What Farmers Ask
Common questions about N-Rich® soil amendment, application, soil health, and working with HS Soil Amendments in southwestern Ontario.
About N-Rich®
What is N-Rich® fertilizer?
N-Rich® is a CFIA-registered soil amendment manufactured by Walker Industries. It delivers lime, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, and organic matter in a single application. It has been used on Ontario farmland for over 30 years.
Who manufactures N-Rich®?
N-Rich® is manufactured by Walker Industries using their patented N-Viro® alkaline stabilization process. Walker Industries has facilities in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and PEI and has been producing N-Rich for over 30 years.
Is N-Rich® approved for use on food crops?
Yes. N-Rich® is registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and meets both CFIA and US EPA quality standards. It is approved for use on food crops including corn, soybeans, and forage.
What nutrients does N-Rich® contain?
N-Rich® contains nitrogen, phosphorus as P₂O₅, potassium as K₂O, magnesium, sulphur, lime equivalency as CaCO₃, and organic matter.
Is N-Rich® organic?
N-Rich® is a natural, sustainable soil amendment produced through the N-Viro® process. It contains organic matter and is derived from recycled municipal biosolids processed with alkaline admixture. It is CFIA-registered but is not certified organic under Canadian organic standards.
What is the N-Viro® process?
The N-Viro® process is a patented alkaline stabilization method. Dewatered municipal biosolids are blended with alkaline admixture (kiln lime), raising temperature and pH to levels that kill pathogens while preserving beneficial microbes. The mixture cures for 12 hours at a pH of 12, producing a pathogen-free, nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Is N-Rich® safe to handle?
Yes. N-Rich® is pathogen-free after the N-Viro® curing process and meets CFIA and US EPA safety standards. It can be applied with standard farm equipment. Safety data sheets are available from Walker Industries.
How is N-Rich® different from regular fertilizer?
Unlike synthetic fertilizers that provide only specific nutrients, N-Rich® delivers lime, six macro-nutrients, and organic matter in a single product. It replaces the need to buy and apply lime, fertilizer, and organic amendments separately, reducing both cost and field passes.
How is N-Rich® different from agricultural lime?
Agricultural lime only adjusts pH and can take 6–8 months to show results. N-Rich® raises soil pH in 2–4 weeks while also providing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, and organic matter. It replaces your lime program and adds nutrients that lime alone does not provide.
What is the lime equivalency of N-Rich®?
N-Rich® has a lime equivalency (CaCO₃) of 23%, which translates to approximately 616 lbs of lime per metric tonne. This is highly reactive and raises soil pH within 2–4 weeks of application, compared to 6–8 months for conventional agricultural lime.
Application & Usage
How much N-Rich® do I need per acre?
Average application rate is 1.5 tonnes per acre. But this could vary depending on your soil test results, current pH, crop requirements, and soil type. Contact Harm at 519-521-3076 for a recommendation based on your specific situation.
When is the best time to apply N-Rich®?
N-Rich® can be applied in spring or fall. Fall application allows the product to work through winter, with pH improvement visible by spring planting. Spring application is also effective given the 2–4 week pH response time. Your timing may depend on field access and crop rotation.
What equipment do I need to apply N-Rich®?
N-Rich® can be applied with standard farm equipment including lime spreaders, vertical beater manure spreaders, and floater spreaders. No specialized equipment is required.
Do I need a permit to apply N-Rich®?
No. N-Rich® is a CFIA-approved commercial soil amendment and does not require any special permits for field application.
Can I apply N-Rich® myself, or does HS Soil do it?
Both options are available. Some operators apply N-Rich® with their own equipment, while others coordinate application through HS Soil. Call 519-521-3076 to discuss what works best for your operation.
What crops can I use N-Rich® on?
N-Rich® is approved for use on all standard field crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, forage, hay, and pasture. It has documented results on corn/soy rotations, pasture grass, legumes, and hayland across Ontario and the Maritimes.
Can I use N-Rich® on hay and pasture?
Yes. N-Rich® has been used on hayland and pasture with documented improvements in yield and soil pH. Bill Scott of Scott Farms reported significantly increased hayland yields after a single application at 3 tonnes per acre.
How quickly does N-Rich® improve soil pH?
N-Rich® raises soil pH within 2–4 weeks of application. This is significantly faster than conventional agricultural lime, which typically takes 6–8 months to show measurable pH improvement.
