Soil Fertility Extension Program

N deficient wheat, Havre, 1996. Image by R. Engel

The Soil Fertility/Nutrient Management program at MSU focuses on the processes that affect soil fertility and nutrient losses so that nutrients can be managed more sustainably. Soil testing can detect low nutrient levels that lead to possible crop nutrient deficiencies. In addition, soil testing allows for timely adjustments in fertilizer applications, reducing input costs. Understanding the economics of fertilizing, yield goals, and crop quality, along with soil fertility management can assist the producer in meeting profit goals.

Research conducted at MSU, the Agricultural Research Centers, and throughout the region are synthesized into fact sheets, modules, and presentations geared toward extension agents, crop advisers, farmers, ranchers, and/or homeowners. The current research focus is on cropland soil acidification, improving nitrogen management in dryland cropping systems, and sulfur fertilization rates for canola, pea, and wheat.

Use the search bar below to find information on specific soil fertility topics:

If you have any questions about soil nutrients, the Soil Fertility Extension program or materials contained in this web site, contact Dr. Clain Jones. If you think plant growth issues may be related to pesticide (e.g., herbicide residual in compost), please contact Damian Stoy (damian.stoy@montana.edu) or Dr. Tim Seipel (timothy.seipel@montana.edu; 994-4783) for assistance.

What's New:

• Increasing protein levels in wheat: Ag PhD interview with Clain. Scroll to April 16, minute 22.57. SoundCloud link. As referenced in the interview, use the Small Grains Nitrogen Economic Calculator to determine N fertilization application rates. 
• Timely Topic: MSU Extension soil and farm specialists suggest ways to manage rising fertilizer costs - MSU Press Release - April 2026
• Timely Topic: Fertilization after warm, dry winter - MSU Press Release - March 2026
• Soil Health and Fertility Effects on Agricultural Profitability - MSU Extension podcast - March 2026
• The Roots of Soil Health: Benefits of Perennials and Recrop - Dec 2025 presentation by Clain to Montana Organic Association. pdf of his slides
• More compost may not be what your garden soil needs - MSU Press Release - May 2025
• Mitigating Nitrate and Managing Fertility in Annual Forages - Northern Ag Network interview with Clain and Hayes Goosey, MSU Extension Forage Specialist - May 2025
• Building Healthy Garden Soils, a recording of Clain's April 2025 presentation to Valley County gardeners.   
• Drought resources:
  • MSU Extension Drought Resources in MT  
  • MSU Extension Wildfire & Drought Resources

Basic steps for soil testing

1. Start by contacting your County Agricultural Extension Agent (Local Offices - MSU Extension | Montana State University); some may have soil probes to loan out and they might help ship soils to a lab. 
2. Consider sampling good and bad areas or at least two areas if you think they will be quite different in nutrients based on observations including soil color, texture, or plant growth. See  Soil Testing: Getting a Good Sample
3. Select which soil parameters the lab should test. Often Extension Agents like certain soil test packages and can help you decide. Soil Testing: Once You Have the Sample has specific information.
4. To interpret the test results:
   1. The lab report with test results may have recommendations. 
   2. See The Soil Scoops Soil Test Interpretation, Feeding the Garden Soil, and Fertilizer Rate Calculations
   3. Or contact your County Agricultural Extension Agent
   4. Or contact Clain directly.