Nutrient management for fruit and vegetable crop production: Nutrient cycling and maintaining soil fertility

Abstract

The focus of this bulletin is on biology, placing nutrient cycling at the center of nutrient management, but the biological emphasis is not meant to disregard other factors. The objectives are to examine and illustrate: Biological, chemical, and physical processes plant nutrients go through as they cycle through the soil; How these processes affect nutrient availability to plants and nutrient movement from farm fields to surface or groundwater; Ways to manage crops and soils to maximize nutrient availability and minimize nutrient movement to the surrounding environment. Understanding processes helps identify practical options that fit different farming systems. Understanding nutrient cycles helps all types of farmers maintain the fertility of their soils, while at the same time protecting our water resources.