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This Soils and Plant Nutrients Chapter from the Extension Gardener Handbook examines the physical and chemical properties of soil as well as the important role organic matter plays. The chapter discusses how to submit a soil sample for testing and how to read the report to apply necessary fertilizers.
An introduction to soil acidity and liming for farmers and gardeners to increase crop income and improve lawn and garden performance. Topics covered include soil pH, soil testing, liming standards and application and incorporation of lime into soil.
This publication discusses production of winter annual cover crops, their benefits and management. Research has shown several important benefits of planting winter annual cover crops, chief among them erosion control, addition of nitrogen (N) to the soil for use by a subsequent crop, removal of nitrogen from the soil to prevent nutrient loading, buildup of soil organic matter and buildup of residue that acts as a mulch for water conservation or retention.
This publication discusses how to use controlled drainage as way to to reduce nutrient losses from agricultural land to surface waters and groundwater. It includes information on controlled drainage systems, structure location and management, and water quality and crop yield benefits.
This factsheet describes the nutrient composition of poultry manure and land application techniques based on matching the nutritional requirements of the crop with the nutrients available in manure. This publication also includes a worksheet to determine the nutrient needs of your crop.
This publication discusses how excess zinc and copper from animal manure can lead to soil toxicity and harm crops in North Carolina. It covers where zinc and copper come from, potential harmful effects, and ways to prevent toxicity. Management strategies include soil testing, accurate manure application, record-keeping, and adjusting animal feed. Mitigation methods like soil turnover and pH modification are also discussed.
This publication compares the Haney and Cornell soil health tests on three long-term trials. It discusses the findings and recommendations for managing for soil health and crop yield.
Soil samples that determine lime and fertilizer needs of crops routinely come from the top 4 to 8 inches of soil. However, deep soil samples will be needed for the Phosphorus Loss Assessment Tool (PLAT), and this publication describes how to take these 28- to 32-inch deep samples.
Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient required for numerous physiological processes in plants, including chlorophyll synthesis, respiration, and enzymatic activity. While iron is necessary in small amounts, its availability is often a limiting factor in vegetable production due to its interactions with soil pH and other nutrients. Proper management is crucial for crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, broccoli, and cabbage to ensure optimal growth, yield, and quality. This publication explores the importance and dangers of iron, adequate levels in soil and foliage, fertilizer sources, methods for identifying deficiencies and correcting them, and the influence of soil pH and water management on iron availability.
Nutrient analysis of soil and plant tissue should be an integral part of any tree crop management plan. While this publication was designed for apple growers, the principles outlined here may be easily applied to other tree crops.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of boron deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of nitrogen deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of magnesium deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of aluminum toxicity in soybean production in North Carolina.
Boron (B) is a critical micronutrient essential for the growth, development, and productivity of vegetable crops. Although required in trace amounts, boron plays a fundamental role in plant physiology, influencing cell wall integrity, reproductive success, and metabolic processes. In North Carolina, where diverse soil types and vegetable cropping systems coexist, managing boron availability is vital to optimize yields and ensure crop quality. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of boron’s role in plant health, its behavior in soils, and strategies for effective management.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of sulfur deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of molybdenum deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This publication discusses the results of recent nitrogen rate trials in the North Carolina coastal plain that assessed the recommendations of the Realistic Yield Expectation (RYE) database.
This publication discusses the Realistic Yield Expectations database as a resource for nitrogen fertilization rate decisionmaking. Topics include recent research and the resulting updates to the database for improved nitrogen fertilizer rates based on new yield data.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of phosphorus deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of copper deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of potassium deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of manganese deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
This Soybean Nutrient Deficiency Information factsheet describes the symptoms and management of zinc deficiency in soybean production in North Carolina.
