So far this spring, farmers and consumers alike have experienced price increases in products we use daily. In the agricultural sector, market prices for critical inputs have been impacted by conflict in the middle East, such as diesel fuel and fertilizer. Diesel has ballooned to nearly $6.00 per gallon and has yet to significantly decrease. Additionally, urea fertilizer climbed from $450 per ton to over $700 per ton seemingly overnight. Due to high prices and drought conditions, many producers will cut back on crop acreage and fertilizer inputs to curb costs and reduce their financial risks. Although we are hopeful to see lower fertilizer prices, and rain showers, it’s important that producers still have a fertility plan in place. Let’s look at the importance of soil sampling, major plant nutrients and why we need to ensure proper fertility for our crops.

Take Soil Samples of Your Fields- For anyone growing a crop or pasture, getting soils tested is the first step in the direction of lowering fertilizer inputs. Getting soils tested is a pretty simple task. After samples are collected from the fields, and they can be brought to our office, from here we send them to get tested by the NC Department of Agriculture. From April to November there is no fee for this service. Currently, the NCDA agronomic lab is still in its peak season for sample submissions so there is a $5 fee per sample and turn-around times can take several weeks. There are also private labs that can offer the same service for a fee. Soil testing tells us what nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, are available for the specific plants or crops we want to grow. Soil testing also quantifies our soil’s pH and provides us with a baseline of the amount of nutrients we need to add to grow a successful crop. Soil testing allows us to fine tune our fertility plans so we don’t overapply nutrients, which can be costly during periods of high fertilizer prices, or under apply which can lead to poor crop production or plant growth.

Macronutrients-Ever wonder what N-P-K on a fertilizer bag means? Although there are at least 17 essential plant nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are three plant macronutrients that are used in the largest amounts.

• Nitrogen (N)- Nitrogen is a macronutrient and makes up part of the chlorophyll present in plants. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. When light or energy is absorbed by the chlorophyll and used to make sugars for the plant. This process is called photosynthesis.
• Phosphorus (P) - Another major nutrient for plant growth is phosphorus. This nutrient is important in plant cell division and development of new tissues as plants grow. Phosphorus strengthens stems and stalks and promotes flower formation and seed production.
• Potassium (K)- Potassium helps regulate the opening and closing of leaf stomata, which are very small “pores” on plant leaves. Stomata regulate the exchange of water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide and also regulate the plant’s temperature during heat stress. When potassium is deficient or not supplied in adequate amounts, it stunts plant growth and reduces yield.

The Importance of Lime- Although lime prices have somewhat increased this year, it is still important that we apply the recommended amount of lime to bring the soil pH up to the desired range which is typically 6.0-6.5. In our area, our soils are naturally acidic. I have seen soil reports with a pH of 4.5. This is a great pH for pine trees but not for a garden or most of our other crops! Additionally, research has shown time and time again that greater amounts of plant nutrients are available when the soil pH is in the ideal range compared to soils with a lower pH. For example, phosphorus uptake is dependent on the condition of a plant's root system. This means that when soils are at the proper pH range, and plant roots are healthy, applied fertilizer is used more efficiently.

Using manures- With fertilizer prices still high, we have seen animal manures such as poultry litter utilized on field crops and pastures/hay fields. When used responsibility, manures can serve as an effective plant nutrient source. Animal manures can vary in their availability of nutrients between sources so it is always good to submit a sample and have it analyzed for nutrient concentrations before any is applied to a crop. This process is also carried by the NCDA and shares the sample principles as soil testing.

Although fertilizer prices are high, producers still need to create a sound fertility plan this season. Responsible use of animal manures is an option to cutting costs but producers should be careful not to cut corners. Remember: Farming in the Sandhills is never simple that’s why we need to test our soils regularly and plan to apply some lime. If you have any questions about fertilizers or pasture management please contact your local Extension office.