Phosphorus management is best understood by balancing the close-up view against the big picture.

Rick Heintzman's story truly is the American dream. No-tilling from his 4,000-acre farm in Onaka, S.D., Heintzman has gone from selling flaxseed at $3.50 per bushel at the elevator to selling the same bushel for hundreds and even thousands of dollars through creative marketing.

A simple question about using starter fertilizers set off a long string of postings recently on the No-Till Farmer Web site. No-tillers also were inquiring about problems with fertilizer pumps and one person wanted to find out if he should buy a weight transfer system. If you are looking for a place to share your thoughts, ideas or philosophies, please visit www.no-tillfarmer.com.

Howard Buffett’s new book, “On The Edge: Balancing Earth’s Resources,” offers a unique perspective of the worldwide struggle between feeding a growing population and protecting the world’s biological and natural resources.

The nitrate standard, which has long been set at 10 parts per million, does not accurately reflect real world situations. But it's probably here to stay, maintains Jay Lehr, senior scientist with Environmental Education Enterprises in Ostrander, Ohio.

Mixing 2 tons of ammonium nitrate with motor oil, Timothy McVeigh produced enough cheap, yet powerful explosive to destroy the Oklahoma City federal building more than 6 years ago. Along with the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, these disasters may bring changes in the way you purchase fertilizer for your no-till fields.

In 5 years, Phil Robertson believes that no-tillers could be cashing in on carbon trading and tax incentives for carbon sequestration.