Do High-Phosphorus Soils Really Need More Fertilizer?
Accumulated soil phosphorus supported crops for at least three years, but the timing to resume fertilization depends on soil-test P, crop demand, yield, and soil properties.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Accumulated soil phosphorus supported crops for at least three years, but the timing to resume fertilization depends on soil-test P, crop demand, yield, and soil properties.
A decade-long grazing study shows that management can improve soil carbon and nutrient dynamics, but drought and year-to-year weather remain major drivers of soil health.
Soil health practices may not improve farm profitability immediately. A study of eight Georgia cotton farms shows how financial benefits can emerge gradually as growers adapt management, reduce input costs, and move beyond the initial expenses of adopting cover crops and reduced tillage.
Cover crops should not be treated as a single management practice. Species selection influences nitrogen supply, nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and the fertilizer rate needed by the following crop.
Perennials and repeated manure applications produced the strongest and most consistent improvements in soil biological health.
Summer cover crops increased soil organic matter and labile carbon pools in sandy subtropical vegetable soils.