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Articles by Dan Kaiser
Phosphorus Fertilizer Sources: What Are the Differences and Which One Should You Use?
By Dan Kaiser For most farmers, the source of dry phosphorus (P) fertilizer is limited to what local retailers have on hand. The most common sources sold in Minnesota are mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). Triple superphosphate (TSP) and Crystal Green (struvite) are also available in some areas. What are the differences between these sources and how should growers decide which one to use? What are the differences between MAP and DAP?
Phosphorus fertilizer sources: What are the differences and which one should you use?
For most farmers, the source of dry phosphorus (P) fertilizer is limited to what local retailers have on hand. The most common sources sold in Minnesota are mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). Triple superphosphate (TSP) and Crystal Green (struvite) are also available in some areas. What are the differences between these sources and how should growers decide which one to use? What are the differences between MAP and DAP?
Base Saturation and Cation Ratios: Can You Use Them to Better Manage Nutrients Like Potassium?
By Dan Kaiser Travelling around Minnesota the last few years, it has become apparent that the concept of “base saturation” is alive and well across the state. I recall one person commenting that they have moved on to a more advanced fertilization strategy by looking at cation ratios for managing crop nutrients, which inherently comes back to base saturation.
How Base Saturation Impacts Nutrient Management Strategies
Traveling around Minnesota the last few years, it has become apparent that the concept of “base saturation” is alive and well across the state. I recall one person commenting that they have moved on to a more advanced fertilization strategy by looking at cation ratios for managing crop nutrients, which inherently comes back to base saturation. I figured it would be a good time to lay out what base saturation is and what the current research says about it when it comes to managing crop inputs.
Is 'Fixed' Phosphorus Lost? 4 Things to Consider...
Recent posts on social media brought to mind a few things related to what happens to phosphorus (P) fertilizer when it’s applied to soil. With MAP and DAP prices still relatively high, what concerns, if any, should farmers have about how much value they are getting? Here are a few things that you should know about what happens to P when it is applied to the soil. 1. You will never get 100% utilization of the fertilizer you apply the first year after application.
Secure your CI/CD pipelines from supply chain attacks with Sumo Logic’s Cloud SIEM rules
Supply chain attacks, particularly those targeting continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, are on the rise. It’s easy to think of these attacks as something that only happens to others, but the reality is that your organization is part of the supply chain too. Whether your company develops software for internal use, offers it as part of a service to your customers, or sells it as a product, you’re exposed.
Updating Minnesota's liming recommendations
Deciding whether to lime the soil can be a difficult choice, especially in rental situations, since the impact of liming can extend beyond short-term rental situations. The benefits of liming may not be achieved until two or more years post-application, so determining where lime is most economical can be difficult to assess.
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Unharvested Sugarbeets in Your Fields This Spring? Here Are Some Nutrient Management Considerations
By Dan Kaiser I have received a few questions this spring regarding nutrient management considerations for fields with unharvested sugarbeets. The main question is whether the sugarbeets left in the field could provide a potential nitrogen (N) credit for this year’s crop. The issue this spring seems to be directed towards the northwest Minnesota growing region, and the answer on what to do is a bit more complicated with more crops potentially being grown in 2024.
Breaking Down Differences Between Phosphorous Fertilizer Sources
By: Dan Kaiser For most farmers, the source of dry phosphorus (P) fertilizer is limited to what local retailers have on hand. The most common sources sold in Minnesota are mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). Triple superphosphate (TSP) and Crystal Green (struvite) are also available in some areas. What are the differences between these sources and how should growers decide which one to use? What are the differences between MAP and DAP?
Confused About Differences in Phosphorus Fertilizer Sources? Here Are the Facts.
By Dan Kaiser For most farmers, the source of dry phosphorus (P) fertilizer is limited to what local retailers have on hand. The most common sources sold in Minnesota are mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). Triple superphosphate (TSP) and Crystal Green (struvite) are also available in some areas. What are the differences between these sources and how should growers decide which one to use? What are the differences between MAP and DAP?
