IPM

Fertiliser – soil and crop nutrition – decisions are not always difficult?
Owen McCarron IPM MasterClass

With the likelihood of good yields in 2010/11 and substantial nutrient removal off the farm what needs to be done and who do you listen to for fertiliser advice for 2011? 

Over the next few editions of the VNTFA journal I will challenge the readers and provoke thought and discussion about these issues as well as: 

• Macro elements – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur
• Trace elements – zinc, copper, manganese, other
• Liquid (fluid) and or granular forms
• Nutrient forms
• Conventional and or organic/biological fertilisers
• Analytical tools – soil, plant or grain testing

Recent research into analytical testing and its real value by Professor Patrick Brown of UC Davis in California is enlightening and challenging the approach to crop nutrition input decision of farmers and recommendations from advisers. 

If you would like the complete article visit www.ipmmasterclass.com and register for access to the knowledge base