How can growers best react and handle the unexpected conditions arising from increased fertilizer prices? This page offers a variety of tools and perspectives that can help. IPNI scientific staff have collected years of data and research results which support the importance of best management practices and optimum fertilization rates, even at higher prices.
“The consequences of cutting fertilizer rates vary depending on several factors including soil test levels, cropping system, weather, and the current rate. Often, what may look like a good savings can result in more severe losses in yields and net returns this year or in the future. For most farmers who have a good production system in place, the best plan is to basically stay the course,” says Dr. Paul Fixen, IPNI Senior Vice President, North American Program Coordinator, and Director of Research.
Take a look a through the following collection of articles that address current concerns.
Newly posted material Better Crops with Plant Food magazine (2008, No. 3) from IPNI has a focus on crop fertilization economics. World markets and related developments in recent months have resulted in crop prices at record levels, while costs for fertilizer and other inputs have also escalated. Articles from North America, Latin America, India, and China are featured in this edition, all emphasizing the fundamentals of fertilizer economics. For example, an article titled "Corn Fertilizer Decisions in a High-Priced Market" points out that producers will be rewarded for spending more time on fertilizer decisions, using tools developed by science to determine the right product, rate, timing, and placement.
Click here for a complete list of articles in PDF format.
General Series Impact of Nitrogen Rising Nitrogen Prices: Natural gas represents a major portion of the cost of ammonia production, and concern continues about effects on nitrogen (N) fertilizer prices. This web feature provides agronomic information relevant to N cost effects on crop fertilization decisions and management.
PKalc:Are phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrient additions keeping up with removal by crops? The spreadsheet PKalc v1.12 is an interactive tool that allows you to keep track of historical nutrient additions and removals for a field or field area.
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