Mike, Just two points: I am not advocating "mining" the soil of nutrients, I think we should replace what we take off every season. However what that number is is not always obvious. I think this is what you are getting at. I do feel that many folks have gotten into the habit of over-fertilizing. By soil testing we can get closer to applying what we actually should be applying rather than massive over fertilization in the hope of getting every last bushel. Economic yield may not be at maximum yield especially as fertilizer prices increase. Francis Childs can raise 400+ bu corn by spoon feeding it, like the 500 lb pumpkin for the fair, but is it economic to do so? Since we move an 8-10" strip back and forth 15" every one or two years, depending on rotation, the fertilizer does get distributed and seem to even out over the soil width over a couple years. Thanks for your information. Jim at Dawn |