Your crops are suffering from poor soil quality. How can you bring them back to life?

Testing can be very useful if done and interpreted well plus being representative and affordable. Often, this is not the case. E.g., home test kits may have undisclosed and unreliable extraction, analysis of interpretations. Learning to observe understand soils and plants can help to or asking specialists, use maps etc can help too. It should be done before deficiency symptoms are widespread and simple experiments used too. Soil pH testing can be simple but also made better cost effectively than usual with methods I developed.

May I add that hemp is a perfect crop (or biochar) that can assist with this issue….. Love to understand if I am wrong in making this claim!

In my more than 25 years working with farmers in Africa and many other parts of the world I noticed that you can feel the poor soil when walking. If walking in the field does feel the same like on the trail you just came organic matter has gone from your field. If it still feels a bit like walking on grass land, organic matter is poor. It should feel like walking in a natural forest, a bit soft, a bit spongy. And yes, if you do a soil analysis, not only buy the fertiliser recommended, but also try to increase organic matter content as recommended (a good soil analysis should include this) because otherwise you are wasting your money.

Where you go depends on where you start. If a grower is moldboard tilling and mono-cropping row crops, then changing those practices should be first Tilling loosens the soil and makes it susceptible to being blown away. By some estimates the MidWest has lost over 57 billion metric tons of topsoil in 150 years. Mono-cropping year after year robs the soil of nutrients, which must be replaced by chemical fertilizers. Sounds straightforward, but moving to regenerative farming is a process that can take time. Minimal plowing might be needed for weed control. The soil will need to rebuild biomass and rhizophagy slowly.

Soil testing, if done properly, can throw a lot of light on the problem and its possible solutions. Testing is inexpensive and in India, many agencies provide free or subsidised testing also. even without soil testing, a grower can know a lot about the soil looking at its compactness, lightness, water holding capacity, colour etc. an experienced grower will be able to predict most problems.

apart from the amendments such as gypsum or iron pyrite, organic additives such as farmyard manures, green manuring and products containing Humic acid, sea weeds etc can also help in improving the soil texture, water holding capacity, pH levels, soil microflora and fauna. all this contributes immensely to soil health

We don’t have awareness about severity of this problem. Soil health degradation is directly linked with biotic mass toxicity causing fatal diseases. Infrastructure related to soil health check up is inadequate and there is dearth of expert in this field. Innovation in soil testing reports is needed so layman can understand the problem . How soil science can attract better talent is required. Integration of soil physics, soil microbiology and soil chemistry to amend the soil is required not only by chemical means.There is need of better curriculum and better institutions for this it can be an independent undergraduate course. May taught in IIT’s because SAU’s can’t do justice to this discipline. Polluting soil should be punishable offence.

Una vez tengas disponibles los resultados, si no tienes la experiencia o el conocimiento necesario, busca ayuda técnica especializada para la interpretación del reporte. La información que tienes en las manos vale oro y debes maximizar el beneficio de tu inversión en esos análisis. Esta asesoría deberá incluir una explicación clara de cada una de las variables, de la interacción entre ellas y del plan de trabajo para el ciclo completo, desde la preparación del suelo hasta la cosecha, con reservas sobre posibles cambios leves, dependiendo del comportamiento del cultivo a medida que avanza. Fundamental, elevar el contenido de materia orgánica, es lo primero que debes restaurar. Luego puedes continuar con el resto de las enmiendas.

Some ways to get started - 1. Use potassium humate 5 kg per acre along with vermicompost 100 kg per acre 2. Use NPK and micronutrients as per recommended dosage prescribed according to crop. 3. Along with humate , beneficial microbial organisms can be apply, like azotobactor, rhizobium, phosphate solubility, tricoderms and mycorhiza @ 500 ml per acre.

Como decía, con los resultados del análisis, hay que restituir el balance de la #biota, es decir devolverle la vida a los suelos, hay que tener en consideración el pH, %MO, CIC, con esto tienes que establecer un plan de Manejo Integrado de Cultivos (MIC), una de las herramientas es el empleo de leguminosas, para incorporar N orgánico, como el que aportan las leguminosas. Es importante restituir la biota, de #suelovivos desde microorganismos hasta macro organismos, para acelerar los procesos.

