Efficient nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium management can increase crop productivity while reducing fertilizer waste and maximizing return on investment.
Improving crop yields requires more than increasing fertilizer applications, according to Anderson Carrare, Agronomic Manager at Taurus Ag, who discussed plant nutrition, nutrient availability and fertilizer efficiency during a presentation for Ontario growers.
Taurus Ag is a plant fertility company expanding its presence in Ontario after 25 years of operations in Western Canada. It focuses on introducing innovative products and technologies to the Canadian agricultural market.
Carrare emphasized the importance of identifying factors that limit crop production and improving nutrient management to help growers achieve better results.
While weather and water availability significantly influence crop performance, nutrient management is one area farmers can actively manage.
Carrare explained that nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium receive considerable attention because crops require them in large quantities. However, all 17 essential plant nutrients contribute to healthy growth and development.
Nitrogen management was a major focus of the presentation. Carrare cited research covering several decades that found nitrogen applications increased ninefold while crop production increased threefold. He argued that improving nutrient-use efficiency could be more beneficial than simply applying additional fertilizer.
Nitrogen undergoes several chemical transformations before plants can absorb it. Urea, a commonly used nitrogen source, must convert into plant-available forms. During this process, nitrogen can be lost through volatilization and leaching.
Carrare said potential losses can reach 40 to 60 percent, depending on factors such as soil pH, temperature, moisture, and application method.
Nitrogen stabilizers can help manage these losses by keeping nitrogen in forms that remain available for plant uptake. He also stressed that crops require a continuous supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, rather than relying exclusively on nutrients applied at planting.
Phosphorus presents different challenges because it moves very little through soil. Applying it near seeds and developing roots can improve access. Although soil tests may indicate sufficient phosphorus levels, some of the nutrient may be chemically bound to calcium in higher-pH soils, making it less available to plants.
Carrare also highlighted the importance of understanding soil conditions when interpreting nutrient test results.
Potassium management requires attention to nutrient availability and potential losses as well. Carrare noted that fertilizer efficiency varies by nutrient, and that soil chemistry influences how effectively crops absorb applied nutrients.
The presentation also addressed the fertilizer salt index and its effects on crops and soil biology. High salt levels near seeds and roots can cause stress and delay nutrient uptake.
Carrare referred to research indicating that lower-salt fertility products can support greater microbial activity, while high-salt products may reduce it.
As a management approach, he recommended considering low-salt-index fertilizers and controlled-release nutrient technologies. These products can help deliver nutrients gradually throughout the growing season.
Carrare encouraged growers to evaluate nutrient efficiency, soil conditions and fertilizer characteristics when developing fertility programs, with the goal of improving crop nutrition and reducing unnecessary input costs.
Watch the full Taurus Ag Anderson Carrare demo presentation from the 2026 Great Ontario Yield Tour below.