Search

Organic matter serves as a reservoir of nutrients and water in the soil, aids in reducing compaction, and increases water infiltration. Yet, it's often ignored and neglected.

There are many thoughts regarding how much nitrogen is lost from applying urea on pastures and hay fields. If applied incorrectly, up to 40 percent of the nitrogen applied as urea can be vaporized and lost as a gas.

A high percentage of the grazing land in our area is native grass. Most ranchers do not fertilize native grass because it is widely thought that it is unprofitable to do so. In fact, one of the appealing characteristics of native grass systems is that they do relatively well with minimal inputs.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has probably been grazed for as many years as it has been planted. However, most of the grazing has been done as a minor component of a hay production system and not as a...

As we approach the end of 2011, many soil sample results have considerably higher than average amounts of nitrates, especially in wheat and winter pasture fields.

Let's say you look at the results from your soil sample and see there is a recommendation for lime. You check around and discover this is going to cost $40-$50 per acre. A normal person would question whether the value received from liming is worth the cost.

Sometimes, a rancher takes a soil sample, sends it to a laboratory and the recommendation calls for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The rancher knows nitrogen should be applied near the time of...

When two or more products are physically incompatible, an emulsion may form.

The contributions of soil organic matter and how to maintain or increase it.

Following these steps should help you develop a better nutrient management program through use of soil testing.