Fuel costs have increased more rapidly than the value of nutrients in animal manures, feedlot waste, etc. Therefore, the distance these materials can be moved economically has decreased. Fully utilize animal wastes and other materials that can be applied to the soil to supply plant nutrients. However, first evaluate the amount of energy used compared to the energy savings from the reduction in commercial fertilizer and other benefits. Summary Even though the amount of energy used to produce fertilizer is small compared to total energy consumption, conservation is important.
Agricultural producers have many opportunities to make efficient use of fertilizers.
Management practices such as using soil tests, liming acid soils, using high analysis fertilizer, using efficient application methods, timing applications and using legumes and waste materials not only maximize the utilization of fertilizers, but improve profits from crop productions. Educational programs conducted by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service serve people of all ages without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. Hypertext markup by Tammy Kohlleppel and Dan Lineberger.