By By Gustavo A. Roa and E. Bryan Rutter el.at
Why fertilizer recommendations matter
At least 17 elements are currently recognized as essential for plant growth, development, and reproduction (Figure 1). Most of these nutrients are supplied by the soil, whereas much of the oxygen in plant tissues are derived from atmospheric carbon dioxide, and hydrogen is obtained primarily from water. While the total nutrient content of most soils greatly exceeds crop requirements, only a small portion exists in plant-available forms. As a result, nutrient deficiencies are a common yield-limiting factor in agricultural production.
Fertilizers can prevent these deficiencies, but they increase production costs and, when mismanaged, can contribute to environmental degradation. Fertilizer recommendations are designed to maximize crop productivity, improve farm profitability, and minimize environmental impacts by providing guidance on the nutrient source, application rate, timing, and placement needed to meet crop demand during critical growth stages. This article explains how these recommendations are developed.
What is a fertilizer recommendation?
Fertilizer recommendations are research-based guidelines that outline nutrient management practices for supplying nutrients to a crop in order to achieve yield, quality, and economic objectives while minimizing nutrient losses to the environment. The principles of 4R nutrient stewardship, which emphasize the right source, right rate, right time, and right placement of nutrients, are integral components of modern fertilizer recommendations (Mikkelsen, 2011; Johnston & Bruulsema, 2014).
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