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34 March 24, 2016
2016 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine
Lincoln Daily
News.com• Add soil amendments that make nutrients more
effective
• GPS guided applications allow targeted, variable
rate applications
• Other variable rate technology that places nutrients
more where needed
• Precision application tools that place nutrients
closest to plant roots
• Split timing applies fertilizers in smaller amounts, at
times when most useful - less chance of wash away,
less amount needed, more beneficial to the plants
• Strip- or no-tillage holds soil, nutrients and moisture
• Double crop, add a winter cover
crop - captures, holds and returns
nutrients to soil, particularly deep
phosphorus; improves organic
matter and moisture content, may
even provide a secondary crop for
livestock feed or profit
• Increase edge of field practices,
buffer strips, wetlands, bioreactors
that capture and reduce nutrient
loss
• Consistent record keeping
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It will require a combination of
these actions to reach a level of
conservation that might achieve the
water environmental goals now set before the Illinois
farmer.
If you haven’t done it yet, today is a great day to
begin planning. If you are not there yet, there are
plenty of people around you ready to lend a hand.
By Jan Youngquist
Resources and references:
The Fertilizer Institute - 4R’s Right source rate, time,
place
Illinois Nutrient Reduction Loss Plan
Illinois Stewardship Alliance
Illinois Farm Bureau
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental
Sciences
National Corn Growers Association
American Soybean Association
Northwestern Illinois farm. Photo by Peddhapati