Can I apply N-Rich® and plant in the same season?
Yes. Given the 2–4 week pH response time, many operators apply N-Rich® in early spring and plant shortly after. Summer/Fall application ahead of spring planting is also common.
How often should I apply N-Rich®?
Application frequency depends on your soil test results, crop rotation, and soil type. Some operators apply annually, while others apply every 2–3 years. Regular soil testing will guide your application schedule. Contact Harm to review your soil tests.
Can I mix N-Rich® with other fertilizers?
Consult with Harm before mixing N-Rich® with other products. In many cases, N-Rich® provides enough nutrient coverage that supplemental fertilizer is reduced or eliminated, which is part of the cost savings.
What soil types does N-Rich® work on?
N-Rich® is effective on all soil types common in southwestern Ontario, including clay, clay-loam, sandy loam, and silt loam. The organic matter content is particularly beneficial for heavy clay soils, improving tilth and water-holding capacity.
Cost & Value
How much does N-Rich® cost?
Pricing depends on your acreage, application rate, and delivery logistics. Contact Harm at 519-521-3076 for a quote specific to your operation. N-Rich® is consistently less expensive per acre than purchasing equivalent lime, fertilizer, and organic amendments separately.
What is the fertilizer value of one tonne of N-Rich®?
Based on the commercial fertilizer costs, one tonne of N-Rich® contains approximately $195.40 worth of equivalent nutrients: $17.03 in nitrogen (vs. urea), $22.60 in phosphorus (vs. MAP), $36.52 in potassium (vs. potash), $40.40 in magnesium (vs. K-Mag), $42.55 in sulphur (vs. calcium sulphate), and $36.30 in lime (vs. calcitic lime).
How does N-Rich® save me money compared to conventional fertilizer?
N-Rich® saves money in three ways: (1) it combines lime, nutrients, and organic matter into one product, eliminating the need to buy 3–6 separate products; (2) it requires only one field pass instead of 2–3; and (3) the per-acre cost is lower than purchasing equivalent nutrients from commercial sources.
Is N-Rich® cheaper than buying lime separately?
Yes. N-Rich® replaces your separate lime program while also providing macro-nutrients and organic matter. The lime equivalency alone (23% CaCO₃, 616 lbs per tonne) is valued at $36.30 per tonne based on calcitic lime pricing, and you get five additional nutrients included.
How many field passes does N-Rich® eliminate?
N-Rich® reduces your field passes from 2–3 (separate lime, fertilizer, and possibly organic matter applications) to a single pass. This saves time, fuel, and equipment wear in addition to the product cost savings.
Does N-Rich® reduce my overall fertilizer program cost?
In most cases, yes. Mark Sutherland of Belland Farms reported that N-Rich® costs less than his previous liming program alone — and that was before accounting for the additional nutrients and organic matter included at no extra cost.
Soil Health & Science
How does N-Rich® improve soil health?
N-Rich® improves soil health in multiple ways: it raises pH, adds organic matter that improves soil structure and tilth, stimulates microbial activity, increases water-holding capacity, and delivers a slow-release nutrient profile that feeds crops over time while reducing environmental nutrient loss.
Does N-Rich® add organic matter to soil?
Yes. N-Rich® contains a minimum of 2% organic matter per CFIA label. Organic matter improves soil tilth, nutrient retention, water-holding capacity, and microbial activity — benefits that synthetic fertilizers do not provide.
Does N-Rich® help with soil moisture retention?
Yes. The organic matter in N-Rich® increases the water-holding capacity of soil, helping crops handle dry spells better. This is particularly valuable in sandy or light soils that drain quickly.
Does N-Rich® stimulate microbial activity?
Yes. The N-Viro® process kills pathogens but preserves beneficial microbes. When applied to soil, N-Rich® stimulates microbial activity, which improves nutrient cycling, soil structure, and overall soil biology.
Can N-Rich® help with soybean cyst nematode (SCN)?
Independent studies conducted by Agriculture Canada and Ohio State University found that N-Rich® reduces the damaging impacts of parasitic soybean cyst nematodes and increases above-ground plant biomass. This is particularly relevant for Ontario soybean growers dealing with SCN pressure.
What research has been done on N-Rich®?
N-Rich® has been the subject of independent studies by Agriculture Canada and Ohio State University, focusing on soil health, pH management, and soybean cyst nematode suppression. The product also has over 30 years of documented field results across 580,000+ acres in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and PEI.
