Managing phosphorus
Plant breeders are constantly changing and improving spring wheat. Higher yielding, more disease resistant, earlier maturing and better-standing varieties are regularly released.
Phosphorus is the second most limiting nutrient for spring wheat production in the northern Great Plains. About three-quarters of the soils in the Canadian Prairies and two-thirds of the soils in the northern U.S. test medium or less in available phosphorus.
This was recently confirmed in trials in Alberta where 117 of 145 sites responded to phosphorus fertilization. Yield increases exceeded five bushels/acre in 74 of the responsive sites. The remaining 43 sites had yield increases from two to five bu./acre.
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Today’s wheat varieties are likely more sensitive to phosphorus deficiency. Yields have nearly doubled in the last 30 years. That means twice as much phosphorus is being removed from the soil. Newer varieties are less day-length sensitive than older varieties, which means they grow earlier in cooler soils. Conservation tillage is becoming more common, which means seedlings grow in a cooler environment.
Spring wheat is a fast-growing crop. Yield is determined early, during the first 30 days of growth. The first two tillers are critical for a good yielding crop, and phosphorus fertilization has long been known to stimulate tillering.
New varieties need more phosphorus earlier in their growth. North Dakota research is showing early maturing, day-length insensitive varieties require more phosphorus than older, late maturing day-length sensitive varieties. The older varieties appear to initiate and produce more tillers at lower levels of available phosphorus.
Starter phosphorus is the key to fast tiller initiation, especially when soils are cool and wet in early spring. Cool soil temperatures restrict root growth and slow phosphorus movement from the soil into the plant.
A 24-year Saskatchewan study consistently found a two to three bushel yield increase in spring wheat with seed-placed phosphorus, even when soil tests were high.
With today’s newer varieties, starter phosphorus is even more crucial in getting the crop off to a good start.
– Potash & Phosphate Institute
Bison video
The Saskatchewan Bison Association has recently produced a video for those considering going into the bison business. The video addresses the reasons why bison production is a profitable form of diversification, as well as the animal’s feeding, breeding, health, marketing, and required fencing and handling facilities.
The bison production video is available from Sue Kroeger, secretary/treasurer of the Saskatchewan Bison Association, Box 178, Hanley, SOG 2EO, 306-544-2869; fax 306-544-2212. The cost is $25.
The bison production video may also be loaned from Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food extension staff at rural service centres in Saskatoon, Yorkton, Weyburn, Swift Current, Tisdale, Prince Albert and North Battleford. Tapes should be available near the end of January.
– Saskatchewan Agriculture
