Soil fertility forms the base that agricultural production is built upon. Fertile soils have the capacity to provide essential nutrients in balanced proportions to support and promote plant growth and development.
Much of what constitutes our soil cannot be altered, but management of plant essential nutrients can make the difference between an unproductive soil and a productive soil for field crops. Soil nutrient content is affected by harvest of the grain or plant matter, or through the addition of organic or inorganic fertilizers directly to the soil or to the plant through a foliar application.
Proper management of crop nutrients, including fertilizer and organic amendments such as manure, involves use of the so-called 4R’s of nutrient management: using the right source of nutrients, and applying them at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. These principles can help to achieve the greatest benefit to crop production, profitability, and the least environmental impact.
For a more detailed look at soil and nutrient interactions, please see OMAFA’s Publication 611: Soil Fertility Handbook.