BRANDON, Man. – Farmers just getting into zero till can expect to spend a lot on fertilizer. So it’s not surprising that those attending a recent zero-till workshop here were eager for tips on how to get more bang for their fertilizer buck.
Terry Roberts, a director of the Potash and Phosphate Institute, came armed with research that shows farmers need to pay close attention to how they manage crop residues and apply fertilizer if they are to save money or have good results.
Barry Gosnell, a Crystal City, Man., farmer who’s experimenting with zero till, said fertilizer is one of his biggest concerns. “It’s very expensive now and to be able to put it in the right spot is very important.”
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Roberts explained that fertilizer costs are back up to what they were in the mid-1980s due to supply shortages, high demand and the low Canadian dollar.
Because water and nitrogen efficiency depend on each other, it’s important farmers ensure there is sufficient water stored in the soil. The best way to do this is to have long stubble.
Roberts said farmers starting zero-till techniques often broadcast nitrogen because it’s easy and familiar. But that method doesn’t work well for zero till. Crop residues on the surface will use it up, or it will be lost to the atmosphere. Nitrogen should be placed below the soil surface.
Roberts said spoke-wheel injection or point-injection shows a lot of promise in applying fertilizers because, similar to banding, the fertilizer does not get tied up in organic residue.
Less soil disturbance
Point-injection also requires less horsepower while creating minimal soil disturbance.
The time of application is also crucial. Studies show spring banding is the most effective method, unless moisture conditions are poor in the spring. If fall application is necessary, surface banding is recommended.
Roberts said a lot of farmers have been asking how much fertilizer can be applied safely with seed in one pass.
The safe rate depends on moisture levels, soil texture and how much of the seedbed is used, he said.
Heavier soils with good moisture can handle more seed-placed fertilizer. When the seed and fertilizer are scattered over a greater proportion of the seedbed, it’s safe to use more fertilizer.
Phosphorus and potassium tend to accumulate where they are placed. Plants may not be able to reach them. Roberts recommended using starter applications, or putting a small amount of fertilizer with the seed.
Including some nitrogen when banding phosphorus can make the phosphorus more available to plants.
However, Roberts said too much nitrogen can be detrimental. He added dual bands are more efficient when allowed to “incubate” in the soil for three weeks.
