Carl R. Crozier, North Carolina State University
Don D. Tyler, University of Tennessee
Greg D. Hoyt, North Carolina State University
Conservation tillage practices result in changes that affect soil fertility management on the farm. Application methods used in conservation tillage influence the distribution of lime and fertilizer in the soil profile and over the field. Soil samples sent to testing laboratories are evaluated the same whether from conventional or conservation tillage farms, even though there are subtle micro-environmental differences. Producers must design their own sampling and fertilizer management scheme since there are numerous variations of conservation tillage. Since surface-applied lime may not affect subsoil pH, pH must be measured in the subsoil to assure it will not inhibit root development. Nitrogen losses are greater when nitrogen is surface applied instead of incorporated. This chapter focuses on lime and fertilizer management issues to consider when adopting conservation tillage.