IDC in Soybean: 4 Things to Know About Managing Iron Deficiency Chlorosis
By Dan Kaiser and Seth Naeve Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a serious yield-limiting factor affecting soybean in western Minnesota. The root cause of IDC is not a deficiency of iron in the soil but rather the poor ability of soybean plant to extract available iron from high pH soils. While we have a general understanding of where IDC occurs, the exact cause is an interaction among both environmental factors and soybean plant genetics, as varieties can vary in their tolerance to IDC.
Chloride and Soybean: What to Know About Potash Fertilizer Management
By Dan Kaiser I have previously written about the impacts that chloride (Cl) application can have on soybean. Chloride is an essential nutrient for crops but overapplication can reduce yield for some crop species. The most common source of fertilizer chloride is potash, which is commonly applied to supply potassium (K) to crops but is roughly 50% chloride by weight.
Starter Fertilizer For Corn: 5 Things To Know
By Dan Kaiser and Jeff Vetsch The inclusion of starter fertilizer in cropping systems is decreasing in some areas of Minnesota, yet crop producers still have interest if the practice contributes to greater yield. While starter does make sense in some circumstances, getting an economic benefit is not always guaranteed. Here are a few things to consider before trying to determine if starter fertilizer is right for you. 1.
Plant Tissue Analysis: What to Know About Sampling Strategy and Handling
By Dan Kaiser Plant tissue analysis is a singular tool that we have within our toolbox that can be used with other tools to try to help us assess nutrient deficiencies within fields.
Another Look at Nitrogen Requirements in Minnesota Dry Beans
Minnesota Ag News Headlines Another Look at Nitrogen Requirements in Minnesota Dry Beans By: Dan Kaiser, UMN Extension & Hannah Swartzentruber, Central Lakes College - 02/10/2023 Dry beans are an important commodity crop in Minnesota, with around 250,000 acres planted in 2020 and 2021. No major research efforts have been put into the evaluation of the fertilizer guidelines for dry bean in Minnesota in nearly twenty years, underscoring the need for an update. Why is new research needed?
4 Considerations for Nutrient Management on Owned vs. Rented Ground
By: Dan Kaiser Nutrient management decisions can become difficult when land tenure comes into play. While the soil is typically thought of as a “bank” that stores nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), the bank analogy isn’t completely accurate. You don’t always get back what is put into the soil. Also, with short-term land tenure, it doesn’t make sense to greatly increase soil test values if it will benefit another renter on the ground at a later date. 1.
Taking Another Look At Nitrogen Requirements For Dry Bean Production In Minnesota
By Dan Kaiser Dry beans are an important commodity crop in Minnesota, with around 250,000 acres planted in 2020 and 2021. No major research efforts have been put into the evaluation of the fertilizer guidelines for dry bean in Minnesota in nearly twenty years, underscoring the need for an update. Why is new research needed?
Nutrient Management on Owned vs. Rented Ground
By Dan Kaiser and Jeff Vetsch Nutrient management decisions can become difficult when land tenure comes into play. While the soil is typically thought of as a “bank” that stores nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), the bank analogy isn’t completely accurate. You don’t always get back what is put into the soil. Also, with short-term land tenure, it doesn’t make sense to greatly increase soil test values if it will benefit another renter on the ground at a later date.
Growing Sweet Corn or Peas in Minnesota? Updated Fertilizer Guidelines now Available
By Dan Kaiser and Carl Rosen Sweet corn and peas are major crops grown primarily for processing in Minnesota. The state currently ranks second in the U.S. for both sweet corn and pea production with approximately 93,100 acres of sweet corn and 53,400 acres of peas harvested annually.
P and K “fixation” In The Soil: What You Need To Know
By Dan Kaiser One word that often comes up when discussing phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer management is “fixation.” What is nutrient fixation and what should farmers understand about it? Fixation generally refers to the tendency for nutrients to become “tied up” in the soil and therefore less available to the crop. This happens when nutrients react with the soil, or ions in the soil solution, forming compounds or holding onto nutrients very tightly.
