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In your backyard <br />Nutrients are essential for good plant growth, but <br />overapplying nutrients is not good for plants or for <br />the environment. Excess nutrients leach through <br />the soil and end up in ground water, or run off into storm <br />sewers and end up choking a lake or stream. <br />• <br />The three primary plant nutrients are nitrogen, <br />phosphorus, and potassium. Generally, nitrogen <br />promotes top growth, phosphorus helps <br />develop stronger roots and more flower and <br />fruit production, and potassium builds durability <br />and disease resistance. <br />Remember to consider native plants or others with low <br />fertilizer needs. <br />Soil test is key <br />The key to good nutrient management on the farm and in your <br />backyard is a reliable soil test.Without a soil test, you could be <br />applying too much, too little, or the wrong nutrients.You'll want <br />a separate soil test for your lawn and for your garden. <br />Commercial soil test kits are available at nurseries and lawn and <br />• garden suppliers. Ask for information on how to take your soil <br />samples. Apply only the nutrients needed according to <br />the soil test, and at the right time. Never exceed the recom- <br />mended rate. <br />Fertilizing lawns <br />• Use slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. <br />• Mow often, and leave grass clippings on the lawn for fertilizer. <br />■ Be careful not to spread fertilizer on sidewalks and driveways. <br />• Be sure to calibrate your spreader correctly. <br />Fertilizing gardens <br />® Use compost to enhance or replace fertilizers. <br />® Choose a level site, or terrace the garden, to avoid runoff <br />and erosion. <br />® Place fertilizer near plants rather than broadcast it over the <br />entire garden. <br />• Add organic matter to the soil by using manures and organic <br />fertilizers at a conservative rate. <br />Lynn Betts. USDA <br />On the farm <br />PREVIOUS PAGE <br />(top) Applying shredded <br />mulcb; (bottom) Soybeans <br />growing tbrougb corn <br />residue. <br />THIS PAGE <br />(top right) Using soil test <br />kit in yarn• (bottom) <br />Testing soil on tbe farm; <br />(top left) Curbside runoff <br />drains to lake. <br />ti <br />Agricultural producers <br />sample sods.: for nutria =: <br />entneeds_As tech <Y <br />nology becomes <br />available and afford <br />able, more producers <br />are varying .fertdizer =.'. <br />rates. within each <br />field,. depending on <br />soil test results This <br />precision farming <br />method places the <br />correct amount of <br />fertilizer where it<is <br />needed. Applying only <br />those- nutrients plants: <br />can use improves tl <br />farm economically <br />and environmental( <br />