Photo credit – Illinois Soybean Association

High fertilizer costs and volatile commodity prices are prompting farmers to rethink their input choices as they prepare for the 2026 growing season. While phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are often considered essential for maintaining high yields, applying the right rate is crucial for economic success. Applying too much fertilizer when prices are high can diminish return on investment and harm the environment but applying too little may limit yields.  

Determining where and how much to cut back can be challenging because soil properties vary widely and greatly influence the economic optimum fertilizer rate. Therefore, understanding your farm's soil is essential when deciding when and where to make adjustments.  

Many farmers routinely collect soil samples, but interpreting the results and using them to make informed nutrient management decisions can be challenging. This is especially true when considering that every soil type, field and crop responds differently to fertilizer rates.  

To help farmers better understand what soil tests measure, how to interpret results and how to apply them on their farms, the Illinois Soybean Association is hosting a winter workshop: Talk Dirt to Me: Soil Test Interpretation for Profitable Management.  

This workshop is designed to help farmers interpret and understand soil test results to enhance input-use efficiency, make more informed management decisions and ultimately improve return on investment in fertilizers. Talk Dirt to Me will feature presentations and an interactive session to engage farmers in an exercise that equips them to make confident, conscious nutrient management decisions.  

Tim Smith, president of CropSmith Inc., will kick off the event by discussing the history of soil testing to provide attendees background on how soil tests were developed, what they measure and why they are important. This foundation will lead into the next session featuring Dr. John Jones, an assistant professor of agronomy and soil fertility extension specialist at the University of Illinois, who will explain how to interpret soil test results to guide fertilizer management. Our final presentation, by Dr. Marcos Loman, strategic agronomy manager at BRANDT, will demonstrate how understanding soil fertility levels can guide management decisions to improve soybean yields. The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring all three speakers, giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions about soil testing, interpretation and fertilizer management.   

Talk Dirt to Me will be held on Thursday, December 11, at the Illinois Soybean Association's Bloomington Office from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a catered lunch. If you're interested in attending, please register by filling out this registration form. There is no cost to attend, but we encourage you to register in advance as space will be limited. To get the most out of this session, bring a copy of your farm's soil test results so you can apply what you learn directly to your own fields. If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to me at darby.danzl@ilsoy.org or 309-205-9847. We hope to see you there!