Fertilizer Considerations For The 2021 Cotton Crop

BY DEREK EMERINE

ecent articles have focused on utilizing up to date soil samples to help prioritize fertilizer spending and identifying nutri ents besides nitrogen and phosphorus that have a large impact on cotton R yields in South Texas. Continued uncertainty during a pandemic, static to lower commodity prices, and weather issues in 2020 make 2021 a growing season in which the margin for error has gotten even smaller. In these times, it is imperative to make sure that the fertilizer being applied will result in a return on investment. Understanding what soil test levels are present but also understanding how much phosphorus and potassium are removed and taken up by cotton allows for a more informed decision around phosphorus and potassium fertilizer spending.

Crop removal is describing only nutrients removed with the harvested portion of the crop taken to the gin. Total uptake is total nutrient taken up and accumulated in the entire plant. Many people discuss how much phosphorus and potassium are removed by certain crops at varying yields.

However, much fewer discuss total phosphorus and potassium uptake. Understanding these numbers can be another tool to help prioritize fertilizer spending. According to the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), two bale cotton removes 64 lbs N, 28 lbs P, & 38 lbs K; and three bale cotton removes 96 lbs N, 42 lbs P, & 57 lbs K. It is clear to see that more potassium than phosphorus is removed, however, these numbers do not show that one nutrient versus another requires more attention. When looking at just

these numbers one could draw the conclusion that phosphorus and potassium are equally important in cotton. Cotton Physiology Today, a publication published by the National Cotton Council, has highlighted total N, P, & K uptake per bale. Two bale cotton takes up about 196 lbs N, 70 lbs P, & 158 lbs K; and three bale cotton takes up about 294 lbs N, 105 lbs P, & 237 lbs K. These numbers indicate that nitrogen and potassium fertilizer should probably have more focus than phosphorus fertilizer. Other research looking maximum N, P, & K uptake per day and maximum uptake of N, P, & K in the boll printed in the textbook “Flowering and Fruiting in Cotton” published by the Cotton Foundation also confirms that potassium fertilizer should have a larger focus than phosphorus fertilizer in cotton. Maximum daily uptake for cotton is 4.6 lbs N, 1.54 lbs P, and 7 lbs K. Maximum uptake per boll is 111 mg N, 21.4 mg P, and 103 mg K.

Total nutrient uptake, maximum daily uptake, and maximum uptake per boll clearly illustrate that there should be more of a focus on potassium versus phosphorus fertilizer in cotton.

Phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient, however there is considerable evidence to show that potassium fertilizer applications have a greater chance of providing a return on investment compared to phosphorus in cotton. I would never advocate not applying phosphorus fertilizer, but I would strongly advocate exploring how much phosphorus vs. potassium is currently being applied and consider changing the ratio between the two nutrients if there is currently more phosphorus than potassium being applied.

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Oates to Lead USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas

Kristy Oates was recently named state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas. Oates will be responsible for NRCS operations within the state, including the administration of conservation technical assistance to private landowners, conservation financial assistance programs, conservation easement programs, the Natural Resources Inventory, soil survey mapping, and the plant materials program.

Most recently, Oates served as the state resource conservationist for Texas, where she led the ecological sciences department in addressing natural resource concerns through sound conservation planning, technical leadership in quality assurance, policy development and implementation, and training oversight.

Oates was raised on a beef and cropland operation in central Texas and began her career with NRCS in 1995 as a soil conservation technician in Freestone County after working as a district technician for the Freestone County Soil and Water Conservation District. During her 25 years of service, Oates has been promoted through multiple technical, supervisory, and leadership positions in Texas. Detail assignments in several states have given her valuable experience working with producers who have varied agricultural systems including producers in Iowa, Florida, and Minnesota. Recently, Oates served as the acting division director for the NRCS Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance Division in Washington, D.C.

“Growing up on a farm in Texas and working across the state has given me an understanding of issues that often impact private land and producers who manage them,” Oates said. “I look forward to leading with a vision to deliver high quality service to support agricultural producers and collaborate with ag and conservation groups to protect Texas’ natural resources.”

Oates earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Sam Houston State University and is a graduate of the USDA Emerging Leaders Development Program from the George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. Outside of work, Oates enjoys spending time with her family exploring the great outdoors and traveling to new destinations.

Avocado Shrimp Tostadas

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds medium size Texas Wild Caught Shrimp, peeled and deveined 3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoon kosher salt 3 small Avocados 2 teaspoon lime juice 8 crispy 6-inch round tostadas

Garnishes: sliced jalapenos, sliced radish, roasted corn kernels, shredded red cabbage, pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco and lime wedges.

PREPARATION

• In a medium size bowl, toss the shrimp with the garlic, olive oil, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Allow the shrimp to sit for ten minutes for the flavors to develop. • Heat a charbroil grill to medium high heat. • Brush the grill grates with a little oil to keep the shrimp from sticking. Place the shrimp in a single layer on the grill and cook for three to four minutes on each side until the shrimp begin to curl and turn pink and the center of the shrimp is no longer translucent. Remove the shrimp from the grill and keep warm. • Cut the avocados in half and then remove the pits and scoop the flesh from the skin, placing the avocado pulp in a small bowl. Using a fork, mash the avocado with one tablespoon of olive oil, the lime juice and one salt. Continue to mash the avocado until fairly smooth. • Divide the avocado pulp evenly between the eight tostada shells and spread across the surface of each tostada. • Top each tostada with three or four shrimp each and then add a topping of the wide range of garnishes as desired. • Serve immediately.

When Wheat Drilling is About More Than Wheat

BY CAITLIN HENDERSON

The atmosphere of planting season is in the air and we’ve spent the last week drilling wheat here on our Kansas farm. The tractors have been running long hours trying to get all of our fields planted before the next rain, and everyone is pitching in to do their part. This afternoon I sat on my front porch and watched them drilling the field next to our house. I thought about how this time of year is one of my favorites, and that out of all the lessons and metaphors I’ve come to learn and love from the farm, this might be at the top of the list.

So much has to happen before we can begin to drill wheat. We take soil samples to see what nutrients the ground needs, we work the ground, get our equipment ready, pray for a slow steady rain beforehand, and get to work. I love to watch the wheat pour out of auger and into the drill. Millions of kernels that hopefully will turn into a bountiful harvest months down the road.

But what I love the most about this entire process, is that before that harvest can ever happen, the kernel has to break. New life cannot spring through the soil unless the kernel planted is broken open to allow that new plant to grow. I think that is such a beautiful metaphor for life. And I think it’s a message that people everywhere need to hear right now.

I talk to so many people who are struggling or going through hard situations. They feel incredibly broken, alone, and they don’t see much hope ahead. They don’t understand how beauty could ever come after the brokenness they’ve been through.

And each time I talk to someone who is struggling, I think of that wheat kernel. About how we would never have the harvest if it weren’t for the brokenness. I believe that’s also true in life. Our hard situations, our struggles, and our failures don’t go to waste. They shape us and mold us, and they allow us to come through stronger on the other side. We think that we are buried in that brokenness, but really we are just getting ready to grow. That brokenness will push us forward, and one day, just as the wheat breaks through the soil, we will breathe a breath of fresh air and realize that we made it through.