Why does soil pH matter for crop production?
Soil pH directly affects nutrient availability. Most field crops perform best at pH 6.0–7.0. When pH drops below 6.0, nutrients like phosphorus and molybdenum become less available, and aluminum toxicity can damage roots. Maintaining optimal pH is one of the highest-return soil management practices.
What pH level should I target for corn and soybeans?
Corn and soybeans perform best at a soil pH of 6.0–6.8. If your soil test shows pH below 6.0, a lime or N-Rich® application is recommended. N-Rich® raises pH within 2–4 weeks, getting your soil into the optimal range faster than conventional lime.
How does N-Rich® compare to dolomitic lime?
Dolomitic lime raises pH and provides magnesium, but it works slowly (6–8 months) and provides no other nutrients. N-Rich® raises pH in 2–4 weeks, provides magnesium plus nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur, and adds organic matter. It is a more complete soil amendment.
Does N-Rich® provide slow-release nutrients?
Yes. The organic-bound nutrients in N-Rich® are released gradually as soil microbes break down the organic matter. This slow-release mechanism provides sustained nutrition to crops while reducing the risk of nutrient runoff compared to highly soluble synthetic fertilizers.
Is N-Rich® environmentally friendly?
N-Rich® is produced through sustainable resource recovery, diverting materials from landfills and converting them into a beneficial soil amendment. Its slow-release nutrient profile reduces the risk of environmental nutrient loss compared to highly soluble synthetic fertilizers. It is CFIA-approved and pathogen-free.
Proven Results
How many acres have been treated with N-Rich®?
Over 580,000 acres have been treated with N-Rich® across Ontario, Nova Scotia, and PEI since the product was introduced over 30 years ago.
What results have other farmers seen with N-Rich®?
Bill Scott of Scott Farms increased soil pH from 5.5–5.8 to 6.5 with a single application at 3 tonnes per acre. Mark Sutherland of Belland Farms reported lower costs than his previous liming program with great yield results. Phillip Burris of Green Oaks Dairy described it as a huge return on his dollar.
How much can N-Rich® raise soil pH?
Results depend on application rate and starting pH, but documented cases show pH increases of 0.7–1.0 points with a single application at 3 tonnes per acre. Bill Scott of Scott Farms raised pH from 5.5–5.8 to 6.5 with one application.
Does N-Rich® help during drought conditions?
Documented field observations show that crops treated with N-Rich® maintain darker green stands and better performance during drought stress, likely due to improved soil moisture retention from the organic matter content and better overall soil health.
Will I see results in the first season?
Yes. pH improvement begins within 2–4 weeks of application. Many farmers report visible crop response in the first growing season, including improved stand colour, better emergence, and yield improvements. Long-term soil health benefits continue to build with repeated applications.
Buying & Service Area
Who is HS Soil Amendments?
HS Soil Amendments is operated by Harm Spangenberg out of Port Stanley, Ontario. Harm is an authorized distributor of Walker Industries' N-Rich® soil amendment, serving row-crop operators across southwestern Ontario from London to Windsor with 35+ years in the Ag Business.
What area does HS Soil Amendments serve?
HS Soil Amendments serves the entire southwestern Ontario corridor including London, Sarnia, Windsor, Chatham-Kent, St. Thomas, and surrounding agricultural communities in Middlesex, Lambton, Essex, Elgin, and Kent counties.
How do I get a quote for N-Rich®?
Call or text Harm at 519-521-3076, or email harm@hssoil.ca. Provide your acreage, crop rotation, and most recent soil test results if available. Harm will recommend an application rate and provide a straightforward quote with no pressure or obligation.
What happens when I call HS Soil Amendments?
You talk to Harm directly — not a call centre, not a sales team. He will ask about your acreage, soil conditions, and what you are growing. Based on that, he will recommend an application rate and give you a clear quote. No pressure.
Can I text instead of calling?
Yes. Text your acreage and soil situation to 519-521-3076. Harm will text back with a recommendation and quote. Many farmers prefer texting from the cab.
Does HS Soil Amendments deliver N-Rich®?
Yes. Harm coordinates delivery to your farm or field. Delivery logistics and scheduling are discussed when you get your quote. The goal is to make it as simple as possible for your operation.
Is there a minimum order for N-Rich®?
Contact Harm at 519-521-3076 to discuss your needs. He works with operations of various sizes and will help determine the right approach for your acreage.
