Consider the risk of over or under applying nutrients. Over applying nutrients means putting on more than crops need to produce economically optimum yields. Too many nutrients waste money that can be put into other areas of the operation. Excesses also pose an increased threat to the water we drink and enjoy for recreation. Applying too few nutrients cuts into much needed profits by reducing yields and quality.
Nutrient management is a balancing act.
Knowing the quantity of nutrients already available in the soil gives the best chance of purchasing or redistributing the right amount. Soil testing helps you determine when to fertilize. There's more to a soil test than the quantity of various nutrients present. Soil testing also provides information about how tightly the soil will hold certain nutrients, such as potassium and ammonium forms of nitrogen. Think about it.