Soil sampling and analysis are crucial to determine the chemical and physical conditions of the soil, gearing farmers with the information necessary to make the correct decisions going forward for their crops.
Soil areas can contain excess salts, pH levels that are too high or low, unfavourable nutrients levels and more. Samples collected correctly can advise growers when to apply more nutrients, which, in the right amounts, can “increase yields, reduce production costs and prevent surface and groundwater pollution,” according to the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
On September 21 at 12:00 CDT, Seed Speaks is addressing the importance and benefits of soil sampling for a healthy crop. Joining us are:
Anita Renwick, agronomist and owner of A1 Agronomy. Renwick was born and raised on a mixed cattle and grain farm in Southwest Manitoba where she learned the ropes of the agriculture industry firsthand. She received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Agronomy and a minor in Agribusiness from the University of Saskatchewan.
Renwick decided to start A1 Agronomy because she knew that growers who are interested in maximizing the yield on their acres are looking for unbiased advice. Rather than take a blanket approach to farming, they want plans that allocate costs where they will yield positive returns in both the short and long term.
John Breker, soil scientist at AGVISE Laboratories. John Breker has been a soil scientist with AGVISE Laboratories in Northwood, ND since 2017. He provides technical service and training on soil fertility and plant nutrition to agronomists and producers across the Northern Great Plains and Canadian Prairies, working with over 20 different grain and forage crops. Breker was raised on a grain farm in the Prairie Pothole Region of southeast North Dakota, where he saw the link between agriculture and the environment in our soil resources. He studied Soil Science at North Dakota State University, obtaining his B.S. and M.S. degrees in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Breker’s comprehensive M.S. research on potassium and soil mineralogy prompted innovative revision of potassium fertility guidelines in North Dakota. An experienced traveler, he has gained expansive knowledge of cropping systems and soils across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, New Zealand and the Netherlands.
Make Sure to tune in for the discussion at:
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