Soil amendment is an important part of commercial farming operations. It will assist to support overall subsistence, sustainable and no-till agriculture operations. By improving soil health and fertility, amended soil can help to increase crop yields and improve overall farm profitability.
In this blog post, we will discuss what soil amendment is, the different types of soil amendments that are available, and how commercial agricultural and farming operators can determine which type of amended soil is best for their specific operation. We will also discuss some of the benefits of using amended soil in commercial agriculture.
What is soil amendment and why is it important for commercial agricultural operations?
Soil amendment is the process of adding organic or inorganic materials to the soil to improve its physical properties, such as fertility, drainage, and aeration. Soil amendments can also help to improve the overall health of the soil by increasing its beneficial microbe health, ability to retain water and nutrients as well as help support overall plant health.
Amending the soil is important for commercial agricultural operations because it can help to improve crop yields and farm profitability. In addition, soil amendments can also help to reduce the amount of water and fertilizer that is required for crops, which can save money on production costs.
What are some of the most common types of soil amendments?
There are two main types of soil amendments: organic and inorganic.
Organic Materials
Organic matter, such as compost, peat moss, fresh manure, and composted manure, is made from plant or animal materials.
At AgTonik we focus on the organic with our fulvic biostimulant. Fulvic acid offers a wide range of benefits for commercial operations including:
Increases root and root system development
Greater nutrient uptake at a wider pH range
Improves water retention
Improves absorption of all captured materials in the soil
Protection against disease & insects
Stimulates soil life
What is Fulvic Acid?
Fulvic acid is a naturally occurring organic amendment that is derived from stable, decomposed plant matter. Fulvic acid is an important part of the soil ecosystem, as it helps to improve soil health by increasing its ability to retain water and nutrients. Fulvic acid also helps to protect plants against disease and insects and can improve the overall growth and the quality of the crop.
Inorganic Materials
Inorganic amendments, such as limestone and gypsum, are made from minerals.
How can commercial agricultural operators determine which type of soil amendment is best for their specific operation?
The best type of soil amendments for a commercial agricultural operation will depend on the specific needs of the operation. Factors that should be considered include the type of crops that are grown, the climate in which the crops are grown, and the soil conditions on the farm. For example, operations that are in areas with high rainfall may need amended soil that has a higher percentage of organic matter to help improve drainage. Commercial agricultural operators should consult with a soil scientist or other agricultural experts to determine their soil structure and which type of amended soil is best for their specific operation.
A soil test can include:
Soil surface
Soil texture
Soil pH
Clay soils and clay content
Sandy soils and sand content
Organic matter concentration
Water capacity
What are some of the benefits of using soil amendments compared to traditional agrochemicals in commercial agriculture?
There are many benefits of using amended soil in commercial agriculture. Amended soil, specifically with fulvic acid, can improve crop yields, reduce production costs, and improve the overall health of the soil. In addition, amended soil can also help to increase the efficiency of water and fertilizer use, which can save money on input costs.
If you are a commercial agricultural operator, we hope that this post has given you some valuable information about amended soil and how it can benefit your operation. Contact us today to learn more about our fulvic amendments and how they can help you improve your bottom line.
To assist with achieving optimal performance, we recommend considering the outstanding results of the above scientific findings. Science has proven again and again that a well-rounded health and growth program can no doubt help you reach your desired outputs.
For more information on AgTonik for agriculture, soil, specialty produce, aquaculture, turf, and more, contact us today.
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