There are twenty nutrients that are required for plants. Of these, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are required in relatively large amounts. Nitrogen is associated with lush vegetative growth, adequate phosphorus is required for flowering and fruiting, and potassium is necessary for durability and disease resistance. Calcium, sulfur, and magnesium are also required in comparatively large quantities. These six nutrients are referred to as macronutrients.
The other nutrients, referred to as micronutrients, are required in very small amounts. These include such elements as copper, zinc, iron, and boron. While both macro and micronutrients are required for good plant growth, over-application can be as detrimental as a deficiency. Over-application of plant nutrients not only may impair plant growth, but may contaminate groundwater by leaching through the soil or pollute surface waters by washing away.
The other nutrients, referred to as micronutrients, are required in very small amounts. These include such elements as copper, zinc, iron, and boron. While both macro and micronutrients are required for good plant growth, over-application can be as detrimental as a deficiency. Over-application of plant nutrients not only may impair plant growth, but may contaminate groundwater by leaching through the soil or pollute surface waters by washing away.
Making sure the right amounts of nutrients are added to the soil is something that many Ohioans are watching very closely. 4R Tomorrow is a program created by the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (OFSWCD), with the support of the Ohio Soybean Council, to educate and promote wise nutrient management to conserve water quality and soil health using the 4R nutrient stewardship principals and conservation practices. The 4R principles are a comprehensive, innovative and science-based nutrient management approach that enhances environmental protection and improves sustainability.
The 4R concept is to implement the four “rights”
1. Right fertilizer source,
2. At the right rate,
3. At the right time,
4. With the right placement
1. Right fertilizer source,
2. At the right rate,
3. At the right time,
4. With the right placement
You can decide what nutrients you need to add to your soil by getting a soil test done. We offer soil test kits in our office through Michigan State University Extension. It is suggested to take a soil sample every three years. An important thing to remember is once you have started the process of soiling sampling you will want to stick with the same lab as test results could artificially vary based on the way that labs run their tests.
Some other things to consider and ways to make this work in your yard:
-Always choose a fertilizer that is phosphorus-free, unless a soil test shows a need for this nutrient.
-Feed your lawn in the spring and early fall when the grass is actively growing.
-Set your mower at the highest setting. Taller grass is stronger grass. It builds deeper roots that enable the plant to find water and nutrients. It also better withstands periods of heat and drought.
-Use a mulching mower, so that grass clippings and leaves can be returned to the soil where they will break down and return natural nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
-Sweep leaves, grass clippings, and fertilizer that land on driveways and sidewalks back onto the grass to help keep nutrients out of waterways.
-Always choose a fertilizer that is phosphorus-free, unless a soil test shows a need for this nutrient.
-Feed your lawn in the spring and early fall when the grass is actively growing.
-Set your mower at the highest setting. Taller grass is stronger grass. It builds deeper roots that enable the plant to find water and nutrients. It also better withstands periods of heat and drought.
-Use a mulching mower, so that grass clippings and leaves can be returned to the soil where they will break down and return natural nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
-Sweep leaves, grass clippings, and fertilizer that land on driveways and sidewalks back onto the grass to help keep nutrients out of waterways.
On The Farm
Farms need to monitor their soils to make sure that they have the right mix of nutrients available to the crop they are going to grow. Now that more research is available to the farmer, soil sampling is becoming more important. This article from OSU Extension talks about the benefits and that it does pay to use variable rate technology(vrt). Technology is helping to improve the bottom line for farmers. Fertilizer dealers are now able to grid sample a field and only apply nutrients to the areas that need it instead of a general broadcast across the entire field that may not have needed the nutrient.
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