|
|
|
Alternate sources may help beat high fertilizer costNebraska Given continuing upward pressure on the price of purchased nitrogen, producers should make sure they use and account for every bit of non-purchased nitrogen they have available, said a University of Nebraska-Lincoln specialist. "Many people blame ethanol for the increasing cost of fertilizer," said Richard Ferguson, UNL soils specialist. "It is a factor, because corn requires more nitrogen than some other crops and the increased acreage in corn has increased demand." Ferguson also listed a number of other contributing factors, including greater transportation cost brought on by rising petroleum cost, a large decline in domestic production, particularly anhydrous ammonia, and the declining value of the dollar compared to the euro and the pound. Although the price of nitrogen is about twice its cost last year or two years ago, he said, the relative price of corn has increased more. So UNL's fertilizer recommendation, which has an economic component, may be higher this year than last. Ferguson advised producers to keep in mind that the value of non-purchased nitrogen has also doubled, so it's important to consider those sources and to account for them. Among non-purchased sources, Ferguson listed residual nitrogen mineralized in the soil, organic matter, nitrogen fixed by legumes like soybeans and alfalfa, and manure. Irrigation water in some parts of the state also carries significant nitrogen, he said. Ferguson encouraged producers to sample soils before applying manure or purchased nitrogen. Some contributions from legumes often don't show up in a soil sample; those contributions can be calculated on the basis of the crop and the stand. UNL provides tables for determining how much credit to give. The tables directly account for timing of application for corn, with sidedress application being most efficient. "We increase the amount of nitrogen by 5 percent if applied before planting and by another 5 percent if applied the previous fall," he said. "Those rates recognize loss factors; the longer nitrogen is in the soil, the greater the likelihood it will not be available to the crop." When planning to apply manure, producers should analyze the nutrient content of the manure before determining how much to apply. The University of Nebraska has shown through research with traditional nitrogen fertilizers that they are agronomically equal, achieving the same crop yield if properly applied. However, new controlled release and enhanced efficiency fertilizers coming into the market may increase efficiency--and perhaps yield--compared to traditional fertilizers. Producers are encouraged to carefully consider options and prices, and to watch for the lastest research information on new fertilizers as it is available. For more information, decision-making software and tables for determining nitrogen credits, go to: http://soilfertility.unl.edu/ or contact your nearest Extension office. 6/16/08 Date: 6/10/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
