What is a major challenge faced when applying organic nutrient sources in early spring?

The challenge of limited crop growth during early spring is significant when applying organic nutrient sources. In early spring, soil temperatures are still relatively low, and crop growth is often not yet underway. This means that organic nutrients applied at this time may not be effectively utilized by plants, which can lead to issues such as nutrient runoff or leaching before the plants are able to absorb them. Moreover, the slow breakdown of organic materials due to lower temperatures can delay the availability of nutrients, further compounding the issue.

Having high water availability does not necessarily coincide with the challenges faced in early spring, as soil temperature and growth conditions are typically more critical factors. Excessive nutrient retention in soil is less of a concern at this time because crops are not actively taking up nutrients. Additionally, too much moisture in the soil may occur, but it is not the primary challenge when considering nutrient application timing and plant growth readiness. Thus, limited crop growth is rightly identified as the main challenge in this context.