Soil testing is the only tool we have to evaluate the pH, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) status of the soil. Knowing this information allows growers to make economically optimum applications of lime and phosphorus and potash fertilizer. In these times of economic uncertainty, managing input costs is an important component of farm sustainability. Many growers have opted to cut costs by eliminating soil testing as part of their management program. This is not a recommended strategy. There are two main misconceptions about soil testing:
MISCONCEPTION #1: Soil testing is expensive.
FACT: Routine soil testing costs less than 40 cents per acre. University of Wisconsin soil testing recommendations are to analyze one composite sample per 5 acres and to soil test at least once every four years. Using a standard rate of $7.00 per analysis, this averages out to $0.35 per acre per year. Most, if not all, certified laboratories will also provide fertilizer recommendations based on University of Wisconsin recommendations along with the soil test values. Some laboratories may have slightly higher prices or may charge shipping costs.
MISCONCEPTION #2: Maintenance applications of P and K are good enough.
FACT: Soils testing in the very low to low range for P and K require additional inputs beyond removal rates to optimize yield.
FACT: Soils testing in the high to excessive range require less than removal rates to optimize yield.
In either case, money is lost from either reduced yields or over application of P and K. When soils tests indicate the soil is in the very low to low category, this suggests that there is a very high likelihood that yields will increase due to application of fertilizer. However, it also indicates that the crop would benefit from building the “fertility” of the soil through additional P and K inputs over time.
A publication from the National Academies of Science was released from the 2005 Frontiers of Soil Science Workshop. This was an excellent workshop that covered all aspects of soil science research as well as the future and importance of soil science research. There were five graduate students invited to attend: Amy Brock, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Daniel Clune, Cornell University Josh Heitman, Iowa State University DeAnn Ricks Presley, Kansas State University
Matt Ruark, Purdue University
It was a great experience for all of us. And we have had a lot of success since then. Check out the great research these other scientists are conducting!
Dr. Norman Borlaug passed away September 12, 2009 at the age of 95. As a young scientist, I looked up to Dr. Borlaug, not only for the scientifc advancements he initiated, but also because of his ability take these advancements from test plots to entire continents, regarless of the polictical issue of the time. I spent 6 years working in Borlaug Hall at the University of Minnesota and got to shake his hand once when he visited Purdue University. As we reflect on the life and achievements of Dr. Borlaug, we must also think about this century’s challenges as it relates to food production and environmental sustatinability.
For more information and interesting articles about Dr. Borlaug, check out the following links:
Wednesday, September 3rd 2009 - Juneau-Adams-Marquette County Corn & Soybean Grower Field Day.
Located at the Cenex Answer plots. Dr. Joe Lauer, Dr. Chris Boermoom, and Dr. Matt Ruark will be presenting information and leading discussions on improving productivity and agronomic efficiency in the Central Sands Region of Wisconsin.
Just finished a day and half meeting of the NCERA59 Regional Meeting on Soil Organic Matter: Formation, Function and Management. Ten scientists from across the US were there ranging in disipline from soil microbiology to nutrient cycling and management to soil pedology. These types of meetings provide opportunities for scientists to discuss recent and interesting findings, discuss future research topics, and develop colaborative research projects. For more information on this regional committee click here.
Four on-farm field trials were conducted this year to evaluate nitrogen (N) fertilizer need for sweet corn. The first field site is ready to be harvested. The harvest season has begun!
Welcome to the Nutrient Cycling and Agroecosystems Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Ruark's research and extension program is focused on improving the agronomic efficiency and sustainability of Wisconsin's agroecosystems.
