Growing
Nutrient and Soil Management
Your extension agent will be able to direct you to a local agricultural retailer who can provide services, which often include soil sampling and nutrient management plans. Having your soil sampled is a great way to determine which nutrients your soil lacks and which nutrients are already present.
Once your soil has been analyzed, the proper amounts of fertilizer can be applied, as well as any other nutrients or additives the soil may need. Remember that when you grow a crop, the plants use up many of the soil's nutrients. So, to produce a good crop each year, the essential elements such as nitrogen, potash, phosphate and lime need to be maintained at optimum levels.
| Element | Function |
|---|---|
| Lime | Increases nutrient availability and raises soil acidity. |
| Magnesium | Essential growth element. |
| Nitrogen | Produces dramatic growth. |
| Phosphorus (P) | Increases growth and tolerance of cold weather. |
| Potash (K) | Increases growth and tolerance of cold weather. |
| Sulfur | Essential growth element. |