The soil is much more than just a substrate that anchors crops in place. An ecologically balanced soil system is essential for maintaining nutritious, resilient crops. In Hands-On Agronomy, Neal Kinsey shows us how working with the soil to bring it into balance produces healthier crops with a higher yield. Meticulously revised and expanded, this new edition includes additional chapters and updated information to further enhance Kinsey's sophisticated, easy-to-live-with system of fertility management that focuses on balance, not merely quantity of fertility elements.Hands-On Agronomy covers the major fertility elements, stressing that accurate soil analyses and audits are key for quality crop production. Discover why simple N-P-K fertilization is not enough to sustain and nurture your soil to optimal health. With Kinsey's help, understand the proper use, timing and application of manures, compost, tillage and micronutrients. Kinsey demonstrates how to recognize and remedy common problems and examines the importance of balancing soil nutrients for maximum yield. In addition, the "whats and whys" of nutrients, soil drainage, tilth, soil structure and organic matter are explained in detail. In this truly comprehensive manual on soil management, Kinsey has drawn on his experience with thousands of students to clarify and expand on the lessons taught therein, making Hands-On Agronomy more accessible -- and informative -- than ever.
Includes bibliographical references and index.