FOR THE FALL 2002 SEASON, the Potash & Phosphate Institute (PPI) offers a series of six new, seasonal articles on crop fertilization opportunities in North America. Prepared by PPI Regional Directors, these articles are offered as PDF files which can be printed or adapted for further use.

Here’s a quick review of what’s available. Click on the title of each article to launch the PDF file. You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the files.

Fall Fertility for Forages - Dr. T.W. Bruulsema

Restoring phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertility is an important aspect of managing for optimum productivity. Key considerations are soil testing and plant analysis, factors affecting mineral content, replacing crop removal, and timely application of needed nutrients.


Nutrient Removal as a Soil Fertility Planning Tool - Dr. Adrian M. Johnston

Soil fertility levels should never be allowed to drop to the point that yields are threatened. Management based on soil testing to estimate residual nutrient levels, along with crop removal estimates, can move producers toward maximum production potential while maintaining soil fertility.


Early Season Phosphorus for End-of-Season Gains in Wheat Production - Dr. T. Scott Murrell

Without an adequate phosphorus (P) supply early, wheat experiences growth restrictions from which it may never recover, even if P supplies become adequate later. Understanding the role of P at distinct growth stages of wheat also helps guide nutrient application and timing.


Are We Feeding the Whole Crop Rotation? - Dr. Harold F. Reetz, Jr.

In the Midwest, soybean acreage has been increasing over the past several years to the point that many farms are now primarily in a corn-soybean system. Increasing the presence of soybeans in the rotation has also increased the potassium (K) removal rate. Several different management tools can be useful in implementing improved management for the complete rotation.


Soil Test Summary Shows the Need for Increased Soil Sampling - Why Not this Fall? - Dr. C.S. Snyder

In several regions, soils have been “mined ”of nutrients for several years, to the point that they may not be capable of supplying phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and other nutrients at rates required for efficient plant uptake and profitable production. Fall is an excellent time to take crop, pasture, and forest nutrient management to the next level through improved soil sampling.


Chloride Fertilization of Wheat: Profit Waiting to Happen - Dr. Mike Stewart

Research in the U.S. Great Plains and Canadian Prairies has demonstrated that wheat and other small grains are sensitive to chloride (Cl) deficiency. However, many growers are still not realizing the benefits of fertilizing with Cl and reaping the higher returns it can offer.