Nutrient management for specialty crops

How to correct problems caused by using too much compost and manure — While adding compost to your soil can increase soil organic matter and improve soil health and fertility, too much compost can cause problems for the health of your plants and the environment.

Interpreting soil tests for fruit and vegetable crops — After you receive a soil test report, you need to interpret it and determine what, if any, amendments to add. You may need to add nutrients or organic matter or change the soil pH, depending on the results and on the crop being planted.

Reducing tillage intensity in vegetable crops — Reducing tillage provides long-term benefits to soil health. Soils that experience reduced tillage tend to have more stability, resistance to compaction, improved water-holding capacity, less erosion, and enhanced biological activity.

Soil health and nutrient management in high tunnels — The nutrient needs of high tunnel plantings can be much greater than those of field-grown crops. The yield potential of vegetables and fruit in a high tunnel system is generally two to four times higher than in open field production. As yield potential increases, the need for nutrients also increases.

Publications

• Maintaining soil fertility in an organic fruit and vegetable crops system — Add amendments based on soil test results, crop requirements, nutrient content, available sources, potential improvements and cost/benefit analysis.
• Nutrient management for commercial fruit and vegetable crops in Minnesota — Supplemental fertilizer applications become necessary when the soil cannot supply the level of nutrients required.
• Nutrient cycling and maintaining soil fertility in fruit and vegetable crop systems — Understanding nutrient cycles helps to maintain soil fertility and protect water resources.