Kick-Off the Fall Season with Fertilization Management / Fall 2005

Kick-Off the Fall Season with
Fertilization Management / Fall 2005

Just as surely as football season comes around the same time each year, the opportunities for timely soil fertility management and key crop production practices take to the field each fall. And just as any good coach reviews and adjusts his game plans, farmers…in cooperation with their crop advisers and dealers…should be evaluating and taking positive steps toward the next crop cycle.

A series of seven new, seasonal topics from the Potash & Phosphate Institute/Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada (PPI/PPIC) provides perspectives on soil, crop, tillage, and fertilization questions. Prepared by PPI/PPIC Regional Directors in North America, these topics are offered as PDF files which can be printed or adapted for further use. Here’s a summary of what’s available. (click on the title for the PDF)

Nourishing the 2006 Crop...Will We Get It Done?
Dr. Paul E. Fixen, PPI Senior Vice President, North American Program Coordinator, and Director of Research

This article presents an overview of the dilemma facing crop producers as we move toward the 2006 season. Increased costs for fertilizers will raise many questions. Here's the case for best management practices and optimum nutrient rates.

Phosphorus and Potassium Nutrition of Forages…Consider the ‘Hidden’ Benefits
Dr. Mike Stewart, Southern and Central Great Plains Region Director

Adequate phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels increase effectiveness of nitrogen (N) on grasses and N fixation/stand persistence for legumes. Both of these benefits are even more important with higher costs for fertilizers and energy. Other ‘hidden’ advantages of forage fertilization include greater water use efficiency and improved nodulation and N fixation by legumes.

Fall 2005…A Great Time to Improve Your Soil Sampling
Dr. Adrian Johnston, Northern Great Plains Region Director

If you feel as though you have heard enough about soil sampling, you are in for a big surprise. With the increased focus on nutrient management planning of intensive livestock areas, and farm planning programs to manage fertilizer nutrients, we are on the verge of major soil sampling promotional campaigns in most states and provinces.

Balanced Soil Fertility Management for Tree and Vineyard Crops
Dr. Rob Mikkelsen, West Region Director

Shortages and imbalances in nutrient supply can lead to many problems for perennial vine and tree crops, including reduced yields, quality, and overall profitability. Fall is an excellent time to take a closer look at maintaining the soil in top condition to sustain profitable production and to correct problem areas.

Fertilizing for Minimum Impact on Water Quality
Dr. Tom Bruulsema, Northeast Region Director

Fall is the best time to take soil samples. It can also be a good time to apply some fertilizer and manure, but the risk to water quality needs to be managed. Using the phosphorus index, that risk can be managed for the maximum benefit to soils and crops.

Best Management Practices for Soybean Health and Nutrition
Dr. Scott Murrell, Northcentral Region Director, and Dr. Cliff Snyder, Southeast Region Director

Many producers have become frustrated with the yield plateaus they see in their soybean fields. This article discusses some key nutrient management points to remember before planting, at planting, during the growing season, and at harvest. It also includes a note on crop disease and nutrient interactions.

Fertilizing for the Crop Rotation…Coming up Short?
Dr. Cliff Snyder, Southeast Region Director

Several logical questions about plant nutrition and P and K management are related to inherent differences in crops, such as heat unit requirements and tolerance to nematodes and root diseases. In a practical question/answer format, this article addresses some of these differences and how crop management can be best adapted.

Other resources on Fall Fertilization: