Fertilizer Shortages Mean Use Supplies Carefully

By John Fulton

Continued worldwide demand for fertilizer could result in limited supplies for the 2005 growing season, according to Bob Hoeft, soil fertility specialist with University of Illinois Extension. "With potentially short supplies, it is important for producers to make the best use of available fertilizer to ensure maximum production on their fields," Hoeft said. "Growers who have not had a recent soil test should consider having a sample from each 21⁄2 acres of their fields analyzed for pH, phosphorus and potassium.?EUR??,,????'?? He suggests applying lime, which will not be in short supply, to any field with less than 6.0 soil pH. Growers should also consider adding phosphorus and potassium to low-testing fields first.

Hoeft said. "Research has shown that application of an amount equal to about 11⁄2 times crop removal will often optimize yields, even on low-testing soils. If supplies are limited, growers should think about delaying the buildup portion until the quantities are more plentiful." Hoeft advises growers to spread limited supplies of fertilizer over all the acres rather than adding full rates to some fields and none to others He notes that nitrogen will likely not be in short supply, although prices could be higher than normal.