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Soil Health

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Building Soil Health in North Dakota 

The NDSU Extension Soil Health program delivers practical, science-based information which allows farmers and consultants to make informed decisions when integrating soil health building strategies and practices on-farm.

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Have questions about Soil Health?
The staff at your county NDSU Extension office is ready to help.
Find your county Extension office.

NDSU Soil Health Specialists

  • Dr. Carlos Pires - Assistant Professor of Soil Health - Extension
    • Education
      • BS, Agronomy, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, 2016
      • MS, Soil Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, 2018
      • PhD, Agronomy, Kansas State University, 2023
    • Phone: 701-231-7838
    • Email: carlos.pires@ndsu.edu
  • Dr. Chandler Gruener - Extension Soil Health Specialist - Minot REC
    • Education
      • BS, Plant Science, University of Missouri, 2017
      • MS, Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science, University of Arkansas, 2020
      • PhD, Crop and Soil Science, University of Georgia, 2024
    • Phone: 701-857-7677
    • Email: chandler.gruener@ndsu.edu
  • Naeem Kalwar - Extension Soil Health Specialist - Langdon REC
publications
Most of the nutrient recommendations for North Dakota crops were revised this year. For these crops and for minor crops that do not have a specific nutrient circular, this publication summarizes 27 crops or crop categories.
The data shows that 30 lb N as 28% diluted and sprayed in the cool of the day will provide about ½% protein increase. 
Research from 2011 to 2013 has resulted in a data base that supports the use of active-optical sensors to direct side-dress N rate in corn. Previously, rates were determined using a grower's best guess.
This circular, although originally published in 2008 is still relevant and useful as is. Although almost half of the ND farmers utilize some site-specific technology, the other half would also benefit from its use.
Site-specific farming technologies can result in economic gain for farmers if used correctly, and can also decrease impact from the environment from off-sight movement of fertilizers to groundwater and surface waters.
This circular, although originally published in 2008 is still relevant and useful as its. Although almost half of ND farmers utilize some site-specific technology, the other half would also benefit from its use.
Use of yield monitors has greatly increased since the 2008 original edition of this circular. The revision updates information and stresses ways farmers can utilize yield data to increase their farming efficiencies.
This publication defines sodicity and explains the effects it can have on crop production. There is information on the remediation of sodic soils, brine spills, and the importance of calcium amendment mixing.
These recommendations are updated to include new potassium recommendations based on recent research.
This publication provides the latest recommendations of fertilization for field pea, lentil and chickpea according to the most recent research data.
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