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Keeping nutrients on the field

With the emphasis on water quality and nutrient management these days, there’s more for farmers to do than just planting their crop.

Ohio State University Extension specialist Greg LaBarge says when surface applying fertilizer, farmers should pay attention to rain events and take a good look at soil tests before going to the field.

“Those high soil testing fields, we don’t need nutrients on, don’t apply them,” LaBarge said. “We don’t need them, they’re not providing anything from an economic standpoint and return to crops, they’re just at risk to leave the field.”

LaBarge has been conducting fertilizer applicator certification classes in the Western Lake Erie Basin. In Ohio, Senate Bill 150 requires anyone applying commercial fertilizer to 50 acres, or more to be certified.