Limiting Factors of Nutrient Availability
Sugar Creek Ag • September 19, 2025
Several factors that can limit the availability of nutrients in the soil include:
- Soil structure (sandy soils or heavy clay soils)
- Lack of moisture – nutrients must be in a solution form (moisture) in order to be absorbed by the root.
- Compaction and soil pH can also influence the availability of soil applied nutrients.
- Lack of organic matter and inactive soil biology can limit nutrient availability.
- Nutrients can be “tied up” in the soil with other elements and not be available to the plant.
- Waterlogged soils and cool temperatures can also affect nutrient availability.
Have you ever asked yourself … “How much of the fertilizer I applied, is actually getting utilized by the crop?” We recommend a base saturation soil test and to amend accordingly. And we also suggest THINK SOIL FIRST! Utilize products that will help you:
- Improve soil structure
- Convert organic matter
- Increase moisture holding capacity of your soil
- Address compaction issues
- Enhance soil biology
- Allow for better drainage
- Better utilize applied nutrients

By Cassidy Million, Ph.D., VP Ag Science
•
July 25, 2025
Optimizing soil health is vital for higher yields. Growers must support the physical, biological, and chemical properties of the soil in order to improve its structure, water productivity and storage, nutrient cycling, and overall crop productivity.





















