Kansas State soil scientist Dorivar Ruiz Diaz saysfarmers should be aware that that dry conditions in much of Kansas this year could impact their ability to get an accurate soil analysis. For example, a soil’s pH level – a measure of how acidic or basic the soil is – can be misleading depending on the accumulation of solids or hydrogen at the surface.

With much of the U.S. facing conditions similar to those of the 2012 drought, a look back at lessons learned suggests adjusting management plans may help protect no-till yields and increase resilience.

Land use changes, nutrient depletion, and drought can make plant roots grow deeper into the soil. But scientists question how that growth affects carbon in the soil.