A cooler than average start to the growing season has added some uncertainty to post-plant nitrogen fertilization strategies for Ontario corn producers. Soil supply of nitrogen to the corn crop is likely lower than normal due to reduced N mineralization from both soil organic matter and manure, and the Maximum Economic Rate of Nitrogen (MERN) […]
Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) are fertilizer sources or additives designed to delay or slow the release of plant-available forms of nitrogen in order to minimize losses to the environment. EEFs fall into two main categories: slow- or controlled release fertilizers, or nitrogen stabilizers (also called inhibitors). A 2020 fertilizer use survey conducted by Stratus Ag […]
Granular – primary nutrients – common sources Ingredient Grade1 (%) Other nutrients2 Salt index3 CaCO3 equivalent4 (lb/lb) Bulk density5 (lb/ft3) Bulk density5 (kg/L) Nitrogen (N) Urea 46-0-0 — 74 1.8 50 0.80 Ammonium nitrate 34-0-0 — 104 1.8 56 0.90 Calcium ammonium nitrate 27-0-0 4-6% Ca 0-2% Mg 93 0.9 68 1.10 Ammonium sulphate 21-0-0 […]
Excess fertilizer can harm seedlings due to injury from ammonia and salt. Fertilizer toxicity causes tissue damage to seedling roots and may result in delayed emergence and reduced plant stands. These effects are most often related to fertilizer nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and sulphur (S) content. Fertilizer toxicity varies widely, depending on soil texture and […]
Nutrient uptake and removal Nutrient uptake refers to the quantity of plant essential nutrient required for the crop to reach maturity – what is taken up in the aboveground portion of the plant. Nutrient removal is the nutrient content of the harvested portion of the crop that is removed from the field. In crops like […]
Soil management recommendations, including crop nutrient recommendations, must undergo a certain level of scrutiny before they are published in OMAFA crop production guides and other resource material. It’s important that Ontario producers using OMAFA published recommendations can be confident that these guidelines follow the latest proven science, and that they are removed from any potential […]
Soil pH To correct soil acidity, broadcast ground limestone and work it into the soil at rates determined by a soil test. Table 1, Guidelines for lime application to Ontario crops, shows the pH values below which liming is recommended, and the target soil pH to which soils should be limed for different crops. In […]
Plant analysis measures the nutrient content of plant tissue. Comparing the results against the “normal” and “critical” values for the crop can indicate whether nutrient supply is adequate for optimum growth. Plant analysis is the basis of fertilizer recommendations for some horticultural crops and is a useful supplement to soil testing for evaluation of the […]
The OMAFA-accredited soil testing program provides assurance of laboratory performance and appropriate analyses to support guidelines for nitrogen, phosphate, potash, magnesium, zinc and manganese fertilizer, along with parameters for the amount and type of lime to apply. The analytical methods used were chosen to provide accurate results on the range of soils found in Ontario. […]
Taking a soil sample is the first step to understanding your soil’s nutrient status in order to make decisions for your crop’s fertility. The next step in the process is to use the results coming back from the soil laboratory to develop a plan for fertilizer and organic amendment application. However, it can sometimes be […]
Soil sampling is a critical step to making effective crop nutrient decisions, and is one of the most profitable operations you can perform on your farm in a given year. A proper soil sample is the only way to determine whether your soils contain adequate levels of plant essential nutrients such, and how soil parameters […]
Interpreting the available nutrients in a fertilizer analysis Whether you are using a commercial fertilizer, organic amendments like manure or compost, or fertilizer by-products from industrial sources, it’s critical to know the nutrient analysis of the product. Analyses for agricultural nutrient sources may come in several different ways: When using a nutrient fertilizer source that […]
Livestock manure is an excellent source of nutrients that can complement commercial fertilizer applications to produce high yielding, high quality crops. Studies have demonstrated improved yield and economic returns from the use of manure in cropping systems. The simple answer The short answer is yes. Manure (of any type) is found in most regions of […]
Nutrient deficiencies occur regularly in Ontario and can be the cause of substantial yield loss depending on the type, severity and timing. Their presence is particularly frustrating when soil test levels show adequate levels of fertility. The simple answer Nutrient deficiencies can appear in soils testing moderate or high in plant nutrients given the right […]
The soil fertility benefits of applying livestock manure are significant. But storage is key. Uncovered storage facilities result in manure with a high volume of water and low nutrient value being shipped to fields. Fortunately, changes to storage facilities can improve efficiency of nutrient transport. The simple answer By covering liquid manure storage and diverting […]