Charles Davis Row Crops Agronomy Agent
It’s been a long, hot summer, and now it is ending. The crops are grown, and the harvest is nearly complete. Our soils have been working hard since the spring, holding water for our crops, giving nutrition to our plants, and supporting a universe of microbes, insects, and fungi. Now what? Are your soils going on vacation?
We often look at our soils at the end of the year and say, “Great job, now take a break.” However, just because we decide to go on vacation doesn’t mean our soils should do the same. Our soils are on duty 24-7, and we should support their activity even in winter. Consider how we treat our tractor at the end of the year. We clean off the harvest dust and dirt, change the oil, check the antifreeze, and store it under the shed. It must be ready to go when we need it, especially when spring arrives. We should treat our soils the same by taking soil samples, liming where needed, and fixing the gullies, irrigation tire tracks, and washes. We should plant cover crops to help our soils stay where they are and add organic matter that feeds our soil microbes and captures leftover nutrients for use next spring.
Soils never stop being soils. Chemical reactions continue in our soils, even during the winter. Soil pH changes occur while we are off duck hunting in Canada. Microbial action continues, even though we are at Disney World. Nutrients are mineralized and released into our soils while we carve the Thanksgiving Turkey. Soils are not static; they are alive, even in the dead of winter. Much of this activity occurs in slow motion during the winter, but it still happens. So, don’t think your soils go on vacation just because you do. Give your soil the tools it needs during the winter to be ready to reward you with a healthy and bountiful crop next spring. Check your soil by soil sampling and plant winter cover crops. Need to know how? Just call us, and we can walk you through keeping your soil happy while you are on vacation.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
