AgriLiquid Urges Farmers to Test Soil Before Planting

As farmers across the country gear up for another growing season, one message is rising to the top: start with the soil.

During last week’s Commodity Classic, we caught up with AgriLiquid agronomy expert Stephanie Zelinko, who emphasized that annual soil testing remains one of the most important steps growers can take—especially as input costs remain tight.

Zelinko says soil testing gives farmers a clear picture of what nutrients are already available in the field and where additional investment may be needed.

“That’s where we want to start with all growers—looking at that soil inventory,” she explained. “Figure out what nutrients you have, whether it’s phosphorus, potassium, or micronutrients, so you know you can feed that crop for the year.”

With fertilizer budgets under pressure, she says soil sampling allows producers to be more precise with their dollars—targeting only the nutrients that may be limiting yield rather than applying products across the board.

“When budgets are tight, soil testing helps you more accurately spend those dollars and get the best return on your fertilizer investment,” Zelinko said.

Beyond nutrient management, soil sampling also plays a key role in setting realistic yield goals. Zelinko notes that changing weather patterns and economic conditions make it more important than ever for farmers to tailor expectations to each season and each field.

“If we’re heading into a dry year, maybe we can’t shoot for top-end yields because the moisture just isn’t there,” she said. “It’s the same with economics—look at every field individually and manage it based on what makes the most sense.”

As planting season approaches, Zelinko encourages growers to make soil testing a foundational step in their management plans. More information and agronomic resources are available at AgriLiquid.com.

Source: Ag Information Network/Western Ag Network