Healthy soils are the foundation of a resilient, high-yielding, and sustainable farming system. But did you know that soil health also plays a critical role in crop protection? A thriving soil ecosystem not only supports plant growth but also creates natural defences against pests and diseases—significantly reducing the need for chemical inputs. Here’s why soil […]
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When soil testing and leaf testing are combined, they create a powerful synergy effect that significantly improves nutrient management, crop productivity, and overall farm sustainability. This combination leads to a series of outcomes that build upon one another, from accurate nutrient diagnosis to long-term soil health, ultimately supporting food security. Here are some of the […]
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Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, is an agricultural management approach that leverages data-driven technologies like GPS-guided equipment, satellite imagery, and data analytics to optimise crop production through precise input applications. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, farmers and agronomists can tailor inputs like lime, fertilisers, and pesticides to match the specific needs of each […]
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We have no excuses. East Africa has produced world-record crops of barley in recent years and coming out of a wet season with a full profile of soil moisture, into a dry and bright finish in January and February, the potential this year is enormous on farms that have taken the long view and found […]
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Manganese (Mn) is a crucial micronutrient in plant nutrition. Despite being required in smaller quantities, manganese plays a significant role in plant growth and yield. Let’s explore why manganese is vital for plants and how to manage it effectively for optimal crop productivity: 1️⃣ Role of Manganese in Plants Manganese activates important enzymes involved in […]
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Pest and disease diagnosis are crucial in identifying crop threats or pathogens early. This proactive approach to crop protection allows farmers and agronomists to make informed, data-driven decisions that optimise pest and disease management, minimise chemical use, and promote sustainable farming. Here’s a breakdown of the pest and disease diagnostics process: 1️⃣ Visual Inspection Pest […]
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Healthy soils are the foundation for resilient, high-yielding, and sustainable farming systems. Nurturing soil health is the first and most crucial step to reducing inputs, improving crop resilience, and enhancing long-term productivity. Here’s why soil health is critical for every farmer and agronomist: 1️⃣ Enhanced Nutrient Availability Soils rich in organic matter and biological activity […]
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This will be a harvest that is unfortunately remembered for many years to come, for pre-harvest sprouting in wheat. We can’t say we couldn’t have seen it coming after a run of fairly easy, dry harvests but what is different about this harvest is that we have generally moved away from the highest-risk varieties like […]
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Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is a holistic approach that combines various crop production methods and management practices to maximize crop productivity while minimizing adverse environmental impact. ICM emphasizes data-driven decision-making, sustainable practices, and a balance between traditional and innovative farming techniques to ensure long-term farm viability. The key components of ICM include: 1️⃣ Soil Health […]
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Copper (Cu) is a vital micronutrient that plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. Although required in trace amounts, copper has a significant impact on crop health and productivity. Let’s explore the importance of copper in plant nutrition and how to manage it effectively to ensure optimal crop performance: 1️⃣ Role of Copper […]
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Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient that plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. Although required in small amounts, zinc is essential for many physiological functions in plants and significantly impacts both crop yield and quality. Let’s explore the importance of zinc in plant nutrition and how to manage it effectively for optimal […]
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Soil health is the foundation of productive agriculture, and the strategic addition of lime and organic matter can significantly improve soil fertility and structure. Let’s explore how these two critical amendments work together to enhance soil health and support sustainable farming practices. 1️⃣ Impact of Lime on Soil Health Lime is commonly used to correct […]
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Iron (Fe) is a crucial micronutrient that is essential for plant health, playing a pivotal role in photosynthesis and as a catalyst for various biochemical processes. Despite its trace requirement, iron’s impact on plant health and productivity is significant. Let’s dive into why iron is crucial for plants and how to ensure its optimal availability […]
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As we confront the pressing challenge of climate change, understanding the pivotal role of soil organic matter (SOM) is crucial. Let’s explore how enhancing SOM can serve as a powerful tool in our efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change: 1️⃣ Carbon Sequestration Soil is one of the largest carbon sinks on the planet. […]
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Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient that plays a critical role in plant growth and development. Despite being required in small quantities, boron significantly impacts crop yield and quality. Let’s explore the importance of boron in plant nutrition and how to manage it effectively for optimal crop production: 1️⃣ Role of Boron in Plants Boron […]
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Sulfur (S) is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. A secondary macronutrient, sulfur is indispensable for various physiological processes in plants. Let’s explore the importance of sulfur in plant nutrition and how it contributes to robust crop growth: 1️⃣ Role of Sulfur in Plants Sulfur is a key […]
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Think Agronomy Newsletter – July 2024 Having recently completed an exercise comparing wheat production costs and gross margins on clients’ farms, it is clear that there are a lot of improvements we can make by learning from each other. Variable costs alone have risen by around 65% in the past five years so it is […]