The intrinsic sponge-like qualities of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) play a transformative role in shaping the hydrological dynamics within the soil, orchestrating a symphony of water management essential for maintaining optimal soil quality. Analogous to the porous architecture of a sponge, SOC emerges as a reservoir with an ingenious ability to skilfully absorb and encapsulate critical elements - especially water and essential nutrients - that are fundamental to the flourishing of plant life. This inherent sponginess becomes the linchpin in the art of soil management, performing a ballet of water retention and release. In times of plenty, SOC meticulously collects and cradles rainwater, reducing the risk of excessive run-off and erosion.

In drier periods, this reservoir gracefully unfolds to provide measured and sustained hydration to plant roots. This elegant interplay not only reinforces soil moisture balance, but also orchestrates a captivating symphony of nutrient cycling. The nexus of SOC's spongy essence and water retention forms the cornerstone of soil quality management - a compelling narrative where the soil canvas, like an evolving masterpiece, finds equilibrium in the interplay of water availability, plant vitality and the harmonious resonance of a resilient ecosystem.

Todo tiene un momento, una dosis y una frecuencia. Las enmiendas debe ir en el orden correcto, en el momento correcto y en la cantidad que se requiere, ni más, ni menos. Debes tener en cuenta la humedad del suelo al momento de aplicar. Si hay exceso de humedad, será muy difícil entrar al campo. Si hay deficiencia, algunas enmiendas funcionarán, pero no al máximo de su capacidad. Debes comenzar a preparar el suelo a menos 4 semanas antes del trasplante/siembra y en adelante, respetar el calendario de aplicaciones definido en la bitácora/recomendaciones del asesor técnico.

Con las nuevas tecnologías y si hacemos bien nuestro trabajo como técnicos especializados, podemos mapear al detalle las zonas homogéneas de cada lote, para así implementar: Tasa Variable de Aplicación (VAR siglas en inglés). Todo de acuerdo a las etapas fenológicas del cultivo.

As per my experience Balanced Fertilizer containing nitrogen , phosphorus , potassium according to the specific needs of the crops. We should avoid over application. As excess nutrients can be harmful to plants and also bad impact to the environment.

After application of humate , vermicompost , beneficial microbes. We can test organic Carbon, if carbon is coming 8n range of 3-5 mg per kg , then soil is good. Organic Carbon will automatically improve water retention capacity of soil, enhance yield of microbes. Along with Carbon, pls check NPK, PH and micronutrients availability. Pls note that Carbon plays vital role in crop productivity so usage of potassium humate aling with cowdung or vermicompost is essential.

Regular monitoring of soil health parameters , plant growth and pest and disease pressures to make timely adjustment and prevent further deterioration

Observar, observar y observar. Todos los días debes darte vuelta por el cultivo. Tienes acceso a tecnologías de monitoreo? Úsalas. Imágenes satelitales, drones, sensores remotos, aplicaciones o programas (softwares). Entre más información tengas, más oportuna será tu proceso de toma de decisiones; así minimizarás la incidencia económica por pérdidas y maximizarás los rendimientos. Registra toda la información recolectada en una base de datos y revísala periódicamente para identificar y construir patrones causa/efecto que te permitan predecir y adelantarte a eventos negativos en el futuro. Analiza la información sobre una progresión sobre la linea de tiempo, grafica los datos e interpreta.

El monitoreo constante es esencial para incrementar la #productividad #agropecuaria, "Sin datos, no hay paraíso", ya que así documentamos las técnicas más efectivas que incrementen nuestra productividad.

I've been successful with just using SoilMix. I was a black thumb before I got into it, but no fertilizer, pesticides or herbicides. The SoilMix is a natural concentrate of beneficial bacteria and biology, that goes to work on moisture depth, soil temps and increases the active biology in weeks and gets better over time. You only need a little, just mix with water and spray. Also burns down compost and animal / waste, fast. @NaturaSolve for more information.

