Details for Fertilizer, Soil, Nutrients, Field Crops, Row Crops, Forage Crops, Regenerative, Specialty Crops

With higher fertilizer rates achieving higher yields we should start to be aware of the long term impacts. Routine soil sampling is important to monitor ph and salinity levels. If you see changes i would look at different options. There are some exciting biological products that could solve some challenges in regards to fertilizer usage. Even some new fertilizer products that are lower salt.

The question about salt concentration from commercial fertilizers is interesting. There are some who say continued use of commercial fertilizers increase solidity in soils. In my experience over four decades of working with farmers, I would say that the judicious use of fertilizers has not shown an increase in salinity. However the issue around salt concentration next to the seed is valid. As we decrease seedbed, utilization, and increase amount of fertilizer plays next to the seed, there have been many instances of reduced emergence due to salt index damage. It would seem to me that good agronomics need to be considered as we recommend how much fertilizer is placed with the seed. Increase seedbed utilization results in a dilution of the salt index resulting in increase safety. There are a number of fertilizers on the market today that have assault index then the standard fertilizer formulations. And, these are important advances that need to be utilized. If you are going to concentrate a lot of fertilizer next to the seed. salt index valuations are known, and can be figured into the recommendation process. This requires the careful consultation with knowledgable agronomist, who can help determine the safe rates to put on based on the types of seating equipment being utilized.