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Magnesium (Mg) is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in plant health and productivity. Magnesium is a secondary macronutrient indispensable for various physiological processes in plants. Let’s explore the significance of magnesium in plant nutrition and how it contributes to robust crop growth: 1️⃣ Role of Magnesium in Plants Magnesium is a central […]
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Tomatoes are one of the most beloved crops, and to ensure a bountiful harvest of juicy and flavorful tomatoes, a well-tailored fertilizer program is essential. Let’s explore a comprehensive fertilizer program to optimize your tomato crop’s growth and yield: 1️⃣ Pre-Planting Stage Begin with a thorough soil and water test to assess the nutrient status […]
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Think Agronomy Newsletter – June 2024 Growing a big crop that looks really promising… in a season with good rainfall… until those tell-tale white bleached ears appear when you are on the home straight. There is nothing more soul-destroying than seeing a great crop become heavily infected with Fusarium. Yield alone will be damaged, but […]
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The farming practices required to put regenerative agriculture principles into practice will vary depending on local conditions and needs. However, in all cases, they must: 1️⃣ Reduce soil disturbance by minimizing mechanical tillage to maintain soil organic matter, soil structure, and overall soil health 2️⃣ Improve and maintain a protective organic cover on the soil […]
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A compound fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that contains two or more essential plant nutrients in each granule or particle. Unlike single-nutrient fertilizers (e.g. urea), compound fertilizers are formulated to provide a balanced mixture of nutrients to support plant growth and development. Here are key characteristics and aspects of compound fertilizers: 1️⃣ Nutrient Composition […]
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Calcium (Ca) is a vital nutrient essential for robust plant growth and development, yet often overlooked compared to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In today’s discussion, we will explore the critical role of calcium in plant physiology and its importance for achieving healthy crops and higher yields. 1️⃣ Calcium Role in Plants Calcium is a primary […]
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Did you know that urea is one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers globally? Let’s explore why urea is essential for optimizing crop nutrition and boosting agricultural productivity: 1️⃣ Production Process Urea fertilizer is produced through a controlled reaction of ammonia gas (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) under specific temperature and pressure conditions. The […]
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The Law of the Minimum, proposed by German scientist Justus von Liebig in the mid-19th century, is a principle in crop agriculture that states that plant growth is limited by the nutrient in shortest supply relative to the plant’s needs, even if all other essential nutrients are abundant. In simpler terms, it suggests that the […]
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Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient that plays a pivotal role in plant growth, development, and overall health. Today, let’s unravel the world of potassium, as we explore its significance in agriculture and its profound impact on crop productivity. 1️⃣ The Role of Potassium in Plant Physiology Potassium is involved in numerous physiological processes within […]
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Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient, vital for promoting healthy root development, early shoot growth, and seed formation processes. Let’s explore the dynamic relationship between phosphorus and crop performance, highlighting its significance in achieving optimal yields and agricultural sustainability. 1️⃣ Forms of Phosphorus in the Soil Phosphorus exists in various forms within the soil, ranging […]
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Nitrogen (N) plays a vital role in enhancing the performance of agronomic crops. It promotes greener growth, optimal tiller production, increased yields, improved grain quality, and better cob and flower formation. Let’s take a deep dive into nitrogen’s critical role, acknowledging the depth of its impact on plant growth and overall agricultural productivity. 1️⃣ Forms […]
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Think Agronomy Newsletter – Updated on Wednesday, 13th March 2024 Visiting the agrovets presents a bewildering choice at this time of year, as that all-important decision around which maize seed to plant comes closer. We take a look at some of the options available for 2024 for high and mid-altitude areas. Highland The choices for […]
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Agricultural practices have evolved to embrace reduced tillage and, increasingly, no-till farming. Reduced tillage involves minimal soil disturbance, preserving the soil structure and reducing the risk of compaction. No-till farming takes this a step further, eliminating mechanical soil disturbance altogether. Benefits: 1️⃣ Preserving Soil Structure Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles into […]
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The success of maize cultivation hinges on a series of land preparation practices that encompass timing, planting techniques, seed germination, and the judicious use of fertilizers and soil amendments. In this discussion, let’s unravel the intricacies of these best practices, highlighting their pivotal role in establishing the foundation for a thriving maize crop. 1️⃣ Timing […]
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Choosing the right fertilizer spreader is a critical decision in top dressing, as it significantly influences the efficiency and effectiveness of nutrient application. Several factors should be considered when selecting a fertilizer spreader to ensure optimal results. 1️⃣ Spreading Width The spreading width of the fertilizer spreader determines the coverage area per pass. It’s essential […]
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Top dressing fertilizer application is a critical stage in the maize cultivation cycle, influencing nutrient availability and, consequently, crop yield. As a farmer, understanding and implementing best practices is essential for optimizing the effectiveness of this process. 1️⃣ Soil Analysis as a Foundation Before planting, conduct a comprehensive soil analysis to ascertain existing nutrient levels. […]
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Healthy soils are the bedrock of a thriving farming operation, and their impact on profitability is profound. Embracing improved fertilizer use efficiency and nurturing soil health can yield a multitude of benefits, translating into financial gains for growers. How Do I Profit? 1️⃣ Cost Savings on Fertilizers By cultivating well-balanced, biologically active soils, you can […]
