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 Questions
Worth Answering about Your Soil Testing Program
Most everyone agrees that soil testing makes
sense. But it's also wise to understand the interpretation approach...for example,
sufficiency or build-maintenance...that is used to convert soil test levels
to fertilizer recommendations. This article, in question/answer format, tags
several points to consider before samples are sent to the lab and after the
results are returned.
Prices
Change-Balanced Fertility Needs Remain the Same
Crop production conditions
have certainly changed over the past few years and
will continue to evolve as we move forward. Sometimes
the more dramatic changes, especially the negative
ones, can produce a measure of shock and consternation.
We must remember though...one thing that doesn't change
is the crop's need for adequate and balanced fertility.
Soybean
Nutrition and Pest Management Implications
It has been widely known
for some years that high soil fertility levels and
good plant nutrition lead to higher soybean yields.
But did you know that proper plant nutrition can help
reduce susceptibility to incidence and severity of
a number of soybean pest problems?
Nutrient
Placement in Reduced Tillage Systems: Considerations
Nutrient stratification in reduced tillage systems, along
with cooler early spring soil temperatures and higher soil moisture,
can mean profitable crop responses to banded applications of
N, P, and sometimes K near the seed. Midwest research indicates
that placement of bands deeper in the soil produces more consistent
benefits for K than for P.
Fall-Applied
Nitrogen in the Corn Belt: Questions and Answers for Corn
Risks involved with fall
N application for corn can be described as logistical,
agronomic, environmental, and economic. This article
reviews these factors based on 2006 conditions.
MAP,
as a Starter Fertilizer for Corn
Monoammonium phosphate
(MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) are excellent sources of
phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) for high yield, high quality
crop production.
Potassium
Can Improve Crop Establishment
Dr. A. M. Johnson,
Northern Great Plains Director for PPI/PPIC, reports that seedbed
fertility is important for establishing a crop. He identifies
the specific roles of potassium in plant growth, such as its
role in activating enzymes, photosynthesis and root growth.
Potassium
and Phosphorus for Quality Alfalfa
Adequate nutrition all season long is a vital component of high yield/quality
forage production.
Phosphorus
Stratified Soil Management
Reduced tillage systems teamed with surface applications of fertilizer P often
results in an accumulation of P in the surface soil and depletion of available
P deeper in the soil profile.
MAP
and DAP Field Study
Summarized by State: Results from
2002 - 2005
Comparisons
of MAP and DAP…a review of literature
by the P.P.I.
Nitrogen
Nutrition of Cotton
Nitrogen is required in fairly large amounts by cotton plants. Research findings
show that each acre of high yielding cotton contains as much as 180 pounds
of N in the root system and above ground plant parts.
Corn
and Soybean Response to Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P)
Yield response of corn to N and P and soybean response to
P has been documented to vary within and between fields.
High
Yield/Quality Potatoes have High NK Needs
Potatoes are grown in nearly
every state in the U.S. with sales in excess of $3
billion. Yield, tuber size and specific gravity (dry
matter content) influence quality factors such as frying
properties and flavor. Fertility management decisions
can influence these as well as storage properties.
Nutrient
Needs of Continuous Corn
Some growers are considering a shift from a corn/soybeans
rotation to continuous corn. More nitrogen (N) will be needed
since soybeans will no longer provide some residual N.
Magnesium
Nutrition of Cotton
Healthy cotton leaves, stems, and roots will maximize photosynthetic activity
and give the plant the best chance of producing a top yield of quality lint.
With the increased yield potential of faster-fruiting cotton cultivars, particularly
under irrigation, a higher soil fertility maintenance and nutrient supply may
be required in order to keep pace with nutrient uptake needs.
Citrus
Fertilization
According to Drs. Futch, Zekri and Oswalt, Extension Specialists with the University
of Florida, cultural programs, such as fertilization, need to be formalized
to maximize fruit yield and health of citrus trees.
Sulfur
Nutrition of Cotton
Sulfur is an essential component of two amino acids, methionine and cysteine.
These amino acids are key building blocks needed for protein formation in the
cotton plant. Research studies indicate that high yielding cotton will take
up nearly forty pounds of S during the growing season.
High
Analysis Phosphate Sources for Starter Fertilizers
The menu is a good one. It contains liquid sources such as
the polyphosphates 10-34-0 and 11-37-0 or granular sources such
as monoammonium phosphate (MAP, which is 11-52-0) and diammonium
phosphate (DAP, which is 18-46-0).
Soybean
Nutrient Recommendations
Soil test calibration research conducted by Dr. Antonio
Mallarino with the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University
has produced new data for potassium (K).
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