Searching for "soil testing"

Soil compaction occurs when soil aggregates and particles are compressed into a smaller soil volume. excessively compacted soil results in problems such as poor root penetration, decreased soil aeration from larger macropores, reduced rainfall infiltration and increased runoff. This publication covers best practices for managing soil compaction.

Learn more about the most important step in soil testing to make fertilization decisions for FIELD CROPS - collecting the soil sample. Includes information on materials needed, when to sample, how to select a sample area, how often to sample and much more.

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.

As growers and those who advise them collect soil samples from fields to test for the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and compare results from various fields and soil testing laboratories over multiple years, there are several things to consider to help interpret the soil sample results.

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.

Interest in the use of tissue testing for phosphorus and potassium fertility diagnostics in corn and soybean has increased in recent years. However, to date there has been no phosphorus and potassium tissue test interpretations published by Iowa State University. This publication provides the first interpretation guidelines for using tissue testing for these nutrients in corn and soybean.

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.

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.

The Iowa State University Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory received soil samples submitted by Iowa farmers from different counties statewide during January 2006 to December 2010.

Select soil-test results are summarized by county for phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn) and acidity levels (pH).

Frost seeding, sometimes referred to as overseeding, is an easy and inexpensive way to establish legumes in existing green pastures. This publication explains site selection, seeding, weed control, soil testing, fertilizing, grazing, and ongoing management. Includes seeding rates for alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, lespedeza, red, ladino, and alsike clover.

Manage your garden soil more effectively. Learn about tillage, integrating organic matter, soil testing and pH, fertilizer application and more.