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Fertilizer Use Efficiency (FUE) is a crucial metric in modern agriculture. It measures the proportion of nutrients from fertilizers that actually contribute to plant growth and development. Maximizing FUE is not only economically prudent for growers but also aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. Today, we’ll explore the factors influencing FUE and the strategies for optimizing […]
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Soil microbes, the fungi bacteria and protozoa in the soil, are the driving force behind nutrient availability for plants. As growers, understanding and harnessing the power of these microbial allies can unlock the full potential of our soil and boost the health and productivity of our crops. Let’s take a deep dive into how to […]
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You have chosen your favourite variety, prepared the soil and are ready to plant. Hopefully you have examined the soil structure and taken action to remedy any compaction or structural issues, now you just need to load the planter with seed…. and fertiliser. One of the most important things you can do is take a […]
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As we look ahead to the planting season, land preparation is already underway. We run through some pointers on what to look for when preparing fields, to make sure that you give your crops the best chance this year. Number one for me is always dig a hole. This allows you to not only examine […]
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Balancing the need for high crop yields with environmental sustainability is a core concern for modern agriculture. Sustainable fertilizer practices aim to maximize crop production while minimizing the negative environmental impact. Here are key points to consider when assessing the environmental impact of fertilizers: 1. Nutrient Runoff Excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, can leach […]
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Soil health goes beyond mere nutrient levels; it encapsulates the holistic well-being of our soil. It is the sum of its physical, chemical, and biological components working synergistically to create a fertile ground for plant growth. At the heart of this concept lies the profound realization that healthy soils are not just the foundation of […]
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Sustainable soil nutrient management is at the core of environmentally conscious and economically viable agriculture. It involves practices that optimize nutrient use efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and promote long-term soil health. Here are key sustainable practices for managing soil nutrients Organic Matter Addition Increasing soil organic matter content is a foundational practice for sustainable nutrient […]
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Microorganisms in the soil serve as the unseen heroes of nutrient dynamics, shaping soil fertility and plant health. Their diverse activities drive nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and pathogen suppression, creating a thriving environment for plants. Let’s delve into how soil microorganisms boost nutrient availability: 1️⃣ Decomposition of Organic Matter Microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, […]
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Effective fertilizer application is a critical aspect of soil and crop management. Understanding different techniques for applying fertilizers can significantly impact nutrient distribution, crop growth, and environmental sustainability. Here are key points to consider when discussing fertilizer application techniques: Broadcasting: Broadcasting involves uniformly spreading dry or granular fertilizers across the entire field’s surface. This technique […]
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The biological, chemical, and physical aspects of soil health are fundamental to modern agriculture, collectively forming the foundation for efficient and sustainable crop production. Today, let’s dive into the biological aspects of soil health and their vital contributions to agricultural sustainability: 1️⃣ Soil Microorganisms A healthy soil ecosystem teems with diverse microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, […]
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The physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil health are fundamental to efficient modern agriculture, as they collectively form the foundation of a thriving and productive ecosystem. Today, let’s delve into the chemical aspects of soil health, which directly impact the availability and uptake of essential elements vital for plant health and productivity: 1️⃣ Soil […]
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Physical aspects of soil health create a soil environment where plants roots flourish, water is conserved and erosion is minimised. The soil’s physical properties include: 1️⃣ Soil Texture Soil texture, defined by the proportions of sand, silt, and clay, significantly impacts water retention, drainage, and nutrient availability. Assessing soil texture provides crucial insights into the […]
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Maize is a resource-intensive crop. Fertilizers and other inputs are costly. A data-driven crop nutrition program, based on targeted soil and leaf sampling, prevents the over-application of nutrients when they aren’t needed, reducing costs and environmental impact. Understanding the maize growth stages allows for the efficient application of these inputs. Why Focus on Maize Crop […]
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Soil pH is a critical factor that influences the availability of nutrients to plants. Understanding the relationship between soil pH and nutrient availability is essential for effective fertilisation. Here are the key points to consider when assessing soil pH and its impact on nutrient availability: 1️⃣ Soil pH Defined SSoil pH measures the soil’s acidity […]
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When creating a comprehensive soil testing, leaf testing, and fertilizer program for wheat, it’s essential to consider the following crucial growth stages of the crop: 1️⃣ Pre-Planting Stage: Begin with a thorough soil test before planting wheat to assess the soil’s nutrient levels, organic matter levels, and pH. This stage helps identify any nutrient deficiencies […]
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When growing soybeans, it’s crucial to tailor your fertilizer program to meet the crop’s changing nutrient needs throughout its growth stages. Let’s dive into the six crucial growth stages and how to optimize your soybean fertilization strategy for each: 1️⃣ Pre-Planting Stage: Set the stage for success by starting with a soil test before planting […]
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