Crop Insights--Phosphorus and potassium Fertility for corn and soybean.doc

Crop Insights: Phosphorus and Potassium Fertility for Corn and Soybean By Andy Heggenstaller, Agronomy Research Manager Summary Introduction Soil Sampling - Precision Methods Interpreting Soil Test Results Fertilizer Timing and Placement Silage and Residue Harvest Conclusions References Summary Consider precision soil sampling methods in conjunction with variable rate technology to improve P and K management and maximize returns on fertilizer investment. Soil test results can be interpreted based on management style, market conditions and risk position to maximize short-term returns following a nutrient sufficiency philosophy or to ensure consistent returns over the long-term following a build and maintain philosophy. Nutrient sufficiency recommendations are designed to provide 90 to 95% of maximum yield and a high rate of return per unit of fertilizer applied. Build and maintain recommendations are designed to provide 100% of maximum yield with low risk of yield loss due to insufficient fertility. No matter which philosophy is used to determine P and K rates, return to fertilizer investment is greatest for low-testing soils. Avoiding unnecessary fertilization of high-testing soils increases profitability. Banded P and K applications are best suited for specific situations, including soils that are slow to warm in the spring and soils that are managed under no-till or conservation tillage. Nutrient removal due to silage or crop residue harvest should be considered when determining fertilizer rate recommendations. Delaying residue harvest can reduce nutrient removal rates. back to top Introduction Recent years have seen increased price volatility for both farm inputs and products. Few inputs have experienced such dramatic price fluctuations relative to grain as have phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers (Figure 1). Given unstable market conditions, careful management of fertilizer inputs is more important than ever to maximize net returns. This?Crop Insig