Burned Fields Could Suffer Nutrient Loss

     BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota State University Extension
experts say early October field fires in the state could lead to
soil nutrient loss.
     Soils specialist Ron Gelderman says that any time crop residues
are burned, the nitrogen and sulfur in the residue is mostly lost
to the atmosphere.
     Dakota Lakes Research Farm Manager Dwayne Beck encourages
growers to talk with their insurance agents and with their
neighbors when the fire involves more than one farm.
     Beck says they should also take care to document current grain
loss as well as the loss of nutrients with burned residue.