By Warren Ward

Improve your fertilizer efficiency this spring

Apr 6, 2021 | 6:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — The principles of 4R fertilizer management will help farmers improve plant uptake of their fertilizer inputs. This will improve farm profitability and also reduce losses to the air and water.

4R practices are based on the four ‘Rights’ – Right Source at the Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place. The focus tends to be on nitrogen and phosphorus, which are two of the biggest input costs and two nutrients most likely to cause economic and environmental concerns when lost to the air and water. Here are a few 4R practices that farmers and agronomists can use this spring.

Right Source. In spring, source is not a big concern. Use whatever nitrogen and phosphorus products works best with your system.

Right Rate. For canola, we encourage a rate specific to the needs of each field. Variable rate application is an advanced 4R practice. Use soil tests and crop removal to set rates, and consider yield probabilities based on weather variations. For example, if conditions are dry at seeding, one option could be to reduce rates at the time of seeding and top up if conditions improve.

Right Time. In spring, there is no “wrong” time. It could be before seeding, at seeding or, as noted, a split application that includes an in-crop top up.

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Right Place. 4R recommends sub-surface bands to put fertilizer where the plants can get it and to reduce losses from surface applications. For canola, use only a starter rate of phosphate in the seed row and put everything else in a band outside the seed row. Note that seed and seedling damage from seed-placed fertilizer can be especially high in dry conditions. Without adequate moisture to dilute and dissipate the fertilizer, this hot band of fertilizer will reduce emergence.

Canola’s 4R goal

Canada’s canola industry has a goal to see 4R practices used on 90 per cent of canola acres by 2025.

Fertilizer Canada administers the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program that formally tracks 4R acres. To get their acres counted, farmers have to work with a 4R designated agronomist. The agronomist helps the farmer with steps required for 4R, and the agronomist then submits these acres to Fertilizer Canada.

What’s in it for the farmer? Through the use of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, farmers can ensure they use fertilizer efficiently and get more return from the investment. 4R designated agronomist are trained to improve nutrient use efficiency for farmers. In the bigger picture, improved nutrient use across Canada is good for the landscape and sends a positive message to our customers.

For more 4R tips and links, including companies with 4R designated agronomists, please read “How to get acres counted as 4R” at canolawatch.org.

–Warren Ward is an agronomy specialist and fertilizer lead with the Canola Council of Canada. Email wardw@canolacouncil.org.