Limiting Factors of Nutrient Availability

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