Too much water in some parts of Alberta has caused nutrient problems for grain and oilseed crops that are already behind schedule.
Soil has suffered substantial nitrogen losses in some cases, say agronomists with the Canola Council of Canada, especially in low lying areas.
Denitrification can occur even in fields where water receded rapidly enough to prevent crops from drowning. As well, sulfur is highly mobile and can be lost to crops.
For producers who began the year with lower than recommended fertilizer rates, the risk of reduced yields has been compounded by excessive rain washing away available nutrients.
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Rigas Karamanos of Westco Fertilizers said one option is to dribble band or spread urea to replace lost nutrients. This option is available until canola crops reach the six leaf stage or cereals tiller.
The canola council suggests tissue testing once crops have stabilized after the water has drained off.
Karamanos said soil sampling isn’t a good indicator of nutrients in a growing crop.
“You need good growing conditions and some optimism that it will rain after you apply the fertilizer,” he said. “If you are dribble banding you need to take care to keep it between the rows to avoid crop damage.”
The canola council said producers should make sure rates and field conditions are appropriate to minimize detrimental effects from applying the products and that their application equipment will allow even coverage.
