Quote:
Originally Posted by MathGeek
I think good drainage, full sun, and a plan for pest control are more important than soil tests.
We've had to battle deer and coons in most places we've lived.
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Then I guess you know more about growing crops than NRCS and the LSU AgCenter, considering both put an emphasis on soils. Soils are probably the most important part of the equation. Sandy soils have superb drainage, but are poor for crop production. You could be in full sun, but if it's a clay soil, your production will be poor due to potential nutrient deficiencies and, more importantly, drainage issues. Pest control is of no benefit if you don't have the nutrients to grow healthy plants. If you try to grow rice on a gallion silt loam, chances are, your crop is going to flop. If your soil is very acidic, you are likely to have a lot of problems as well.
All of those are important, but I would say soils are the most important consideration...unless you are going strictly hydroponic...which I'm not.