P and K are stable nutrients that stay in place from year to year, so they built up in the soil if they are not consumed by crops. P and K and can be maintained over the long term bases on crop yields.
Nitrogen is more volatile and must be managed to only supply short term crop needs. Nitrogen can be lost even if it is not consumed by crops. Nitorgen level need to be tested more often and in more locations than P and K level.
There is a soil nitrogen cycle or N-cycle. Organic matter and nitrogen fertilizers applied in Ammonium forms (NH4+) are stable and stay in place in the soil. Soil micro-organizms break down Ammoniums (NH4+) into Nitrite (NO2) and then into Nitrate (NO3) that plant roots can take up. Nitate (NO3)is water soluable and will leach down below the root zone. Soil micro-organizms also continue to break down Nitate (No3) into Nitrogen gas (N2) that evaporates into the air. High soil temperatures, and water saturated soil depleat nitrogen levels more quickly regardless of crop yeilds. So... nitrogen levels must be managed to only supply short term crop needs before it is lost.
Others know more about this than I do and can explain it better than I can.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - The Ferguson System Principal An implement cutting through the soil at a certain depth say eight inches requires a certain force or draft to pull it. Obviously that draft will increase if the implement runs deeper than eight inches, and decrease if it runs shallower. Why not use that draft fact to control the depth of work automatically? The draft forces are
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
1964 I-H 140 tractor with cultivators and sidedresser. Starts and runs good. Asking 2650. CALL RON AT 502-319-1952
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
