Todays thoughts

As it continues to rain the catch up on reading, learning software and getting your field files ready for sampling continues. First a few thoughts on Nitrogen. At this point we all wonder how much if any N that was applied early has been lost. If you used stabilizers chances are you are fairly safe. In sandy soils the problem is leaching and in heavy soils it is more about denitrification. In any case the speed of conversion from ammonia to nitrate is one factor. The cooler temps have helped in that respect slowing down that conversion. Nitrate tests at this point would be inconclusive due to lower soil temperatures. Our new N test called PNA for potential nitrogen assessment has shown on wheat that maybe an additional 20 to 30 lbs might be warranted. However that test is still in the "testing" phase and we are using it only for research and calibration purposes right now. I would consider foliar applications of N with fungicide sprays on wheat. Helena has CoRon and CPS has N-Pact, Freeland carries Nitamin 30, all products would be a good source of N for foliar.


Fertilizer prices are poised to move up a little bit more than some of the publications I have been following had predicted in the last few weeks. While working on this today I did a little math on P sources and came to the conclusion that those of you using liquid starter may have an opportunity to save some serious dollars by mixing things up a bit. This all has to do with the price spread between 10-34-0 and MAP. If you want more details give me a shout. 


Sampling is underway as weather and field conditions permit. It is going to be a challenge getting this done as early as I would like just like you would rather have been planted earlier. 


As I continue to process planting data and yield data the more convinced I am that this technology is going to make us money. From fine tuning zones to exact placement of proper nutrients to the future methods of sending spreading files directly to your tractors via wireless signals... its very exciting stuff.


Monitor sugar is recommending liming ahead of sugar beets and they are doing so vigorously. I do not have a problem with this practice in general. I have read and continue to read the research out of the valley. I have not found much plot data yet that gives me any type of starting point with regards to balance and pH. Some yes but not enough. The bottom line is that anphanomyces is still a DRAINAGE problem. The last 2 years we have had warm and wet and that is not a good combination for resisting infection. There is plot data out there that suggests success with liming, some with no difference. Another area where some success is being seen is having adequate P close to the seed especially in low P soils. If you want to lime ahead of beet fields as a matter of disease management again I don't have a problem with it just make sure you understand the effect this will have on magnesium and potassium levels and availability in particular on soils with TEC's of less than 10. Get me a list of Beet fields for 2012 and if you want I will include this application in the recommendations so you will have maps and accurate tonnage calculations. Custom spread files are easily made for this also. 


Other random thoughts include fertilizer storage, co-ownership of equipment, vertical tillage.