Adam Chappell

Arkansas Farmer|Chappell Brothers Farms, LLC

2023 Abstract - HEALTHY SOIL RESULTS IN INCREASED NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY: Fertilizer inputs are a substantial cost in crop production. Opportunities to reduce fertilizer inputs can provide greater profitability for producers and reduce potential nutrient runoff without reducing yield. The key to being able to reduce nutrient fertilizer inputs is having greater nutrient availability in the soil from better soil health and an active microbial population. Soil microorganisms cycle nutrients and are able to release nutrients from otherwise inaccessible forms. On-farm studies in Arkansas have shown that increased nutrient availability can result from improved soil biological activity and enhanced soil structure. This presentation will discuss 10years of observations in row crop systems showing reduced nutrient input requirements.