Can someone explain soil depletion and how it can be reduced?

Question

Thanks!

Answer 1

according to the web page below:

Perhaps the best summary is by Dr. William A. Albrecht, Chairman of the Department of Soils at the University of Missouri, who said:

"A declining soil fertility, due to a lack of organic material, major elements, and trace minerals, is responsible for poor crops and in turn for pathological conditions in animals fed deficient foods from such soils, and that mankind is no exception."

Dr Albrecht goes further to unequivocally lay the blame:

"NPK formulas, as legislated and enforced by State Departments of Agriculture, mean malnutrition, attack by insects, bacteria and fungi, weed takeover, crop loss in dry weather, and general loss of mental acuity in the population, leading to degenerative metabolic disease and early death."

Answer 2

If a farmer plants the same crop year after year, that crop will use up all the nutrients in that field until there are none left to nourish that crop, so it cannot grow in that field. There are several ways to reduce this. Here are 4 ways.

1. Plant another kind of crop that doesn't use the same nutrients as the 1st crop.
2. Let the field 'rest' for a year or two (don't plant anything) so natural processes can replenish the nutrients.
3. Plant crops that actually put nutrients *back* into the soil (such as peanuts).
4. Use artificial or natural fertilizers to put nutrients back into the soil.

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Answer 3

Organic Matter Depletion. Consult soil report. Site assessment ... include reduced tillage and zero tillage, produce benefits such as soil quality

Answer 4

Crops planted remove available soil nutrients. Rotate crops, add nutrients (mulch, fertilizer) or let the land lay fallow.