With precision ag technology available to spread fertilizer at variable rates, soil testing is essential to make fertilizer prescriptions. Soil tests will give a basis for fine-tuning fertilizer and manure inputs so they are used cost effectively on your farm

As no-tillers strive for higher yields, they're no-tilling earlier every year - often in cold soils that leave seed more vulnerable to insects and diseases. In colder soils, there's also less microbial action to break down nutrients and get them into a plant-available form.