One of the most common issues that arise in customer service at an agricultural testing laboratory is the dispute over different results for samples meant to represent the same whole. That whole could be a specific field, a stack of hay bales, a bin of mixed feed or plants within a field. This is where...Read More

Irrigation water analysis might not be top of mind when thinking about crop fertility, but it is a critical piece. Consider that the minerals in the water end up on the field. This can mean less fertilizer is needed. Conversely, it can mean there is a need for additional applications on dry land. So, let’s...Read More

When we make fertilizer recommendations for upcoming crops, it’s good to consider nitrogen credits from past crops. Leguminous species like soybean, alfalfa, and clover may provide a nitrogen credit for the next season’s crop. However, there are a few misconceptions about where the nitrogen credit comes from. Soybean Nitrogen Credits For this example, we’ll talk...Read More

  Farmers and agronomists have been using plant analysis for the past few decades to identify fertility needs. Plant analysis allows producer to direct side dress or use pivot applications of crop nutrients precisely. Information gained from plant analysis is only as good as the sample itself. So, it’s important to remember these steps when...Read More

Starter fertilizer has become common place in today’s row crop production systems. This approach of applying fertility at planting takes many forms–with the seed, 2’’ by 2’’, 2” to the side on the surface or simply on the ground behind the press wheel. The goal is to provide vital nutrients to young plants to overcome...Read More