The goal of soil fertility management is to create soil chemical conditions that encourage plant growth and supply required nutrients in the amounts and at the times they are most needed. Liming materials and plant nutrients may be added to the soil in many forms and can be done so in a way that maximizes the economic benefits of nutrients while minimizing any environmental impact. The ways in which crops respond to these applications often are different because some soils have inherent physical limitations to plant growth.
Soil testing is the best guide to soil fertility.
Plant tissue analysis also may be helpful when used in conjunction with soil testing. Some highlights of soil fertility management are presented in the following sections.