Nutrient cycling is the transformation of nutrients from complex organic compounds to simple compounds or elements by organisms. There are 16 or more essential nutrients that plants need to grow to be healthy, most of which are obtained from the soil. To optimize crop production, producers may add nutrients to the soil in the form of fertilizer, manure, or other amendments. Healthy, functioning soil has the capacity to provide at least some of a crop’s nutrient requirements through improved nutrient cycling, reducing the amount of fertilizer needed. Adding the right type and amount of fertilizers, manure, compost, or other amendment in the right way at the right time can help make the soil healthier and improve plant production.