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Managing nutrients during tough economic times

Farmers in the Upper Midwest are learning how to manage nutrients for the current economic situation.

Dr. Scott Murrell is director of the non-profit International Plant Nutrition Institute and is speaking at today’s Nutrient Management Conference hosted by the University of Minnesota.

He says a good management plan begins with a soil test.

“It’s your main indicator of what’s happening in the soil, and the biggest take-home message from that is as you get to lower soil-test levels you no longer have the option to fertilize.  Economically you have to fertilize, and I think that’s a big message.”

Murrell tells Brownfield even in tough economic times, producers need to ensure nitrogen efficiency is being maximized.

“If you skip an application of phosphorous and potassium, it can decrease the effectiveness of your nitrogen applications.  People are often focusing on nitrogen during these times, but if P and K are needed too, you have to apply those to get the most out of your nitrogen.”

Murrell reiterates a soil test will reveal if there are certain micronutrients producers can avoid using to minimize input costs.