Legume Crops Soil Builders Debate
County Agent Dan Roberts notes farmers are told to grow legume crops to boost soil nitrogen and structure. However selling alfalfa off the farm can deplete phosphorus and potash, while feeding hay to livestock and returning manure and residues to soil makes legumes effective soil builders.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dan Roberts
Plants suffer malnutrition like people say agronomists
Dr Roy C. Lipps explains that plants need micronutrients such as zinc copper iron molybdenum and manganese much as humans need vitamins. He notes western soils are often deficient in these elements and stresses soil testing to tailor fertilizer prescriptions for each farm and crop improving yields and quality.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Roy C. Lipps
U S. Steel
Lipps
Also Mentioned on This Page
First Security Bank
Bank of Wah
Bank of Rawk Speiegs
Mineral Fertilizer Company