Mr. Childs emphasizes that deep, loose soil is important for root penetration. Subsoiling may be necessary in compacted soils. A healthy, high organic matter soil will maintain it s structure longer following subsoiling and will improve nutrient availability, drainage during wet times and moisture retention during dry times. It takes time to build it but it can be done with good manure management, crop residue management and high fertility. Fertility is an area that must not be compromised.
Childs regularly samples soil in the fall.
Blanket approaches to growing corn will go unrewarded. Make sure that a return is received on all inputs into the crop. The first step is to set attainable goals and work toward them, keeping close financial records and guarding against possible environmental impacts along the way. The University of Missouri Extension Soil Testing labs analyzed about 34,000 soil samples in 2000. The data has value as a broad assessment of the nutrient status of soils throughout the state of Missouri.