LOUISVILLE, Ky. – While most grain producers test their soils regularly to determine what minerals they need to apply, Steve Gauck believes something is missing from the process.

The regional agronomy manager for Beck’s Hybrids spoke on the topic of soil testing during the opening day of the 2022 National Farm Machinery Show.

“We look at soil samples and determine ‘here’s what I need to fix today.’ But we don’t measure trends,” Gauck said. Because test levels change over time, he believes trend watching is crucial to reduce the yield limiting factors.

Soil tests are a great starting point, Gauck said, but to determine if practical farm research is effective, yield has to increase for three years and must have a positive return on investment. “I like to make money,” Gauck said to nods of agreement.

To illustrate some of his findings, Gauck displayed slides showing test results for common minerals over the course of several years, starting with the Ph level of the soil. He also included calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, manganese, zinc, copper and iron.

The practical farm research Gauck mentioned is conducted by Beck’s across more than 800 acres in six locations in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and in central and southern Illinois. The company also contracts with professional research companies and universities to supplement the company’s data.

That gives Beck’s a total of nine locations to test products, management practices, systems, equipment and new concepts. Researchers conduct three to five replications of each study at each location.

Among the materials available to participants at the seminar was a book filled with the company’s practical farm research. The information is also available on the company’s website, www.beckshybrids.com. For specific questions, producers are urged to get answers using the #ASKPFR hashtag on any social media platform.