Soil Fertility Meeting Thursday Night at LWC

Fertilizer is a key component in just about every agricultural endeavor involving soil. However, the drastic rise in fertilizer costs - prices this spring that were more than double what they were last year have continued to rise throughout the year - coupled with declining prices for commodities and cattle have continued to put the squeeze on profitability for local farmers.
In an effort to help farmers "get the most bang for their bucks" in using fertilizer, there will be a Soil Fertility meeting this Thursday night, Nov. 6, at Lindsey Wilson College's Cranmer Dining Center.
The meeting, hosted by the Adair County Extension Service, Adair County Cattleman's Association and the Adair County Ag Development Council, will get underway at 6:30 p.m. with a free meal. Following the meal, UK Extension Soil Specialist Greg Schwab will present information on "Making the Right Decisions When Purchasing Fertilizer."
Topics to be addressed by Schwab will include the importance of fertilizer, soil testing, animal waste and sewer sludge as fertilizer, foliar fertilizer and fertilizer additives.
"The rising prices of fertilizer combined with lower commodity and cattle prices increases the importance of understanding how to use fertilizer efficiently," Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Nick Roy stated. "Farmers need to know how much and what types of fertilizers to apply to minimize their costs while increasing their productivity."
Roy said that a great emphasis will be placed on soil testing at the meeting to ensure that farmers are not applying costly fertilizers that are not necessary.
"For example, 60 percent of the soil tests we've done in Adair County this year don't call for any phosphorus - there's already enough in the soil," he explained.
"Plus, several years of research have show that when applying nitrogen to hayfields, you get more bang for your bucks from the first units you apply," he continued. "The statistics show that by applying only 40-50 units per acre instead of the 70 units that is normally recommended only reduces the hay yield by a quarter ton, or 500 pounds, per acre."
Roy said that alternative fertilizers will also be discussed.
"There has been a lot of new products hit the market - foliar fertilizers, fertilizer additives, etc. and producers want to know if and how they work, and if they do work, and how to best use them," he noted.
All farmers are invited to attend the meeting. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling the Extension Office at 384-2317.