Soil Fertility
There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to managing soil fertility including soil testing, interpreting soil test results to make fertilizer recommendations, understanding different crop nutrients needs, accounting for crop nutrient removal, knowing how to manage different fertilize sources, and being able to identify crop nutrient deficiencies. Find more information on soil fertility management for crop production in Iowa.
Timely Insights on Soil Fertility
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March 26, 2026Authors
This spring began with higher and uncertain phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer prices, with a higher increase for P fertilizers. Fortunately, corn and soybean grain prices began increasing in February and expectations are for further increases, mainly for corn (Chad Hart - Ag Market Outlook). Although many producers already applied the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) needs for 2026 last fall, others will apply them this spring and are considering reducing planned rates due to lower expected economic benefits from fertilization. However, reducing P and K rates across all conditions is not a good management decision.
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March 24, 2026Content Author
Optimum nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates for corn vary widely from field to field and from year to year. One reason is that the amount of nitrogen left in the soil after harvest is never the same. Measuring residual soil inorganic nitrogen—ammonium (NH₄⁺) and nitrate (NO₃⁻)—can help indicate whether fertilizer needs for the upcoming crop may be higher or lower than usual.
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March 1, 2026Content Author
AMES, Iowa – Members, farmers and ag business professionals are invited to attend the North Central Iowa Research Association annual meeting on Wednesday, March 25, at the Northern Research Farm, located at 310 South Main Street, Kanawha.
The association, in partnership with Iowa State University, oversees the Northern Research Farm and works with ISU Extension and Outreach to provide agronomic research, demonstrations and educational events.
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January 13, 2026Content Author
Spray drones are increasingly being evaluated by Iowa farmers as an additional tool for crop input application. When used appropriately, these systems can provide flexibility for timely applications, reduce field traffic, and improve access to areas that are difficult to reach with traditional ground equipment.
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December 15, 2025Authors
AMES, Iowa – The 2026 Crop Advantage Series will take place at 12 locations across the state Jan. 6–29. Each meeting will feature tailored topics selected based on local growing conditions and challenges, presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists.
