General (Fertilizers and Soils) Publications & Resources
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Acidifying Soil for Crop Production: Inland Pacific Northwest > PDF
Explains the relationship between high soil pH and nutrient deficiencies in crop plants. Color photos illustrate symptoms of pH-induced nutrient deficiency. Authors: Donald Horneck, Donald . . . . . more details
Explains the relationship between high soil pH and nutrient deficiencies in crop plants. Color photos illustrate symptoms of pH-induced nutrient deficiency. Authors: Donald Horneck, Donald . . . . . more details
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Advances in Dryland Farming in the Inland Pacific Northwest (REACCH Handbook) > PDF
Farmers make tough decisions all the time—it comes with the territory. When that territory includes the dryland region of the inland Pacific Northwest, decisions can be even more challenging. Fluctuat . . . . . more details
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Farmers make tough decisions all the time—it comes with the territory. When that territory includes the dryland region of the inland Pacific Northwest, decisions can be even more challenging. Fluctuat . . . . . more details
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Best Management Practices for Minimizing Ammonia Volatilization from Fertilizer Nitrogen Applications in Idaho Crops > PDF
Nitrogen fertilizer applications in areas of intensive agricultural production of Idaho can result in loss of nitrogen by ammonia volatilization. However, effective use of best management practices ca . . . . . more details
Nitrogen fertilizer applications in areas of intensive agricultural production of Idaho can result in loss of nitrogen by ammonia volatilization. However, effective use of best management practices ca . . . . . more details
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Biosolids in Dryland Cropping Systems > PDF
This publication reviews the long term benefits of municipal biosolids applications on soil health in dryland cereal and pasture cropping systems east of the Cascades. Biosolids were an especially eff . . . . . more details
This publication reviews the long term benefits of municipal biosolids applications on soil health in dryland cereal and pasture cropping systems east of the Cascades. Biosolids were an especially eff . . . . . more details
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Compost: Production, Quality, and Use in Commercial Agriculture > PDF
The livestock industry produces large quantities of manure that must be disposed of in a way that prevents contamination of water resources. Composting is an efficient way to deal with manure, reducin . . . . . more details
The livestock industry produces large quantities of manure that must be disposed of in a way that prevents contamination of water resources. Composting is an efficient way to deal with manure, reducin . . . . . more details
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Costs of Liquid-Manure Application Systems > PDF
This publication gives the costs of four liquid-manure field application methods available to Idaho dairies: knife injection, disk injection, broadcast, and drag hose. Authors: C. Wilson Gr . . . . . more details
This publication gives the costs of four liquid-manure field application methods available to Idaho dairies: knife injection, disk injection, broadcast, and drag hose. Authors: C. Wilson Gr . . . . . more details
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Cover Crops for High-Desert Farming Systems in Idaho > PDF
This guide presents optimal cover crops for high-desert farming systems in the intermountain West under irrigated or low-moisture conditions. Species included were selected for cold hardiness, biomass . . . . . more details
This guide presents optimal cover crops for high-desert farming systems in the intermountain West under irrigated or low-moisture conditions. Species included were selected for cold hardiness, biomass . . . . . more details
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Dairy Compost Production and Use in Idaho: On-Farm Composting Management > PDF
This publication describes composting management practices starting from compost material preparation and ending with the evaluation of the finished product. Authors: Lide Chen and Mario de . . . . . more details
This publication describes composting management practices starting from compost material preparation and ending with the evaluation of the finished product. Authors: Lide Chen and Mario de . . . . . more details
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Dairy Compost Production and Use in Idaho: The Composting Process > PDF
This publication explains what composting is, how it occurs, and how various factors affect it. First in a series on composting dairy wastes in Idaho and using dairy compost on the farm. Au . . . . . more details
This publication explains what composting is, how it occurs, and how various factors affect it. First in a series on composting dairy wastes in Idaho and using dairy compost on the farm. Au . . . . . more details
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Dairy Manure Field Applications: How Much is Too Much? > PDF
Dairy manure can increase crop yields and improve soil. However, manure can also cause an excess of certain nutrients, which can damage waterways and crops. This publication presents background inform . . . . . more details
Dairy manure can increase crop yields and improve soil. However, manure can also cause an excess of certain nutrients, which can damage waterways and crops. This publication presents background inform . . . . . more details
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Date, Rate, & Place: The Field Book for Dairy Manure Applicators > PDF
This publication provides recording keeping sheets and examples for manure applications on dairy farms. Examples are provided for a number of different manure handling systems. Authors: And . . . . . more details
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This publication provides recording keeping sheets and examples for manure applications on dairy farms. Examples are provided for a number of different manure handling systems. Authors: And . . . . . more details
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Double-Cropped Winter Forages > PDF
Double cropping winter forages with corn silage increases total forage available to livestock operations while also removing more phosphorus from the soil. This 13-page bulletin with 14 figures helps . . . . . more details
Double cropping winter forages with corn silage increases total forage available to livestock operations while also removing more phosphorus from the soil. This 13-page bulletin with 14 figures helps . . . . . more details
