Soils: Nutrient Management
- Skill Level
- Beginner Intermediate
- Sections
- 5
- Length
- 3 hours
- Language
- English
- Note
- This course offers a certificate of completion.
Healthy soils are the foundation of productive crops and resilient farming systems. In this online course, discover how to assess and improve soil fertility and plant nutrition. Through engaging educational videos, detailed readings, and knowledge check questions, you'll explore the essentials of soil testing, nutrient analysis, and practical fertility planning.
You will learn how to collect soil samples and interpret soil test reports, identify nutrient deficiencies, and select appropriate fertilizers, liming materials, and soil amendments. You will gain knowledge of the 4 Rs of nutrient stewardship, lime and nutrient calculations, and strategies for balancing nutrients across your farm or growing area. This course has five sections and a quiz at the end. You will need to achieve a score of 80% or greater on the final quiz to pass and receive a certificate of completion.
For more information about Penn State Extension online courses, watch “What is a Penn State Extension Online Course?”
- Nutrient management planners, conservation district staff, and agricultural service providers
- Crop producers and livestock farmers who manage fertilizer, manure, and lime application
- Agricultural consultants, agronomists, and technical advisors who interpret soil tests and develop nutrient management plans
- Master Gardeners
- Engineers, environmental scientists, and regulatory professionals
- Students in agronomy, soil science, environmental science or related programs preparing for careers in agriculture or conservation
You will learn how to:
- Explain the importance of soil health and essential plant nutrients, including how nutrient cycles, pH, and soil variation affect plant growth and productivity
- Identify and describe the roles of primary, secondary, and micronutrients, as well as traditional and nontraditional soil amendments such as fertilizers, manures, lime, and cover crops
- Collect and submit soil samples correctly, interpret soil test results, and use in-season fertility assessment tools
- Apply the principles of nutrient management, including the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship, to improve crop yields, profitability, and environmental protection
- Evaluate whole-farm nutrient management strategies, including lime calculations, nutrient mass balance, and integrated soil fertility planning
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Each registrant will receive an email with an activation link. The online course will be accessible from the "Account Dashboard" once it's activated.
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How long does it take to complete an online course?
Every course is different. The estimated length for a specific course can be found in the course description. You can work through a course at your own pace. However, please keep in mind that you will lose access to the course one year after the purchase date, regardless of whether the course is complete.
Do I have to complete an online course within a certain timeframe? Will I ever lose access to an online course?
You can work through a course at your own pace, but access expires on the date indicated on your Account Dashboard, Online Courses page.
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Some courses are graded. Other courses are not graded. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a course is graded.
Do online courses have assignments or quizzes?
Online courses do not have assignments. Many online courses require you to answer questions and/or take quizzes, but not all courses do. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a specific course requires you to answer questions and/or take quizzes.
Do I receive any credits or certification for completing an online course?
Certificates are available for some courses, but not all courses. When applicable, certificates are issued upon successful course completion with a passing grade. The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course.
Some courses also provide credits that can go towards professional certifications. None of the online courses offer credits that can go on a college transcript.
Please refer to the course description to learn if a specific course offers certificates and/or credits towards professional certification.
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The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course. Once you register for an online course, please log in to learn about a specific course's grading criteria.
Also, keep in mind that not all courses offer certificates. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a specific course offers a certificate.
What materials will I need to complete an online course?
You must have internet access. Most courses do not require you to have any other materials, but it is best to refer to the course description to confirm. Although it is not required, if you wish to take notes, it is recommended that you have access to paper, a notebook, or a word processor.
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Is there technical support for online courses?
Yes! If you are experiencing a "Sign In or Register" message when attempting to access your online course, follow these instructions for clearing your browser cookie for "psu.edu" and try again. You can also use a non-cache storing (private) browser session to alleviate issues accessing your online course.
If you encounter a technical error, such as problems with pages loading, video playback, or course appearance, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
Can I enroll in multiple online courses at one time?
There is no limit on the number of courses you can enroll in at one time. However, we recommend that you only enroll in the number of classes you are comfortable taking. Please remember that you can work on a course at your own pace but will lose access on the Expiration Date indicated in your Account Dashboard, Online Courses page, regardless of whether the course is complete.
I am not a Penn State student. Can I enroll in an online course?
Yes! Anyone can sign up for a course. You do not have to be a Penn State student.
Will online courses go on a college transcript?
No. Online courses do not offer credits that can be transferred to a college transcript.
Who can take online courses? Are there any prerequisites?
Anyone can sign up for an online course! Some courses have prerequisites, but most do not. To find out if a course has a prerequisite, please refer to the course description.
Who are the online course instructors?
All online course instructors are Penn State Extension educators and/or Penn State faculty members.
Are online courses accessible for people who require special needs or services?
Yes. Penn State has specific accessibility requirements regarding online content, both to benefit learners and to comply with the law. We design online course content to meet those requirements.
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