Soil-test interpretations and phosphorus management approaches for profitable crop production
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The Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management Conference is Iowa's premier crop production education event. No other program in Iowa brings together the diverse range of topics, slate of expert presenters and results of the latest University research.
The ICM Conference offers workshops focusing on the latest in crop production technology. Experts from Iowa and surrounding states will provide research updates and results in soil fertility, soil and water management, crop production and pest management.
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Abstract
Careful phosphorus (P) management planning is very important these days because of volatile grain/fertilizer price ratios and public concerns about water quality impairment due to excess P loss from fields. Largely unpredictable crop and fertilizer price fluctuations complicate fertilization decisions, however, and encourage producers to cut fertilization rates. Reducing P fertilization rates sometimes also is seen as an effective way of reducing P loss from fields and improving water quality, especially when manure is applied. Reducing P application rates across all conditions is not a good management or environmental decision, however, because it may not increase producers’ returns to crop production or reduce P loss from fields significantly. Therefore, producers and crop advisors know fundamental concepts of soil testing use, alternative P management practices, and need to understand that there is no single best way for interpreting soil-test values and deciding nutrient application rates. Agencies in charge of nutrient management regulations also should understand the importance of flexible regulations because there is no single and best set of best nutrient management practices.