A web-based tool is available to compare fertilizer recommendations from your service provider with that of Michigan State University.
Posted on May 23, 2014 by George Silva, Michigan State University Extension
Michigan State University Extension promotes soil testing as a best management practice to determine fertilizer requirements of crops. Soil scientists have formulated MSU fertilizer recommendations following many years of field research and taking into consideration the economic, agronomic and environmental implications for Michigan. In addition to the MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory, there are several private soil testing laboratories and fertilizer or pesticide dealerships that offer this valuable service to Michigan growers. While acknowledging that no two fertilizer recommendations from two different organizations are exactly alike, in a vast majority of cases the figures fall in an acceptable range.
Every year, however, farmers bring to our attention some instances where the fertilizer recommendation offered by an outside agency does not make sense and is out of the ordinary. In most cases, these recommendations call for higher rates of a single nutrient or a group of nutrients compared to MSU. In other cases, unnecessary micronutrients are recommended. Sometimes these recommendations contradict widely accepted principles of nutrient management adapted by MSU and other land-grant colleges.
If you encounter such a situation with your soil test, there are few things you can do to double check. Sometimes discrepancies can be traced to incorrect information submitted with the sample. Are the yield goal and previous crop correct? If yes, you can generate a corresponding MSU recommendation using the nutrient analysis data associated with the soil sample and its report. Simply visit the MSU Fertilizer Recommendation Program and start entering the nutrient analysis data provided by your provider. Use the drop -down menu to enter the current crop and insert the yield goal. Also, choose the right units for nutrients, “lbA” or “ppm.” Finally click on the Calculate Recommendations to generate a report. If you notice big discrepancies when you compare the two recommendations, you should consult your service provider. If there is an error or oversight, you may be able to save money on your fertilizer bill.
Another use for this web-based program is if you are participating in the MAEAP Crop A Syst program which mandates the use of MSU nutrient recommendations. You can still retain your service provider for soil testing, but instead use the data and the online program to generate the MSU recommendations.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.cnchemicals.com/. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://www.cnchemicals.com/, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).