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Name: Sonia Z.
Status: educator
Age: 50s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 8/18/2003
Question:
How do commercial farmers insure that their soil contains all the proper minerals needed for healthy food? Do they fertilize with something other than the traditional nitrogen, phosphorous and ---?

Replies:
The soil is tested for pH, and major and minor nutrients. If the soil is deficient in some mineral, then it is added with proper amounts of fertilizer for the crop in question. The plants can be tested for nutrients also if showing symptoms of mineral deficiency.

http://www.gov.pe.ca/af/agweb/index.php3?number=74144

dmoz.org/Science/Agriculture/Soils/Soil_Fertility_and_Fertilizers/

http://attra.ncat.org/soils.html

http://www.back-to-basics.net/efu/pdfs/testing.pdf

Anthony Brach, Ph.D

Commercial farmers analyze their soil for nutrients, trace elements, water, water retention, pH, and so on to ensure the proper balance. What specific substances they use depends upon the crop and the soil.

Vince Calder


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