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| I've seen soil tests increase with less than removal rates being added back when lots of high residue crops were being grown. My explanation was that soil life was at such a high level that more nutrients were being broke loose from the soil by microbial activity. I think this process is mostly overlooked because it's hard to measure(and it's hard to manufacture and sell at the coop). I know our silt and clay loam soils have 2500lb of P and 40,000lb of K just in the top six inches(this is university of Mo info). Who knows how much is in the next 3-4ft. My point is why aren't we figuring how to get these reserves released for the crop. I don't think i buy the theory that we will run the soil out of nutrients by banding less. I think we just run out of available. One thing is for certain though, the plant needs available plant food and you better get it fed some way no matter what your theory on soils. | |
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Reduced Rates of Fertilizer - In reference to Ron's posts