Can I get N-Rich® in Sarnia or Lambton County?
Yes. HS Soil Amendments serves Sarnia, Petrolia, Forest, Wyoming, Watford, Alvinston, Oil Springs, Corunna, and all communities in Lambton County. Call Harm at 519-521-3076.
Can I get N-Rich® in Windsor or Essex County?
Yes. HS Soil Amendments serves Windsor, Leamington, Kingsville, Essex, Harrow, Amherstburg, LaSalle, Tecumseh, and all communities in Essex County and Chatham-Kent. Call Harm at 519-521-3076.
Can I get N-Rich® near London, Ontario?
Yes. HS Soil Amendments is based in Port Stanley, just south of London, and serves London, St. Thomas, and all of Middlesex and Elgin counties. Call Harm at 519-521-3076.
Soil Management Basics
How often should I soil test my fields?
Ontario soil testing guidelines recommend testing every 2–3 years. Regular testing tracks pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter so you can adjust your fertility program accordingly. Soil tests are the foundation of cost-effective crop nutrition.
What is a soil amendment?
A soil amendment is any material added to soil to improve its physical or chemical properties. Amendments can raise pH (lime), add nutrients (fertilizer), improve structure (organic matter), or do all three at once (N-Rich®). The goal is to create better growing conditions for crops.
What is lime equivalency?
Lime equivalency measures a product's ability to neutralize soil acidity, expressed as a percentage of pure calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). N-Rich® has a lime equivalency of 23%, meaning each tonne provides the acid-neutralizing power of 230 kg of pure limestone.
Why is organic matter important in soil?
Organic matter improves soil structure, increases water-holding capacity, feeds soil microbes, improves nutrient cycling, and reduces erosion. Most Ontario field soils benefit from maintaining or increasing organic matter levels. N-Rich® adds organic matter with every application.
What causes low soil pH in Ontario?
Soil pH naturally decreases over time due to crop removal of calcium and magnesium, nitrogen fertilizer application (which produces acidity), rainfall leaching base cations, and natural mineral weathering. Regular pH correction with lime or N-Rich® is a normal part of maintaining productive farmland.
What happens if I don't correct low soil pH?
Below pH 6.0, nutrient availability drops significantly — particularly phosphorus, calcium, and molybdenum. Aluminum and manganese can reach toxic levels, damaging roots. Crop yields decline and fertilizer efficiency drops because applied nutrients become locked in the soil. Correcting pH is one of the highest-return investments in crop production.
Can I over-apply lime or N-Rich®?
It is possible to raise pH too high, which can cause micronutrient deficiencies (particularly iron and manganese). This is why application rates should be based on soil test results. Contact Harm to review your soil tests and determine the right rate.
What is the difference between calcitic and dolomitic lime?
Calcitic lime is primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and raises pH. Dolomitic lime contains both calcium and magnesium carbonates and raises pH while adding magnesium. N-Rich® provides the pH correction of lime plus magnesium, sulphur, and additional nutrients that neither type of lime includes.
How do I know if my soil needs lime?
A soil test is the only reliable way to determine lime need. If your soil pH is below 6.0 for corn and soybeans, lime or N-Rich® is recommended. Your local soil testing lab or crop advisor can interpret results and recommend rates.
What is the best soil pH for corn in Ontario?
Corn grows best at soil pH 6.0–6.8 in Ontario. Below 6.0, nutrient availability decreases and yield potential drops. N-Rich® can raise pH into this optimal range within 2–4 weeks of application.
What is the best soil pH for soybeans in Ontario?
Soybeans perform best at pH 6.0–7.0. Maintaining pH above 6.0 is particularly important for soybeans because nodulation and nitrogen fixation are sensitive to acidic conditions. N-Rich® provides rapid pH correction.
Does N-Rich® work on heavy clay soils?
Yes. N-Rich® is effective on heavy clay soils common in southwestern Ontario. The organic matter content helps improve clay soil structure, tilth, and drainage over time, while the lime equivalency corrects pH regardless of soil texture.
Can N-Rich® help reclaim degraded or marginal land?
Yes. N-Rich® has been used to revegetate reclaimed soils and restore productivity to marginal land. Its combination of pH correction, nutrient delivery, and organic matter addition makes it well-suited for rebuilding soil health from a low baseline.
Still Have Questions?
Call or text Harm directly — no sales pitch, just straight answers.
519-521-3076