Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive and profitable farm. Understanding soil testing, lime, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK), organic manures and cover crops can help farmers improve yields while reducing unnecessary expenditure.
One of the biggest mistakes farmers can make is applying fertiliser without understanding what their soil actually needs. Spending more on nutrients does not automatically produce healthier crops or higher profits.
Five things every farmer should prioritise:
Soil testing: Regularly test soil pH and nutrient levels to identify deficiencies and avoid unnecessary fertiliser applications.
Lime and soil pH: Maintain suitable pH levels for your crops to improve nutrient availability and root development.
Fertiliser management: Match nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applications to crop requirements, soil conditions and realistic yield expectations.
Manures and organic matter: Account for the nutrients supplied by organic manures and manage applications carefully to protect soil and water.
Cover crops: Choose suitable cover crops to help protect bare soil, capture nutrients, support soil structure and improve rotation diversity.
The important question: Are you feeding your crops according to what your soil actually needs, or spending money on fertiliser out of habit?
Up for a discussion? Which practice has made the greatest difference to your farm's soil health and profitability: soil testing, liming, reducing fertiliser costs, using organic manures or introducing cover crops?