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Estimating Plant-Available Nitrogen Release from Cover Crops > PDF
A key benefit of cover crops is their ability to supply plant-available nitrogen (PAN) for the following crop. This publication is based on cover crop research done in the Willamette Valley of Orego . . . . . more details
A key benefit of cover crops is their ability to supply plant-available nitrogen (PAN) for the following crop. This publication is based on cover crop research done in the Willamette Valley of Orego . . . . . more details
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Fertilizer Placement > PDF
Discusses the relative strengths of broadcasting, banding, and pop-up fertilizer applications, especially with respect to protecting water quality and maximizing yields. Also discusses placement of sp . . . . . more details
Discusses the relative strengths of broadcasting, banding, and pop-up fertilizer applications, especially with respect to protecting water quality and maximizing yields. Also discusses placement of sp . . . . . more details
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Fertilizer Primer: Terminology, Calculations, and Application > PDF
Essential for anyone trying to make sense of the often confusing terminology surrounding fertilizers, this publication defines fertilizer terminology, describes the various forms of commercial fertili . . . . . more details
Essential for anyone trying to make sense of the often confusing terminology surrounding fertilizers, this publication defines fertilizer terminology, describes the various forms of commercial fertili . . . . . more details
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Fertilizing with Biosolids > PDF
Focuses on how biosolids can be used to supply nutrients to crops. Describes the nutrient content and fertilizer replacement value of biosolids and the relationship between biosolids nutrient inputs a . . . . . more details
Focuses on how biosolids can be used to supply nutrients to crops. Describes the nutrient content and fertilizer replacement value of biosolids and the relationship between biosolids nutrient inputs a . . . . . more details
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Fertilizing with Manure and Other Organic Amendments > PDF
Description: Are you thinking about using manure to fertilize your farm but want more information? Properly managed manure applications recycle nutrients to crops, improve soil quality, and protect wa . . . . . more details
Description: Are you thinking about using manure to fertilize your farm but want more information? Properly managed manure applications recycle nutrients to crops, improve soil quality, and protect wa . . . . . more details
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Improving Nitrogen-Use Efficiency in Idaho Crop Production > PDF
This publication summarizes the most current applied scientific information on practices and methodologies available to growers for improving nitrogen-use efficiency. Topics include leaching and runof . . . . . more details
This publication summarizes the most current applied scientific information on practices and methodologies available to growers for improving nitrogen-use efficiency. Topics include leaching and runof . . . . . more details
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Liming Materials > PDF
With the continuing pH decline of agricultural soils in northern Idaho, growers need to consider applying soil amendments to increase soil pH. This publication provides information about materials a . . . . . more details
With the continuing pH decline of agricultural soils in northern Idaho, growers need to consider applying soil amendments to increase soil pH. This publication provides information about materials a . . . . . more details
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Managing Salt-Affected Soils for Crop Production > PDF
Describes the soil tests commonly used in evaluating salt-affected soils in the western U.S. and gives general guidelines for test interpretation. It will also help you to choose practices for maintai . . . . . more details
Describes the soil tests commonly used in evaluating salt-affected soils in the western U.S. and gives general guidelines for test interpretation. It will also help you to choose practices for maintai . . . . . more details
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Mitigating High-Phosphorus Soils > PDF
According to Idaho law, livestock operators must make sure their operations are not dumping excess phosphorus into the soil, which could then contaminate surface water or groundwater. This publicati . . . . . more details
According to Idaho law, livestock operators must make sure their operations are not dumping excess phosphorus into the soil, which could then contaminate surface water or groundwater. This publicati . . . . . more details
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Monitoring Soil Nutrients Using a Management Unit Approach > PDF
This publication focuses on how to design a soil nutrient monitoring strategy using management units or zones for soil testing and nutrient application. The management unit approach is designed to pro . . . . . more details
This publication focuses on how to design a soil nutrient monitoring strategy using management units or zones for soil testing and nutrient application. The management unit approach is designed to pro . . . . . more details
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Nitrate and Groundwater > PDF
The Quality Water for Idaho series discusses ways farmers and homeowners can ensure the present and future safety of ground and surface waters in Idaho. Authors: Robert L. Mahler, B.A. Lo . . . . . more details
The Quality Water for Idaho series discusses ways farmers and homeowners can ensure the present and future safety of ground and surface waters in Idaho. Authors: Robert L. Mahler, B.A. Lo . . . . . more details
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Nitrogen Management for Hard Wheat Protein Enhancement > PDF
With a focus on irrigated wheat in the Pacific Northwest, this bulletin discusses the many factors that govern wheat protein. It draws from regional research that addresses the nitrogen management r . . . . . more details
With a focus on irrigated wheat in the Pacific Northwest, this bulletin discusses the many factors that govern wheat protein. It draws from regional research that addresses the nitrogen management r . . . . . more details
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Nitrogen Management in Field Crops with Reference Strips and Crop Sensors > PDF
Learn how crop sensors and reference strips work and how to use them to fine-tune nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications to cut costs and increase revenues and yields. The techniques can be used in pota . . . . . more details
