ASSESS SOIL CONDITION

Before breaking ground, evaluate the condition of your soil. If you didn’t conduct soil tests in the fall to check pH levels, nutrient content, and organic matter, now is the time to do so. This will tell you what amendments or fertilizers are needed for this year’s crop. 

Regular soil testing is a crucial step in your preparation process. It empowers you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your soil and crops. Without this information, you could be over- or under-applying nutrients, potentially damaging your crops and soil quality. Understanding your soil’s pH levels can also prevent nutrients from being tied up and unavailable for plant uptake.

Want to make soil testing easy? Deer Creek’s Soil Test Kit provides the basic instructions for taking a good soil sample. Partnering with Rock River Laboratory, the kit also includes instructions for sending the sample to this reputable soil testing facility for analysis.

1. Collect 10 to 20 random soil samples from the area you are testing using a trowel, spade, or soil probe. Sample 8” for cultivated fields and 4” for no-till fields and pastures, putting the soil in a clean bucket. 
2. After collecting the cores, remove any plant residue and mix the soil well.
3. Lay out newspaper, spreading the soil on it. Allow it to dry at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. 
4. Once completely dry, remix the soil and put 1.5 to 2 cups in a zip-top plastic bag.
5. Label the bag with your name and sample area (backyard, garden, field number, etc.).
6. Fill out the sample submission sheet.
7. Send your soil sample, sample submission sheet, and payment to your chosen lab.

The soil test results will recommend how much fertilizer to apply for specific crops and whether to add lime or sulfur-based products to adjust the soil pH. Remember that having legumes like 390 Hyqual alfalfa, GT1 forage soybeans, or forage peas as a previous or this season’s crop will decrease your nitrogen needs.

For help interpreting your results, check out our article “How to Interpret a Soil Test.”

CLEAR DEBRIS AND WEEDS FROM THE FIELD

Fields can accumulate debris, dead plant matter, and invasive weeds over the winter. Plant residue from weeds and previous crops can harbor diseases and pests, so it needs to go. While waiting on your soil test results, start clearing the field so you can apply fertilizers and amendments once you get recommendations. 

There are many different ways to clear your seedbed. If the ground is heavily covered in weeds and volunteer plants, you can spray the entire area with herbicide to clear it. If the weeds are minimal, you can mow or brush hog them close to the ground and then till them under when you work the ground. Or, if you have a small area, you can remove them by hand.

You should also remove any debris, such as blown-in garbage, branches from nearby trees, and large rocks.

APPLY FERTILIZERS AND SOIL AMENDMENTS

After clearing the field, it’s time to apply fertilizers and soil amendments — if needed — based on your soil test results. Most recommendations are given in pounds of N, K2O, or P2O5 needed per acre. If your fields are smaller than this, you’ll need to do some quick math to figure out how much to apply.

When it comes to fertilizers, you have many different options: conventional versus organic products and liquid versus granular. Conventional products are typically cheaper, and quick-release formulations provide nutrients quickly. Organic amendments such as bone meal, fish emulsion, or manure provide a slow release of nutrients while improving soil structure.

Adding compost or well-rotted manure at this stage is a great way to boost your soil’s fertility. These organic amendments not only provide a slow release of nutrients but also improve soil structure, increase water holding capacity, and enhance soil fertility. This step sets the stage for a successful growing season.

If the soil pH is out of the recommended range, you’ll want to adjust it to ensure the fertilizer’s nutrients are available for your crops. 

For acidic soils (below 6.0), apply agricultural lime at rates based on soil test recommendations, typically 1-3 tons per acre, using a lime spreader for even distribution. Incorporate elemental sulfur or aluminum sulfate for alkaline soils (above 7.5). 

WORK THE SEED BED

Tilling or plowing the soil helps aerate it and break up compacted areas, allowing roots to penetrate deeply. Be cautious, though, as tilling too much may damage soil structure and harm beneficial microbes. Be mindful of your methods, and don’t overwork the field.

Working the ground to prepare a field for planting involves a sequence of thoughtful operations to create optimal growing conditions. Initially, primary tillage with implements like moldboard or chisel plows breaks up compacted soil layers, incorporating any remaining crop residue and exposing soil pests to predators and weather. This is followed by secondary tillage using disc harrows or field cultivators to refine soil structure further, breaking down clods and creating a smoother seedbed with proper tilth.

The timing of field preparation is crucial and depends on soil moisture conditions—working wet soil causes compaction, while extremely dry soil requires excessive power and creates dust.

CHECK IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

If you’re running irrigation to the field, you’ll want to make sure your system is functioning correctly — and doesn’t have any damaged or leaking parts — before you start planting. Proper water management is crucial, especially in drought-prone areas, and it’s easier to work on irrigation lines in the field before your crop is growing. 

Check all components for leaks or cracks, clean out filters, and test sprinkler head patterns. If you’re running a drip system, turn it on and check for adequate wetting patterns, fixing any noticeable problems. 

CREATE RAISED BEDS OR ROW LAYOUTS

After working the soil, you may need to form raised beds or row layouts for specific crops. Creating beds or rows provides the foundation for efficient planting, cultivation, and harvesting throughout the growing season.

• Use specialized bed shapers or modified cultivators to form raised beds for crops like collards, Swiss chard, and kohlrabi. Make sure they’re 6-8 inches high and appropriately sized for your planned crops and equipment. Well-formed beds improve drainage, warm faster in spring, and reduce compaction in growing zones. 
• For row crops like purple top, york globe turnips, or American purple top rhutabaga, use marking equipment to create straight, adequately spaced furrows that maintain consistent planting depth. Consider contour layouts on sloping fields to minimize erosion. 

TIME YOUR PLANTING

Finally, check local climate conditions and frost dates for the best planting window. Some crops can tolerate cool soil, while others require warmer temperatures. Staggered planting can extend harvest periods and reduce the risk of losing an entire crop to late frosts.

KEY STONE SEEDS IS HERE TO HELP

Now that you’re ready to prepare your ground for spring planting, it’s time to select premium seeds that will thrive in your carefully prepared soil. At Key Stone Seeds, we’re dedicated to providing farmers, homesteaders, and wildlife enthusiasts with superior seed varieties. Whether establishing row crops, creating wildlife food plots, or starting a homestead garden, our expert team can help you choose the right seeds for your specific soil conditions and climate zone. 

Visit our website today to browse our comprehensive catalog or speak with one of our agronomists about customized planting solutions. Don’t let your careful ground preparation go to waste with inferior seeds—trust Key Stone Seeds to deliver the quality and results you deserve this growing season.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. Is your field cultivator properly adjusted? Iowa State University Extension and Outreach can help before you head to the field.
2. Soil testing is a valuable tool when gardening or farming; it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Key Stone Seeds has advanced tips on when and how to test your soil!
3. The University of Minnesota Extension has crop-specific nutrient guides available to help with your nutrient management.

Head to Oregon State University Extension Service’s website for an in-depth look at adding lime to raise soil pH.