A adoção de boas práticas agrícolas é crucial para manter e melhorar a qualidade de vida do solo. O solo abriga uma diversidade de microrganismos que são os fungos, bactérias, vírus, protozoários e nematoides, que chamamos de microbiota do solo. Um solo rico em matéria orgânica é um solo produtivo, em minha área que é a produção de café, (cultura perene), utilizamos o plantio de um mix de cobertura entre as ruas que posteriormente é feita uma roçada ecológica e transformado em adubo.

A revitalized soil is the foundation of a flourishing farm. Embracing organic manure and integrated pest management not only breathes life back into your soil but also ensures a sustainable and bountiful future. Carbon enriched soil improves the overall architecture of soil as well.This eco-friendly approach nurtures soil health, promotes biodiversity, and secures the well-being of your crops, guaranteeing a greener tomorrow.

Cover crops, intercropping, catch crops, agroforestry and permanent vegetation cover (incl. low) across the slopes are also important. Getting high and timely germination and growth of multipurpose legumes are challenges I developed and published several innovative solutions to. See e.g. my practical articles at wikifarmer.com Library #wikifarmerLibrary

Las buenas prácticas comienzan desde la preparación del suelo y el manejo de las semillas/plántulas. Restaura y mantén a lo largo del tiempo las variables que determinan la fertilidad del suelo. Busca las tecnologías y los insumos que te permitan alejarte de prácticas convencionales que incluyen exceso de fertilización química, de fungicidas, de insecticidas y de otras moléculas sintéticas que puedan perjudicar tu suelo, tu agua y tu ecosistema en general. Las buenas prácticas implican analizar y entender la condición de tus recursos naturales, planear, con mucho tiempo de anticipación, el cronograma de trabajo y constrúyelo sobre datos duros. Nunca intentes adivinar, nunca automediques tu cultivo ni tu suelo. Toma decisiones informadas.

Be aware that much is written on the topic to promote products, services, attention or ideologies. It is often focused on simply being for or against soluble/chemical/artificial/mineral fertilisers. For comprehensive and practical insight and solutions, see e.g. my articles at Wikifarmer.com Library and research articles of mine and others I refer to #WikifarmerLibrary

Maintain long-term soil fertility by routinely monitoring soil health indicators such as pH, nitrogen levels, and soil structure and modifying management strategies accordingly. You may progressively enhance soil quality and revitalize your crops for greater growth and productivity by putting these tactics into practice and keeping a close eye on soil health.

Going by the current challenges seen in deteriorating soil health across , majorly caused due to depleted level of SOC ( Soil organic Carbon) and to mitigate this to an extent lowering down usage of chemical fertilisers in a phased manner based on soil testing analytics and adding large quantities of Farm Yard manure/ Biomass coupled with usage of microbes / consortium/ Bio fertilisers simultaneously green manuring help a great deal to bring back soil health to normalcy

Rectify poor soil structure: soil surface crusting and dispersion due to added salts, particularly Na+, from irrigation water and fertilizers need to be rectified. Surface crusting prevents seedlings from emerging, resulting in yield loss, and increase soil runoff, resulting in the loss of topsoil which is a huge issue. Soil dispersion occurs when clay particles are no longer bound by divalent cations, resulting in the loss of soil structure and increased soil bulk density (compaction), limiting root growth. The solution involves (1) rectifying the base cation imbalance by adding calcium, (2) applying a leaching fraction to the irrigation to push the salts below the root zone, (3) mechanically rectifying soil compaction when required.

Firstly we need to get a soil sampling test in order to know the deficiencies. Then we need to incorporate vermi-compost to the soil in order to make it alive and can go for some soil health management practices such as green manuring, subsoiling etc. As per the report we can put exact amount of biofertilizers or the inorganics to meet the requirement nd make soil healthy and wealthy

Doing a soil health test and testing the microbial biomass and diversity of the soils should also be considered. It's usually the microbes that are first to respond to un/favourable conditions. If you monitor them, you are monitoring your crop has automatically.

Step 1- Foliar Application of Nutrients Step 2- Soil health management practices Initially the focus should be to optimize crop health by opting foliar application of nutrients. Along with it for long term soil health Management practices should be followed.