You want to apply fall nitrogen as close to freeze up as possible to balance two objectives: (1) allow soil to seal over the band (frozen soil may not seal) and (2) reduce losses due to high microbial activity in warm soils. Band urea at least 2” deep.
A few tips to celebrate ‘Phosphorus Week’
In celebration of Phosphorus Week and the 350th anniversary of the discovery of this essential element for agriculture, Fertilizer Canada launched “4R Management of Phosphorus Fertilizer in the Northern Great Plains: A Review of the Scientific Literature”, written by Cindy Grant and Don Flaten.Here are a few key messages….
Signs of sulphur shortages
We heard two reports this week of sulphur deficiency symptoms. One situation was the result of other early-season pressures – delayed emergence and flea beetles – and was solved as the plants grew bigger.
Seeding-time decisions to improve profit
Marketing and environmental challenges often have farmers reviewing ways to best-manage inputs to improve profits. Here are common agronomy practices that can greatly influence crop profitability.
Timely fertilizer management topics
Two key topics: How much fertilizer does canola need? and Why limit seed-placed fertilizer?
Top 10 canola-related jobs for April
1. Prep for good seed placement. 2. Use the canola calculator to set seeding rates. 3. Know the risk of seed-placed fertilizer…and more.
Fertilizer planning: Seed-placed rates, logistics, in-crop applications
What fertilizer to put in the seed row?
How much fertilizer does canola need?
What are your logistical challenges to following the 4Rs?
Soil health: Indicators and improvements
The following article is based on this Canola Watch podcast with University of Manitoba soil scientist David Lobb.
Late fall fertilizer and soil testing
Fall fertilizer Fall fertilizer is best applied as close to freeze up as possible to balance two objectives: (1) To allow soil to seal over the band (frozen soil may not seal). (2) To reduce losses due to high microbial activity in warm soils. The key strategy of fall fertilization is to store nitrogen over the winter in the …
Fall fertilizer questions for 2018
Question: After a couple of bad years, cash flow is tight. How can a farm reduce fertilizer costs while still keeping the door open for a good rebound yield?
Answer: (1) Soil sampling is often more valuable after a bad year because reserves could still be high. A soil test may show higher than expected carryover. Note that after a dry year, soil nutrient reserves may be concentrated a little deeper so test to at least 12” and probably to 24”. …