Oct 1, 2004

Making the Best of Fertilizer ShortagesSource: University of Illinois

Continued worldwide demand for fertilizer could result in limited supplies for the 2005-growing season, according to Bob Hoeft, soil fertility specialist with University of Illinois Extension. “With potentially short supplies, it is important for producers to make the best use of available fertilizer to ensure maximum production on their fields,” Hoeft said. “Growers who have not had a recent soil test should consider having a sample from each 2 1/2 acres of their fields analyzed for pH, phosphorus and potassium.”

Hoeft suggests applying lime, which will not be in short supply, to any field with less than 6.0 soil pH. Growers should also consider adding phosphorus and potassium to low-testing fields first. “The allocation should be made to fields that have phosphorus test-levels less than 40 lbs. per acre or potassium levels less than 260 lbs. per acre,” Hoeft said. “Research has shown that application of an amount equal to about 1 1/2 times crop removal will often optimize yields, even on low-testing soils. If supplies are limited, growers should think about delaying the build-up portion until the quantities are more plentiful.”

Hoeft advises growers to spread limited supplies of fertilizer over all the acres, rather than adding full rates to some fields and none to others. The exception would be only when phosphorus tests are greater than 70 lbs. per acre and potassium levels are greater than 400 lbs. per acre.

“When test levels are low and soil pH is high, limited supplies of phosphorus can be applied in a band 2 inches below and 2 inches to the side of the seed,” Hoeft said. “It is, however, important to remember that the high yields in 2004 will remove more phosphorus and potassium from the soil than during an average year.” Hoeft notes that nitrogen will likely not be in short supply, although prices could be higher than normal.