At its home base in northeastern Saskatchewan, cultivator maker Bourgault is attempting to maximize yield by deep-banded phosphorus into typically untouched dirt.
Tag Archives phosphorus
Bourgault test-drives deep-banding phosphorus
At its test sites, the manufacturer is setting P deep down in soil to see if plants can access it throughout the season
Digging deep for soil phosphorus
Field Notes: P movement is limited in soil, particularly under dry soil conditions
As my PhD work conducted over the past four years reaches its completion, I’ve reflected on my master’s work more in the last few months than I’ve done since completing it nine years ago. In this column, I would like to highlight a few take-home messages from that work. The 4Rs of phosphorus (P) stewardship […] Read more
Understanding phosphorus, part 3: Developing fertilizer recommendations
Agronomy Management: It’s important to have adequate P close to the seed during the first six weeks of growth
Part 3 of 3. Prairie farmers spend over $1 billion annually on phosphate fertilizer; these three articles will hopefully assist with a better understanding of how soil P functions in soil, soil testing for P and then how to develop wise phosphate fertilizer recommendations.
Understanding soil phosphorus, Part 2: Soil testing for plant-available P
Agronomy Management: The proper test for your soil and region can help answer questions your plants’ roots will ask this season
In my previous Grainews article, I discussed soil phosphorus (P) cycling in soil, effects of crop rotations and fertilizing on soil P, and how crops take up soil P. In this article I’ll discuss soil tests used to estimate plant-available P. Next issue, we’ll discuss how to develop wise phosphate fertilizer recommendations for your farm. […] Read more
Understanding soil phosphorus, part 1
Agronomy Management: Rotations and fertilizer management have dramatic effects on pools of organic and inorganic P
Farmers and agronomists are very aware that phosphorus (P) is an essential element needed for optimum crop production in Western Canada. Most soils used for annual crops in Western Canada are very low, low or medium in plant-available soil P and are responsive to added P fertilizer. As a result, phosphate fertilizer use is second […] Read more
Field Notes: So what about solubility?
While conducting my PhD studies over the past three years, I have been fortunate to do a deep study on phosphorus (P). It is a fascinating nutrient often characterized by a series of seemingly contrasting truths. For example, while it is considered a nutrient essential for all life, it can also act as a pollutant […] Read more
Feeding dry fields
Prairie farmers find more than one way to optimize fertilizer efficiency, whether in dry growing seasons or in any growing season
Farmers and crop consultants in Western Canada have slightly different approaches to manage weather-related fertilizer application risks. With variable moisture, do you apply the full amount at seeding and hope for rain — or find another way? Most producers contacted by Grainews opt for some version of split fertilizer application when facing dry growing conditions […] Read more
How to make P management more sustainable
Phosphorus deficits are a problem on many Prairie farms. A Manitoba crop nutrition expert explains why — and has suggestions for what can help
Phosphorus has always been an essential nutrient in crop production. Maintaining the right P balance — ensuring there’s enough of it to sufficiently feed crops, but not too much of it so it runs off fields or seeps away to contaminate water bodies — is an ongoing challenge for Prairie farmers. Manitoba crop nutrition expert […] Read more
Phosphorus fertility studies reveal best placement
Proper placement of phosphorus fertilizer is crucial to meet the nutritional needs of plants
Like most Canadians these days, farmers are looking to get the most bang for their bucks. That’s especially true when it comes to applying phosphorus fertilizers to their fields. Jeff Schoenau, a professor of soil fertility at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and chair of soil nutrient management for the Saskatchewan Ministry of […] Read more
Your fall fertility primer
Get a head start on next year’s crops with these fertility guidelines, options and pro tips
Many Prairie farmers choose to apply fertilizers to their fields in the fall to save time in the spring — a strategy Farmers Edge agronomist Thom Weir believes makes good sense for a couple of reasons. “There’s lots of data that shows seeding early has a significant benefit to yield,” he says, adding that for […] Read moreCyber-Savvy Farmer
