As the agricultural world strives for higher yield year after year, there are always complications that make the objective problematic; one of those is nutrient loss. Nutrient loss is at the heart of a lot of discussions about the integrity of sustainable agriculture and many would even argue that the problem has compounded in recent years. So, why does nutrient loss keep coming up?
- Increased yield enhances the rate at which nutrients are removed from the soil. Sufficient nutrients must be replenished to the soil before planting the next crop.
- Water quality and Porous soil with low quantities of organic matter can often be to blame. Organic matter traps and holds moisture in the soil. With little ability to trap moisture for later use, water run-off can often carry essential nutrients away.
These are only a couple of the problems that orbit around the issue, as there are many factors both seen and unseen that contribute.
A farmer can use a variety of methods to combat the loss of important nutrients in the soil. Sometimes the solution lies in something as simple as planting trees to slow the flow of water, reducing run-off. Some farmers have taken to planting cover crops while others have greatly reduced tillage practices on the farm. Your solution might be largely dependent on a number of geological factors. Regardless of your solution, the concern is widespread. A number of the leading research institutes have weighed in. Here are just some of the resources available to help:
Iowa DNR-Reducing Nutrient Loss: Science Shows What Works
https://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/water/wse/isu_reducingnutrientloss.pdf
Oklahoma State University-Nutrient Loss and Water Quality:
https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/nutrient-loss-and-water-quality.html
Nutrient Removal Calculator
https://www.cropnutrition.com/nutrient-management/nutrient-removal?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwp6CkBhB_EiwAlQVyxd8NelCQE13xlUUYei1cWHqZyHtwc5E2BSAXC9o34y07I2Ef_2AH_hoCm4wQAvD_BwE