With high fertilizer prices, stick with proven fertility programs backed by soil testing

University of Minnesota Extension nutrient management specialist Dan Kaiser talks with the Red River Farm Network about what to do about high fertilizer prices.

Red River Farm Network: This is the Soil Fertility Minute presented by the Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Council. We’re joined by Daniel Kaiser, professor and Extension Soil Fertility Specialist with the University of Minnesota.

Dan Kaiser: When we see price hikes in fertilizer, we see a lot of companies come out of the woodwork with products that claim to be able to replace a significant portion of the fertilizer needs of a crop. I just really want to stress that there’s a lot of situations here that we’re throwing good money at something that’s really never going to pan out.

Red River Farm Network: Kaiser says university research continues to show the value of proven fertility programs backed by soil testing.

Dan Kaiser: So, I mean, I just do a little digging on some of the stuff before you buy into it because that money you’re spending, even though it doesn’t seem like a whole lot, might be better somewhere else. And just try to figure out whether or not there’s any data on these products. It’s really the best thing you can do.

Red River Farm Network: AFREC is a farmer led program advancing soil fertility research. Find out more at mnsoilfertility.com.