Spring 2008
Conditions across the 6-state Southern and Central
Great Plains Region are relatively good at this
writing. The latest Palmer Drought Severity Index
(March 8) shows the entire region in the near
normal and above range in terms of moisture.
However, some areas, especially in the west and
southwest, are in need of more rain. Wheat conditions
are somewhat variable across the region, but
overall most states report the majority of wheat
in fair or better condition. With wheat prices
as high as they are, this was not a year to short
the crop on N. While the window for topdressing
in many instances is already past, in some cases
it may still be appropriate. Remember, topdressed
N needs to be in the root zone by the time winter
wheat hits jointing, otherwise it will have limited
yield benefit.
We are all aware
that the crop production environment has changed
dramatically over the past year or so. Grain
prices are much higher, but so are input prices.
The price of fertilizer is certainly no exception.
Now is a good time to remind growers of the
importance of basic agronomy in decision making.
For instance, some manufacturers and vendors
claim that their fertilizer products can be
used at greatly reduced rates compared to conventional
sources with the same or better results. These
claims are often associated with nontraditional
materials of unusual chemistry and/or high
purity. While the nontraditional, low-rate
programs might look good on the surface, one
should always evaluate such evidence and claims
through the lens of sound agronomic principles.
Reduced rate schemes that don’t even meet
crop removal levels for major nutrients are not
sustainable and will ultimately result in depletion
of soil P and K reserves. So, beware of fertilizer
products and fertility schemes that seem too
good to be true… if it sounds too good
to be true, it probably is.
Finally, remember that
yield is the most important determinant of profitability,
even in the current market conditions. As we
go into the spring make sure that the crop is
provided complete and balanced nutrition to produce
top yields.
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