Recall that carbon, oxygen and hydrogen were covered in Unit 1 of this course. There you had the opportunity to learn about the carbon and water cycles in an agricultural context, and explore the interaction between the two cycles. As shown in the activity on the previous page, the other essential nutrients are supplied by the soil. And in fact, ensuring an adequate supply of these nutrients requires careful management of the soil.
Farmers and ranchers seeking to balance productivity and environmental stewardship have two basic nutrient management goals:
Manage natural processes and cycles to enhance the supply of plant nutrients and reduce the need for purchased inputs.
When adding nutrients, work toward maximum uptake and use by the crop with least disruption to the environment.
Click on the nutrient cycles below to learn more about how these management goals relate to the three macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
