Science-Based Nutrient Management in Times of High Fertilizer Prices
Making science-based decisions when fertilizer prices are high can help increase the return on investment (ROI) from your nutrient management strategy. As we see fertilizer prices continue to soar in 2022, are there ways to prepare for markets like this in the future? Dr. Cristie Preston, explains what practices you can take when preparing for high fertilizer prices, including nutrient management and crop rotations based on current crop markets.
Best practices before 2022
“I could have taken a good soil sample,” Dr. Preston says of what to do to prepare for high fertilizer prices. Using clean soil sampling tools, taking samples at consistent depths, and collecting enough and thoroughly mixing cores are key to determining the amount of fertilizer you need to apply for optimal crop performance. Dr. Preston also explains the importance of knowing your soil’s pH, “Really trying to keep it in the sweet spot of just below 6.5 to just above 7.0, you have the maximum amount of nutrients available.”
“For a year like 2022, a starter [fertilizer] application is a great management practice that you should take advantage of,” Dr. Preston explains. “If you’ve built up your soil test levels, you need to ensure that you have enough fertilizer out there early enough that the crop’s not going to be limited.”
You can potentially save in grain dry down with a starter – the crop matures faster. “The moral of the story is the things we do today can potentially affect how much additional cost savings I can have at the end of harvest.”
4R nutrient management
Dr. Preston goes on to talk about the importance of 4R nutrient stewardship in a year like 2022. Ensuring the right source, time, rate, and place for nutrient benefits not only economically, but also contributes to social wellbeing and minimizes environmental impacts. “Timing of application can be key this year to make sure that we are really increasing our nutrient use efficiency by matching up timing,” Dr. Preston explains. “If I can check off all four of these boxes, then more than likely I’m not going to have large amounts lost to the environment and that can help save on my ROI.”
Switching up crop rotation
If you’re thinking of changing up your crop rotation this season to save on fertilizer, you’ll need to consider the agronomic effects of this choice. Switching from corn to soybeans could impact yield by loss of ten percent or higher due to the high-stress environment and loss of rotational effect. Additionally, Dr. Preston explains that if you applied a fall corn herbicide, corn should be planted. Pest pressures from soybeans should also be taken into consideration – pests like soybean cyst nematode and sudden death syndrome could be a problem in your field. Dr. Preston also explains, “If I’ve applied high amounts of nitrogen in the fall, I probably should be sticking with corn.”
High fertilizer prices this year do not mean you should abandon your nutrient management strategy. Rather, using science-based nutrient management practices like understanding what’s in your soil, utilizing 4R nutrient stewardship methods, and making smart crop rotation decisions will ultimately help your ROI. Maximize your return with the eKonomics Nutrient ROI Calculator – choose your crop, location, and other important factors in your operation to determine your best path forward. Talk to an agronomist for more support with your nutrient management decisions this season.
