Have you ever looked across the fence at your neighbors’ yard or garden and wondered, “why doesn’t mine look as good as theirs?” Well there may be a couple of very simple remedies to your issues that can get you back on track. The Farmers Cooperative agronomy team, based out of the Van Buren location, can provide easy solutions based on what soil nutrients may be needed through soil sampling. Wait, let’s back up a minute. What exactly is agronomy?
Agronomy:
the science of soil management and crop production
Basically we take a look at your soil, determine what it is lacking or what it may have too much of. We then make recommendations based on that ratio of nutrients. Our commercial farmers and ranchers use this sample soil testing procedure as a tool to maximize return on their fertilization input investment by providing specific information of what the crop or pasture needs may be. Not a commercial farmer or rancher? No problem! The same techniques and knowledge can be applied to your urban garden, patio tomatoes, and to obtain and maintain a beautiful lawn.
Based on sample, a custom recommended application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (p), potassium (K) can be made. In addition, a soil sample may also tell you if there is a need for sulfur (S), zinc (Z) and other essential soil nutrients.
Your soil pH is another critical component for good soil nutrition. The sample will let you know if your soils are acidic (low ph) or alkaline (high ph). Best of all, this testing is FREE! Take your soil sample – don’t worry, we’ve included a video on how exactly you do that – put it in a container, write your name, physical and e-mail address on the sample. Then simply drop it off at your local county agents office or one of your Farmers Cooperative locations. That’s it! That’s all there is to it.
Regardless of whether you farm 3000 acres of row crop, have a 500 head of cow/calf pasture operation, just want to grow a decent cucumber, or want to have a lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood, it’s important to know what your soil nutrition needs are. All of our Farmers Cooperative locations are available to answer your questions and provide all the information you need. Remember, the agronomy department is just a phone call away.
Source: Seed & Sow Agriculture Life Magazine
Contributor: Mark Field, Farmers Cooperative Agronomist
