Starter phosphorus economics

University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center lead researcher Jeff Vetsch talks with the Linder Farm Network about starter phosphorus fertilizer economics.

TRANSCRIPT

Linder Farm Network: It’s time for the AFREC Spotlight, the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council. Joining us, Jeff Vetsch, University of Minnesota Extension’s Southern Research and Outreach Center researcher to talk about starter phosphorus fertilizer economics.

Jeff Vetsch: Well, I think, you know, when we look at starter fertilizers, the first thing that most people think of is something that’s got a little phosphorus in it. Recognizing that many of so many fields in Southern Minnesota have very high soil test phosphorus. So, it is an area where yes, that early phosphorus fertilizer helps get that corn plant off to a good start. But it’s something that maybe farmers could consider either reducing the rate or eliminating completely if they’re on acid soils. They’re not high PH soils and if they’re in situations where they’re already applying a broadcast phosph phosphorus rate in the springtime or in the late fall, the previous year.

And, you know, soil testing is the key thing right now with the economics the way they are, and I don’t think the economics are gonna change anytime soon. So I’m sure people are thinking, well, I’ve already made my P and K fertilizer decisions and other fertilizer decisions for this fall and I’m sure that’s the case but soil testing for the fields that are going to get fertilizer next year, it’s a great time to do that.

And as I mentioned earlier, there’s so many of these fields that have high soil test phosphorus in particular. That’s probably the nutrient that you’re most likely can reduce the fertilizer application rate or eliminate it completely for a year or two and see really no yield decline at all. When soil test Bray phosphorus is above 25 or 30 part per million, there’s a very minimal chance or almost no chance of getting a response in that current growing season. And even if there is, it’s gonna be very small.

Going over our soil test recommendations, it’s always a good idea to to take them to an independent crop consultant or maybe your seed agronomist before you go talk to your retailer and get their opinions as well about where your soil test levels are and whether they’re optimum or not.

LFN: For more information visit mnSoilFertility.com