21,

2013
2008 Tarkio February
&February
Fairfax
12,FFA,
2015 FCCLA & FBLA Recognition - Page 16
Page
Page1616 FBLA, FCCLA & FFA

FBLA, FCCLA & FFA

FFAAccepts
Accepts
FFA
The
FFA Accepts The
ChallengesThe
of Tomorrow
Challenges of Tomorrow
Challenges
Of Tomorrow

Dos and Donts for Proper Fertility

Set Yield Goals

Yield goals should be set for each field

Set realistic and challenging yield goals
Know the Plant Nutrients
Start with analysis of past yields
Evaluate management decisions and inputs that can be improved or changed
Primary nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (used in the largest quan Start a 3-5 year yield improvement program with a goal to improve yields 10-20
tities by plants)
percent per year
Other nutrients: Zinc and sulfur, calcium sometimes being important as a nutrition
problem
Consult Local Fertility Experts

Review Crop Production Records

Review last years yield data and crop notes
Review past deficiency symptoms and other growth problems
Define all yield limiting factors from last years crop
Correct soil pH as needed
Consider insect, weed, and soil compaction potentials

Finalize Nutrient Management Plans

After considering all factors, the nutrient management plan should include the
quantity, placement and timing of nutrient applications
It is a Best Management Practice to ensure adequate but not excessive nutrients
are available to the growing crop
Develop a plan to achieve production and environmental goals

Many factors influence crop response to fertilizers. Our certified crop advisors can
provide invaluable advice when making fertilization decisions.

Options for Starter Fertilizer

Methods of application and placement should be considered
Starter band placement may provide benefits in cool, wet springs, low fertility situations, early planting and other high stress situations
The starter effect generally disappears during the growing season in high fertility
fields

Soil Sampling & Testing

Single best tool for fertility planning
Use proper sampling procedures. Determine within-field variability
Aids in avoiding under- or over-fertilization

Back to
Basics

Soil Sampling
Soil sampling and testing provides an estimate of the capacity of the soil to
supply adequate nutrients to meet the needs of growing crops. The tests results
are compared to standard response data to estimate the need to supply additional nutrients for optimum crop production.
With site-specific management being implemented on many farms, there is a
growing need to characterize the variability in nutrient needs across the field.
Think about why you are sampling the soil. The goal is to estimate
the capacity of the soil to provide adequate amounts of the necessary nutrients
to meet the needs of the crop (or crops) to be grown. The samples should be
collected in such a way as to best meet that goal. The sampling pattern should be
set to best characterize the variability within the field.

Not all cows produce

the same amount of
milk. Sound dairy herd
management
practice tells us we
should feed each cow
a rate and blend that
corresponds to their
milk producing ability.
Its the same with your
fields. Input redistribution is the basic logic
behind Site-Specific
fertilizer application.

MO Valley
WellAgmake
On the Hill at Rock Port

your money
grow..

Well make your money

GROW

Fertility
Fertility Prescriptions
Prescriptions:
Making Crops Healthier
Making
Healthier
For Crops
Better Yields
For Better Yields
Rock Port, Missouri
660-744-5325
660-744-5325

Talk to-Wally
- Tim - Josh
Wally Riebesell
Manager