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Darrell Smith

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Organic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) are unavailable to plants. Microbes make nutrients available to plants by converting them to the inorganic form through a process called mineralization.
Crop Production
Boost Nutrient-Supplying Power
Microorganisms allow soil to store and release more nutrients, reducing fertilizer expense
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
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Darrell Smith
Residue remains in place on Farm A, while rainfall has obviously washed away soil and residue on Farm B, reflecting the differences in soil health of the two fields. After three years of improving soil health, those differences are far less evident.
Crop Production
Simple Steps to Improve Your Soil
Shoot the slow rabbits first with vertical tillage and lime applications
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
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Darrell Smith
The effects of a late kill of cereal rye on corn plants is evident. The impact appears to result from a combination of the carbon penalty and allelopathy exerted by the cereal rye.
Crop Production
Don’t Let Covers Ding a Cash Crop
Manage the carbon penalty, allelopathy and disease to improve soil health and yield
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
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Darrell Smith
The double-crop soybeans shown below (beside a cover crop in the study field) yielded 37 bu. per acre. At this location, double-crop soybeans typically yield from 10 bu. to 40 bu. per acre, depending on weather conditions.
Crop Production
Study Documents Benefits of Covers
Three mixtures boost soil health by increasing water infiltration and available nutrients
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
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Darrell Smith
How four farmers found the right cover crop to fix their soil’s problems
Crop Production
Real-World Soil Health Builders
How four farmers found the right cover crop to fix their soil’s problems
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
 · 
Darrell Smith
Since yield potential is determined in the first six weeks of growth, phosphorus (P) needs to be available early, especially with cold soil, continuous corn and P-fixation issues.
Crop Production
Field-by-Field Phosphorus
Since yield potential is determined in the first six weeks of growth, phosphorus (P) needs to be available early, especially with cold soil, continuous corn and P-fixation issues.
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
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Darrell Smith
Pale color in new growth at the top of a corn plant, which might appear as yellow striping, is a symptom of sulfur deficiency.
Crop Production
The Fourth Building Block
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium get all of the publicity, but if there was an Academy Award for crop nutrients, sulfur would win best supporting actor.
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
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Darrell Smith
Always base your lime applications on soil test results from reputable labs.
Crop Production
In the Lime Light
Correct acidity to create diverse microbial populations, which decompose residue and release soil nutrients.
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
 · 
Darrell Smith
Pale green color in the top of the plant or the whorl of the plant, along with stunted growth, indicates sulfur deficiency, explains Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie. The symptoms are similar to nitrogen deficiency, but with nitrogen, the yellowish color shows up in older growth near the bottom.
Crop Production
Step-by-Step Sulfur Application
Sulfur application methods, placement and timing depend on soil conditions in each field.
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
 · 
Darrell Smith
Potassium is involved in many vital plant processes, including standability and the regulation of water loss. But picking the best timing, rate and method of application all depend on using your soil test correctly.
Crop Production
How to Dial In Your Potassium Fertilizer Rates Using Soil Tests
Dialing in the correct rate of potassium (K) fertilizer based on testing method, leads to a healthy soil–crop–farmer relationship.
November 15, 2020 12:26 PM
 · 
Darrell Smith
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