5 Things to Know About Removal-Based P and K Strategies
©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography One item I have been providing in our current corn and soybean fertilizer guidelines is estimated removal rates of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). While our fertilizer guidelines have traditionally not been crop removal-based, growers using crop removal have told me that the concentration of P and K in grain has slightly declined compared to older values used for crop removal.
5 Things to Know About Removal-Based P & K Strategies
By: Dan Kaiser One item I have been providing in our current corn and soybean fertilizer guidelines is estimated removal rates of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). While our fertilizer guidelines have traditionally not been crop removal-based, growers using crop removal have told me that the concentration of P and K in grain has slightly declined compared to older values used for crop removal.
5 things to know about Removal-based P and K Strategies
By Dan Kaiser One item I have been providing in our current corn and soybean fertilizer guidelines is estimated removal rates of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). While our fertilizer guidelines have traditionally not been crop removal-based, growers using crop removal have told me that the concentration of P and K in grain has slightly declined compared to older values used for crop removal.
Fall K Fertilizer Decisions: How should Corn Growers Prioritize Applying Potassium?
By Dan Kaiser High fertilizer prices can lead some farmers to prioritize specific fertilizer applications based on their experience in fields. When it comes to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), most growers seem to prioritize P even though soil test results may show a greater need for K. We know that P is important for early plant development, especially in corn. Starter fertilizer research has consistently shown that the addition of P early in the growing season can boost early plant growth.
Minnesota Corn: Fall Fertilizer Decisions - How Should You Prioritize Applying Potassium?
Potassium deficiency in corn. Photo: University of Minnesota High fertilizer prices can lead some farmers to prioritize specific fertilizer applications based on their experience in fields. When it comes to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), most growers seem to prioritize P even though soil test results may show a greater need for K. We know that P is important for early plant development, especially in corn.
A Year Without a P Application Might be a Good Idea
By Daniel Kaiser University of Minnesota soil fertility specialist With fluctuating fertilizer prices, it is a good time to review a few principles related to phosphorus (P) availability in soils. We know that P is a critical element required for crop growth and development, and if deficient, the lack of P can significantly reduce crop yield. While application of P fertilizer is common, it is not always required to achieve maximum yield.
Corn and Soybean Fertilizer Guidelines for Minnesota: Spring 2022 Update
By Dan Kaiser Proper nutrient management is a key component of profitable corn and soybean operations. With new data come new fertilizer guidelines for corn and soybean. These guidelines reflect recent research findings from around Minnesota. This blog post highlights the changes and provides links to web pages with the full guidelines for both crops, as well as printable PDFs of both publications.
Sulfur-fertilizer source may matter
Recent research showing that alfalfa benefits from sulfur fertilizer application seem to confirm the current University of Minnesota alfalfa fertilizer guidelines for sulfur application. Those guidelines suggest applying 10 to 25 pounds of sulfur fertilizer per acre, depending on overall production and soil organic-matter concentration in the top 6 inches of soil. But what source of sulfur fertilizer is best for alfalfa?
Sulfur-fertilizer source may matter
Recent research showing that alfalfa benefits from sulfur fertilizer application seem to confirm the current University of Minnesota alfalfa fertilizer guidelines for sulfur application. Those guidelines suggest applying 10 to 25 pounds of sulfur fertilizer per acre, depending on overall production and soil organic-matter concentration in the top 6 inches of soil. But what source of sulfur fertilizer is best for alfalfa?
Sulfur-fertilizer source may matter
Recent research showing that alfalfa benefits from sulfur fertilizer application seem to confirm the current University of Minnesota alfalfa fertilizer guidelines for sulfur application. Those guidelines suggest applying 10 to 25 pounds of sulfur fertilizer per acre, depending on overall production and soil organic-matter concentration in the top 6 inches of soil.
