There
is great news for us food plotters. Fertilizer costs are coming down after last
year’s skyrocketing prices when we saw even the most basic fertilizers increase
as much as 400%. As a consequence many food plotters just didn’t fertilize or
cut back on what their fields needed to thrive.
However, in the last few
months, some of the fertilizer components have dropped back to levels we saw two
years ago and are continuing to fall. In addition, fuel prices, which were sky
high last year, have come back down to much more reasonable levels. Both of
these obviously present welcome savings for our field testers. But, remember
there is another tried and- true way you can save money. And in the long run, it
is one of the best cost-cutters you can utilize, anytime, anywhere. And, that
is a soil test Doing a soil test is easy and is the only way to get the exact
information you need for the specific crop you’re planting or maintaining. It
tells you exactly how much lime and fertilizer you need so you don’t waste
money and time on unnecessary or inappropriate application of fertilizers. Dr.
Wayne Hanna has written an article on page 24 with more detailed information.
Give it a read and you’ll see how a soil test can not only save you money but give
your food plots the best opportunity to flourish. Your deer and deer hunting
will both benefit greatly. The Whitetail Institute offers detailed soil testing
services that can be tailored to exactly what you’re planting or maintaining.
But, whether you choose the Whitetail Institute or another soil testing
facility, having an accurate soil test done will be the most important step you
can take whether you’re establishing or maintaining your food plots. Our
consultants are standing by to answer any questions you may have about soil
testing. If any of the information on your test is unclear, give them a call at
800-688-3030. 
