Nitrogen is ‘powerful stuff’ and as farmers we know all too well that this is especially true when it comes to plant growth, but focus on nitrogen management is growing so we need to start moving in a direction that sees us maintain (or increase) production whilst becoming less reliant on synthetically produced nitrogen.
Some think about plant growth and look at the soil as a simple black box - what we want to get out we must put in, but plant growth is also very reliant on elements present in the atmosphere (being carbon, water, nitrogen and to some extent sulphur). And the best part… these airborne elements are all free! The air we breathe is made up of 80% nitrogen so that means... ‘air in your soil equals nitrogen in your soil’.
Instead of the simple black box principle, it's beneficial to focus on the efficiency within the box, and this efficiency increases when you improve your soil structure.
In modern-day agriculture our heavy reliance on nitrogenous fertiliser has perhaps seen us neglect the maintenance of the natural systems which aid in supplying all of the other nutrients a healthy plant requires. This method of mono-nutrition can, overtime, result in vulnerable plants, prone to disease and pests.
Soil is a living thing and needs to breathe. If soil can breathe then it can be a host for the likes of azotobacter, worms, legumes, protozoa and many other organisms which aid in the nitrogen cycle from the atmosphere; but to breathe, the soil needs good structure.
Nitrogen supply may not always be the limiting factor for growth processes such as protein development, but rather it might be your plants’ ability to access sufficient molybdenum or sulphur!? We can help you identify potential opportunities like this to improve your soil health and boost growth. Our soil testing regime is one of the most comprehensive in the country.
At Soil Matters , we look at how we can improve the cycling of airborne nutrients (CO2, N, H2O and S) by applying and implementing fundamental natural principles into your modern day farming practices. We will help you improve your soil structure and enhance the ability for your soil biology to thrive and ensure nutrient (carbon) cycling occurs.
When you work alongside a Soil Matters specialist, first we’ll tee up a farm visit so we can get to know each other, and to learn what your goals are for your farm. Next we’ll gather the relevant information to assess the health of your soil (you can start with a specific area or we can do a whole farm assessment). Then we’ll take this information, and together with the other experts in our team as required, we will look to identify any factors which could be limiting your plant growth and put a plan in place!