Potassium Management: Maps Showing Soil Clay Type Could Help Minnesota Farmers
By Leanna Leverich and Dan Kaiser When farmers think of clay, they often think of soil texture (clay loam, clay, sandy clay loam, etc.), which is important for making nutrient management and overall field management decisions. However, soil texture classifications only describe how much clay, silt, and sand there is in a soil. They don’t tell us anything about what kind of clay minerals are in the soil. The clay in soil actually contains many different types of clay minerals.
Alfalfa, Red Clover can Furnish N for Following Crops
Forage legumes like alfalfa and red clover together with manure were once the only way to provide additional nitrogen (N) to non-legume crops. The ability to synthetically produce nitrogen fertilizers greatly decreased agricultural reliance on traditional nitrogen sources beginning in the early 20th century. Legumes still can provide valuable N to today’s cropping systems. Legumes also contribute a non-nitrogen rotation effect due to addition of soil organic matter and improvement in soil health.
By Dan Kaiser Applying urea fertilizer in the fall is a popular practice for Minnesota sugarbeet growers to provide nitrogen (N) to the following year’s crop. However, in Minnesota shows a significant yield hit for fall-applied urea compared to spring application. Could the same be true for sugarbeet? That’s the focus of a three-year study funded by the Sugarbeet Research and Education Board of Minnesota and North Dakota.
Does Source of Sulfur Fertilizer Matter for Alfalfa?
By Dan Kaiser Earlier this year, I wrote about recent research showing that alfalfa benefits from sulfur fertilizer application. Those studies seem to confirm the current U of M alfalfa fertilizer guidelines for sulfur application, which suggest applying 10 to 25 pounds of sulfur fertilizer per acre, depending on overall production and soil organic matter concentration in the top six inches of soil. But what source of sulfur fertilizer is best for alfalfa?
Minnesota Corn: Is It a Good Idea to Apply Urea in Late Fall?
While much of the field work around Minnesota has slowed, the rising cost of fertilizer and uncertainty surrounding fertilizer availability for spring 2022 may have some still thinking about late fall application options. Urea can be a tempting option for fall application because it is easy to apply with a floater, but is this a good practice? Urea is a dry source of nitrogen that can be lost to the atmosphere via ammonia volatilization and to water via nitrate leaching.
Consider soil-testing recommendations
Consider soil-testing recommendations 1 of 2 With dry soils, soil-sampling depth can be an issue. A standard-series soil test is calibrated for the top 6 inches of soil, so it isn’t a good idea to scrape off the soil surface or go deeper than 6 inches. Dan Kaiser and Fabian Fernandez University of Minnesota On top of limiting the yield potential of crops, dry soils also have other important impacts that need to be considered when making nutrient-management decisions for future years.
Can Starter Fertilizer Options Help Reduce Soil Fertility Costs Next Year?
By: Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist University of Minnesota Extension Increases in fertilizer prices and talk of tight supplies have led to questions about options for the upcoming growing season to reduce costs. Starter fertilizer does provide growers with some options to reduce the need for broadcast fertilizer, especially for phosphorus. If you are looking to use starter more effectively, there are some things that should be considered. 1.
Minnesota Corn: Can Starter Fertilizer Reduce Soil Fertility Costs Next Year?
Applying starter fertilizer. Photo: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Increases in fertilizer prices and talk of tight supplies have led to questions about options for the upcoming growing season to reduce costs. Starter fertilizer does provide growers with some options to reduce the need for broadcast fertilizer, especially for phosphorus. If you are looking to use starter more effectively, there are some things that should be considered. 1.
Can Starter Fertilizer Options Help Reduce Soil Fertility Costs Next Year?
By Dan Kaiser Increases in fertilizer prices and talk of tight supplies have led to questions about options for the upcoming growing season to reduce costs. Starter fertilizer does provide growers with some options to reduce the need for broadcast fertilizer, especially for phosphorus. If you are looking to use starter more effectively, there are some things that should be considered. 1.
