ANR Newspaper Article: 03/19/21

Preparing for the Growing Season

As temperatures begin to warm up, we are all excited to see the grass and trees begin to regain their color and we are all eager to kick-off the growing season. However, our lawns, gardens, and crops are not the only things beginning to grow. Whether you are a home gardener or a commercial farmer, this is the time of the year when winter dormancy breaks on the to-do list and it begins growing out of control. For many growers, the first thing on our to-do lists should be sampling our soils. You may be ready for spring and the growing season but are your soils?

If you did not already take soil samples last fall, now is a great time to do so. If your pH requires major adjustments, it can take several months for these corrections to take place within the soil. This is especially important for new seedings in the spring. Without the proper pH and nutrient levels to support healthy plant growth, problematic weeds will already be competing, but some can have an advantage in deficient soils. So, what is the optimum nutrient and pH levels? The answer depends on the type of crop to be grown.

If you produce corn, soybeans, wheat, or alfalfa

The new 2020 Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations will be very useful. This publication was previously published in 1995 but has been updated to reflect our most current research. In this publication you will find nutrient removal rates from each crop, soil sampling strategies, pH and lime recommendations, and fertilizer recommendations. You can go to https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/ to download a free pdf copy or purchase a hard copy for $9.00. Contact the Brown County Extension Office at 937-378-6716 if you have any questions. If you are focused on grass hay and pasture, we also have great resources that outline recommended nutrients levels for these production practices. The publication titled “Fertility Management of Meadows” can be found at ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-5.

For those who will be sampling lawns, vegetable gardens, fruit crops, or other landscapes

nutrient recommendations are very dependent on the crop you intend to plant. Most labs will give you the ability to select your crop type and recommendations can be developed by the lab. What is the right way to sample and how to you get started? OSU Extension has a very detailed factsheet that can help answer that question. This factsheet can be found at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132. Copies can also be picked up at the Brown County Extension Office. The publication explains why soil tests are important for plant selection, plant problem diagnostics, and much more. You will also find information on the proper methods for soil sampling, recommended tools, sampling frequency, and several other tips.

If you have any trouble finding these resources or have any questions about soil fertility, call James Morris at the Brown County Extension Office. Our number is 937-378-6716 or you can email James at morris.1677@osu.edu. Remember to sign up for our email newsletter. This newsletter is sent our weekly on Fridays and contains timely tips for producers, gardeners, and homeowners. You will also find information about upcoming programs and registrations. Sign up for our newsletter at u.osu.edu/browncounty.

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