Learn how crop sensors and reference strips work and how to use them to fine-tune nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications to cut costs and increase revenues and yields. The techniques can be used in pota . . . . . more details
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Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization by Pacific Northwest Field Crops > PDF
This publication is geared to promoting an understanding of the timing and pattern of biomass accumulation and nitrogen (N) uptake for crops in the Pacific Northwest. Proper use of N-based fertilizers . . . . . more details
This publication is geared to promoting an understanding of the timing and pattern of biomass accumulation and nitrogen (N) uptake for crops in the Pacific Northwest. Proper use of N-based fertilizers . . . . . more details
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Nutrients Plants Require for Growth > PDF
Plants require 17 essential elements for growth: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, . . . . . more details
Plants require 17 essential elements for growth: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, . . . . . more details
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Phosphorus in the Calcareous Soils of Southern Idaho: A Literature Review with Implications for Crop Production, Manure Management, and Water Quality > PDF
This publication summarizes research on the chemistry and movement of agricultural phosphorus in southern Idaho, where calcareous soils and a large supply of dairy manure create a unique situation f . . . . . more details
This publication summarizes research on the chemistry and movement of agricultural phosphorus in southern Idaho, where calcareous soils and a large supply of dairy manure create a unique situation f . . . . . more details
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Sampling Dairy Manure and Compost for Nutrient Analysis > PDF
This guide describes how to obtain a representative sample of stockpiled dairy manure or dairy compost, select a reliable manure or compost testing laboratory, determine which lab analyses are needed . . . . . more details
This guide describes how to obtain a representative sample of stockpiled dairy manure or dairy compost, select a reliable manure or compost testing laboratory, determine which lab analyses are needed . . . . . more details
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Soil and the Environment: A Land and Homesite Evaluation Handbook and Training Guide > PDF
The official guide for participants in Idaho's 4-H and FFA soil judging events, this 32-page handbook explains the Idaho State Land and Soil Evaluation Program, introduces the study of soils, defines . . . . . more details
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The official guide for participants in Idaho's 4-H and FFA soil judging events, this 32-page handbook explains the Idaho State Land and Soil Evaluation Program, introduces the study of soils, defines . . . . . more details
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Soil Fertility in Organic Systems: A Guide for Gardeners and Small Acreage Farmers > PDF
This publication discusses the many types of fertilizers and soil amendments available for organic plant production. Fertilizer formulations, nutrient availability, and application practices for commo . . . . . more details
This publication discusses the many types of fertilizers and soil amendments available for organic plant production. Fertilizer formulations, nutrient availability, and application practices for commo . . . . . more details
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Soil Sampling > PDF
Poor soil sampling procedures account for more than 90 percent of all errors in fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests. Learn correct procedure, from sampling timing through sample analysis. C . . . . . more details
Poor soil sampling procedures account for more than 90 percent of all errors in fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests. Learn correct procedure, from sampling timing through sample analysis. C . . . . . more details
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Spatial Variability Considerations in Interpreting Soil Moisture Measurements for Irrigation > PDF
Detailed examination of the effects varying soil types have on irrigation practices and how to determine the appropriate volume of irrigation for those soil types. Authors: Bradley A. Kin . . . . . more details
Detailed examination of the effects varying soil types have on irrigation practices and how to determine the appropriate volume of irrigation for those soil types. Authors: Bradley A. Kin . . . . . more details
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Understanding Factors Controlling Ammonia Volatilization from Fertilizer Nitrogen Applications > PDF
Nitrogen is the soil nutrient needed in the largest quantity by plants. Because most plants cannot make or "fix" nitrogen on their own, it must be applied as fertilizer, most often in the forms of amm . . . . . more details
Nitrogen is the soil nutrient needed in the largest quantity by plants. Because most plants cannot make or "fix" nitrogen on their own, it must be applied as fertilizer, most often in the forms of amm . . . . . more details
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Using Soil Test Results For Garden Fertilization - A Guide for Fertilizing Home Landscapes and Gardens in Idaho > PDF
Once home gardeners get their soil tested, what should they do with the results? This 8-page publication demystifies the numbers on most fertilizer labels - such as 15-15-15 or 21-0-0-24 - and will . . . . . more details
Once home gardeners get their soil tested, what should they do with the results? This 8-page publication demystifies the numbers on most fertilizer labels - such as 15-15-15 or 21-0-0-24 - and will . . . . . more details
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Worksheet for Calculating Biosolids Application Rates in Agriculture > PDF
Biosolids are a byproduct of municipal wastewater treatment. Raw sewage solids must be processed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards before they can be called biosolids. This worksh . . . . . more details
Biosolids are a byproduct of municipal wastewater treatment. Raw sewage solids must be processed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards before they can be called biosolids. This worksh . . . . . more details
Resources
Local Information
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- Ada County 208-287-5900
- Owyhee County 208-896-4104
- Parma Research and Extension Center 208-722-6701
- Soil and Water Systems 208-885-6277