Fertility placement in farming has become a game-changer for growers looking to maximize yields and improve soil health. By placing nutrients exactly where crops need them, fertility placement in farming ensures plants can efficiently access the essential elements required for strong growth. This modern approach goes beyond traditional broadcast methods, delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
Mike Petersen, a respected former NRCS soil scientist and independent consultant with over 35 years of strip-till research experience, reinforces the importance of this strategy. “The science behind fertility placement has improved tremendously over the years,” Petersen says. “Broadcast fertilizer should be a thing of the past. We should put the fertilizer in the ground where the plant’s going to find it.”
His advice is rooted in years of observation. Broadcast methods often leave too much to chance, with fertilizers scattered across the soil surface. Much of it can wash away or evaporate before plants ever have a chance to benefit. With fertility placement in farming, nutrients are applied directly into the root zone, increasing uptake and reducing waste.
Petersen explains it well: “The plant doesn’t have eyes, hands or a nose. It has to run to the fertilizer. If you put fertility right in front of the plant, it will find it, and you’ll succeed and profit from it.”
By embracing fertility placement in farming, growers not only save on input costs but also support better soil health. Targeted nutrient delivery fosters microbial activity, strengthens root development, and minimizes environmental runoff. Plus, with advancements in strip-till and precision technology, it’s easier than ever to apply fertilizers with accuracy.
Farmers who prioritize fertility placement in farming are seeing real-world results. From higher yields to healthier soils, this technique is proving its worth season after season. For growers looking to increase profitability and sustainability, placing nutrients exactly where plants can access them is a simple yet powerful step forward.
