Ensuring plants have the right nutrients available to maximize growth and yield is critical. Soil data and smart management strategies can help minimize the need for synthetic inputs, while maximizing their effect. Learn more from our Technical Advisors in the resources below.
By recycling nutrients through diverse crop rotations and managed grazing, you can build long-term soil health and cut input costs while supporting cash crops. Technical Advisor Austin Knight explains more in this video.
Cover crops can be a valuable tool for increasing soil fertility and overall soil health.
Scavenging: Deep-rooted species like cereal rye and brassicas pull up nitrogen and other nutrients from deeper soil layers, holding them in place for the next crop.
Fixing: Legume cover crops like clover or vetch can fix atmospheric nitrogen, helping reduce synthetic N needs.
Timing: With the right timing, cover crops help fine-tune nutrient availability to match crop uptake.
Integrating livestock into cropping systems can add another layer to your nutrient strategy.
Manure as a Resource: Managed grazing puts nutrients back into the field through manure, reducing the need for hauled-in fertilizer.
Feed Efficiency: Grazing cover crops or crop residue extends the grazing season and reduces feed costs.
Soil Response: Over time, well-managed grazing can improve soil function, helping nutrients cycle more effectively across the whole system.
When leveraging cover crops or livestock, soil sampling can help inform what nutrients are available and what might need to be added. Learn more about the process from Senior Conservation Agronomist Derek Ver Helst.