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Montana State University researchers have found that producers throughout Montana who grow cover crops cite soil health as their main reason for growing those crops. The research findings came from a survey that addressed producers’ perceptions and ideas about management of cover crops and the barriers and incentives for cover crop adoption. The survey was part of a larger study by MSU researchers, including Clain Jones, Perry Miller and Cathy Zabinski, MSU Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences faculty, on soil quality and agr...
Guided by their research, experts at Montana State University have developed guidelines for soil sampling to help growers get the maximum benefit out of their fertilizer. Soil sampling can increase yield and/or save on fertilizer costs and decrease environmental risks. The worth of soil testing is influenced by when the sample is taken. Soil testing as late in the fall as possible or even in the spring improves the reliability of fertilization recommendations. In Montana, soil sampling is often conducted from late summer to late fall because of...
No-till crop production provides benefits through reduced soil erosion and soil moisture loss, which potentially increases yield. However, no-till fields with wheat stubble may need a nitrogen boost in the spring above that required under conventional or minimum tillage. Tillage breaks up plant residue and increases the rate of residue decomposition, which increases the rate at which nitrogen becomes available. A study by Chengi Chen, research scientist at the Central Agricultural Research Station in Moccasin, Montana, found soil nitrate...
Heavy spring rains in portions of the state have probably increased yield potentials but may also be increasing nutrient losses of nitrogen, sulfur and chloride. In addition, water-logged soils and cool temperatures increase disease potential and decrease plant nutrient uptake due to poor root growth. “To prevent yield losses and low protein, fertilizer can be added now, but only after verifying that the crop is nutrient deficient,” said Clain Jones, Extension soil fertility specialist in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Scien...
