Straw: To Bale or Not to Bale?

By Andrew Frankenfield 

Wheat harvest has started in southern Pennsylvania and balers will be running closely behind the combines to get the straw baled and soybeans planted. With the spike in fertilizer prices this growing season, the nutrient value in the straw is higher than ever. A nutrient analysis would be ideal for your farm but book values for wheat straw are estimated at 11 pounds of N, 3 pounds of P₂O₅, and 20 pounds of K₂O per ton of straw. Using values of N=$1.10/lb, P₂O₅=$1.07/lb, and K₂0=$0.75/lb, that equals $30/ton in total value of nutrients removed per ton of straw. Add on to that the baling and transportation cost, the value of the straw will likely exceed $75/ton as large square bales. Also, don't forget about the storage and hauling cost, you may be close to $100/ton breakeven.

If wheat straw is spread and not baled, each ton will return 11 pounds of N, 3 pounds of P₂O₅, and 20 pounds of K₂0. The nitrogen will not be immediately available for uptake, the P₂O₅ is not too significant, but the K₂0 certainly is. If two tons of straw is left on the field 40 pounds of K₂0 is returned to the field. At $0.75 per pound of K₂0 that is $30 per acre plus the organic value of the carbon going back on the field. 

Another way to recover some of the K₂0 from the straw is to spread the straw out the back of the combine, allow it to rain on it, and leach some of the K₂0 from the straw into the soil then rake it up and bale it.  Is that worth recovering some of the $15 per ton of K₂0? Not likely if you are planning to sell your straw, you will likely take a larger loss on your price per ton you receive, compared to the other farmer with bright yellow straw.

The take-home message is whether you bale your straw or not, make sure you have enough K₂0 for the next crop.  Extension Educators have reported across the state it is not too uncommon to see K₂0 deficiencies in corn and soybeans.