December 2022 Edition

Farming for the Future

Photo Above: Resembling a Christmas candy cane, this corn leaf is actually crying for help.

Be the first to email the correct nutrient deficiency shown above to receive a small gift. (Must be picked up at Geauga Soil and Water office in Chardon, OH).

4R Nutrient Stewardship

"Was the crop given the right source of nutrients at the right rate, right time and right place?"

RIGHT PLACE - all about keeping nutrients where crops can use them.

Nutrients enter plants in 3 different ways:

MASS FLOW, DIFFUSION, ROOT INTERCEPTION

Without boring you by teaching the science behind these 3 ways (please feel free to ask me, I can explain further!) just know that plants need access to the fertilizer that is being applied. The key to unlocking nutrient availability for plants is through fertilizer PLACEMENT.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus are the two nutrients most susceptible to run-off.

Surface application of Nitrogen and Phosphorous is the least desirable fertilizer application method, although the most common. Therefore, utilize the Best Management Practice (BMP) of soil incorporation.

The Do's and Don'ts of RIGHT PLACE: (*Christmas Color Edition*)

Please DO!

Do: Use buffer strips when broadcasting (surface application) fertilizer around streams, roadside ditches and wetlands.
Do: Watch the weather forecast before applying fertilizer.
Do: Limit surface application of fertilizer or manure on steep slopes and use buffer strips if applying adjacent to a water channel.

DON'T DO!:

Don't fertilize in or near any water courses- Crops don't grow underwater.
Don't apply fertilizer within 24 hours of a rain event or on snow covered ground unless incorporating into the soil. (extra credit: don't apply fertilizer in extreme heat temperatures)
Don't apply fertilizer on steep slopes without soil incorporation.

4R Nutrient Stewardship website

Need Help?... Phone a Friend! If you have trouble viewing any of these referenced items or have additional questions, give Geauga SWCD a call at 440-834-1122 or email Lisa Kalas at lkalas@geauga.oh.gov. We can provide technical assistance and meet you on site!