to sustainable agriculture systems. The research-based information in this soil health guide highlights the relationships between soil characteristics in an easy to understand format that is useful to farmers, agronomists, agricultural consultants, soil scientists, technical service providers, and extension educators. This soil health field guide is the product of the collaborative efforts of Iowa State University and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Iowa.

This soil health management manual provides information about soil functions and services that are essential for sustainable agriculture systems. The research-based information in this soil health management manual highlights the relationships between soil properties that are easy to understand and useful to all, including farmers, agronomists, agricultural consultants, soil scientists, technical service providers, and extension educators. The soil health management manual has four sections and is the product of the collaborative efforts of Iowa State University and the Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Iowa.

Cover crops are planted not for harvest, but are designed to maintain and enhance the sustainability of a production system by improving soil fertility, water quality and can lead to the suppression of weeds, soil erosion and pests. This publication provides information on how to use short duration cover crops to aid production, especially during a fallow period between two vegetable crops. Choosing the correct cover crop will impact its effectiveness, as will the grower’s method of seeding and termination. The publication provides tips for picking the right crop and showing how it should be used to maximize its effectiveness.

Vegetable production systems require inputs and if not managed properly could have detrimental effects on soil and the environment. Cover crops are gaining importance and growers can used them as a best practice tool in preserving environmental sustainability of vegetable cropping systems without compromising farm productivity and profitability. This publication defines various cover crops and their benefits such as reducing soil erosion, compaction and synthetic nitrogen inputs, suppressing weeds, increasing soil organic matter and water infiltration, enhancing soil biology, and providing habitat for beneficial insects and natural enemies of pests.

Site-specific management and planning for nutrient inputs is needed for optimizing economic return and minimizing effects on environmental quality. This publication includes information about factors that influence soil fertility, fertilization management, and associated relations with environmental quality.

Maintaining a fertile growing environment is a risk management strategy that produces higher yield and healthier plants that better manage stress. This publication outlines crop nutrient removal rates, foliar fertilization and the influence of soil fertility on plant health.

Color photos and descriptions aid in identifying nutrient deficiencies and injury due to fertilizer in order to accurately diagnose symptoms for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and winter wheat.

More information and photos are available at the ISU Soil Fertility Home Page

Suggestions for taking care of weed and brush problems on CRP land before beginning a grazing system. Good grazing management will help maintain fertility and reduce further weed problems.

Results of a three-year study of side-by-side research plots to evaluate two different fertility management strategies (sufficient level of available nutrients and cation ratio).