Four Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Fertilizer

For farmers struggling with how to manage record-high input prices and supply chain obstacles, there are questions you can consider for your operation to help plan ahead. The folks at DTN suggest asking these four:

1. What are my soil’s Phosphorus and Potassium levels?
2. What’s the lowest amount of Nitrogen I can apply?
3. Would partial Nitrogen rates work this fall?
4. Will fall-applied Nitrogen still be there in spring?

Asking these questions specific to your operation can help narrow down what inputs you will actually need and what you can get by with until next year. Doing soil tests now, knowing your crop rotation for next year and dialing down your lowest-possible Nitrogen rate can help save some dollars, time and frustration this next growing season. Read more fall fertilizer considerations here.