Improved crop yield is the goal of every farm operation, but it is not as simple as just adding more fertilizer. Soil quality affects the ability of crops to utilise the nutrients provided. If the pH is too high or too low, nutrient deficiencies or toxicities can develop, increasing the susceptibility of the crop to disease and insect infestation.
Testing the soil for existing nutrients periodically allows for improved selection and use of fertilizer, as the nutrients in the soil will change over each season and harvest. Equally important is the ability to control the volume of fertilizer used. Environmental variables including termperature and precipitation can make any fertilization program a challenge.
Fertigation, using the irrigation system to deliver fertilizers, as well as pesticides and acids for pH control is the most effective means of controlling the amounts provided to crops.