Minnesota Corn, Soybeans: Potassium Needs - Could Soil Clay Type Play a Role?
Potassium deficiency symptoms in corn. Photo: Dan Kaiser, University of Minnesota Potassium (K) is needed by all plants and potassium deficiencies can significantly reduce crop yield. While the chemistry of potassium in soils is relatively simple, K availability can be significantly impacted by environmental conditions. If soils are dry, K deficiencies can occur. Plant roots need water to efficiently draw K from the soil, which has been in short supply the last two years.
Minnesota: Continuous Corn - 5 Tips for Nutrient Management
Fertilizer application in young corn. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography When it comes to nutrient management, continuous corn can present challenges. Research has identified a few things that you should consider when managing continuous corn to maximize yield and profitability. 1. Residue management is key Probably the biggest challenge when it comes to managing continuous corn is the amount of residue that can be left in the field.
Minnesota: Fall 2021 soil testing considerations for the 2022 growing season
Soil sampling On top of limiting the yield potential of crops, dry soils also have other important impacts which need to be considered when making nutrient management decisions for future years. Here are few tips to keep in mind when taking soil samples and interpreting soil test results this fall to help make decisions for the 2022 growing season. Pay attention to soil sampling depth – With dry soils, soil sampling depth can be an issue.
Should you Apply Sulfur Fertilizer for Alfalfa?
By Dan Kaiser Did you know that alfalfa can remove more sulfur from the soil in a year than a corn crop? However, past research on forage crops has been inconclusive as to whether sulfur fertilizer is required for highly productive alfalfa fields with organic matter (OM) concentrations greater than 4%.
Scouting for Nutrient Deficiencies in Corn and Soybean
By Dan Kaiser and Paul McDivitt Knowing how to identify common nutrient deficiencies is important for diagnosing issues in the field. Deficiencies can occur on the lower leaves for nutrients considered mobile in the plant while immobile nutrient deficiency symptoms will occur on newer leaves. Deficiency symptoms are characteristic of a particular nutrient and knowing what to look for is extremely helpful when scouting fields.
Should You Scout for Starter Fertilizer Damage in Dry Corn Fields?
By Dan Kaiser Soils in most parts of Minnesota were dry this spring, which can cause issues when too high of a rate of starter fertilizer is applied for corn directly on the seed. In-furrow, or pop-up, fertilizer application is a popular practice to help get the corn out of the ground more quickly. While there are benefits, there are also risks, such as reduced plant population if the rate of fertilizer is too high.
Minnesota Soybeans: Can You Safely Apply Potash Ahead of Planting?
Dry fertilizer spreader - potash. ©Debra L Ferguson Stock Photography After a few comments and questions I received, I wanted to circle back to a previous blog post on chloride and its impact on soybean yield. One area I have been researching, thanks to funding from the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, is chloride and how much of an impact it can have on reducing soybean yield potential in northern climates.
Minnesota Corn: Tips to Prevent Fallow Syndrome
Phosphorus deficient Corn plants – a typical symptom associated with corn grown following fallow. Photo: University of Missouri While the 2020 growing season was relatively to abnormally dry for much of Minnesota, there were pockets of the state where fields were too wet for crops to be harvested.
With fertilizer prices rising, how can farmers reduce costs this spring?
In talking with growers this winter, some have voiced concerns about planning for the 2021 cropping season with rising fertilizer prices. This is a good time to go back through a few fundamentals when it comes to planning fertilizer purchases. Here are a few tips that I would suggest growers consider if they are looking to reduce fertilizer costs this upcoming spring.
With fertilizer prices rising, how can farmers reduce costs this spring?
In talking with growers this winter, some have voiced concerns about planning for the 2021 cropping season with rising fertilizer prices. This is a good time to go back through a few fundamentals when it comes to planning fertilizer purchases. Here are a few tips that I would suggest growers consider if they are looking to reduce fertilizer costs this upcoming spring.
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