Getting The Most Return On Investment From Your Fertilizers

Over the past year we have seen significant increases in fertilizer prices. For example, Diam monium Phosphate (DAP) was +/- $357.00 a ton last year and now is closer to +/- $900.00 a ton. Therefore, growers have had to become creative in their approach to applying nutrients that ultimately determine crop yield and performance. Something very positive that we have seen within the industry during these times is information being shared between members within the industry. Illustrate, bermudagrass grown for an athletic field at 2.5-3 lbs. of

Nitrogen (N) versus a pasture at 5-6 lbs. of N. The question then becomes: is doubling the rate necessary to achieve a higher yield?

Organic Matter (OM) is important, with 5% OM being ideal. Having enough OM is important because of the following: Nutrient supply, soil structure, water infiltration, and decreases in erosion loss. OM absorbs water and nutrients and will release them as needed. It is the key to better soil biology and better crops. For every 1% OM, one can expect roughly 20-30 lbs. N, 4 lbs. of Phosphorus, and 2-3 lbs. of Sulfur. So, if a dime thickness of OM weighs 5 tons, how can anything be applied to improve this by weight within reason?

Referring to our bermudagrass example we notice crop nutrient requirement never changed. However, the difference was the vehicle used to get N into the plant. Did the pasture of bermudagrass utilize all 6 lbs. without any N losses? That would be highly unlikely, but we can achieve the same results with less inputs utilizing biostimulants (humic and fulvic acids coupled with cold water seaweed kelp) on lower OM soils.

Humic acid is defined as the alkaline soluble fraction of humus, is a liquid that can be applied to soils as low as 1 gallon/acre and can increase soil microbial activity. Using humic acid can lower rates of (N) and aid in achieving optimal results than higher (N) alone. Let’s take a deeper look at what humic acid is. It is the extraction process through a slow brew technique using raw leonardite as an extraction process. Once we start using humic acids on soils, we begin seeing earthworm activity which is evident by castings present on the soil surface. However, some of the changes aren’t noticed because they are occurring below the soil surface and they include: an increase in root mass, deeper roots, and of course an increase in soil microbial activity. Some additional benefits from the use of humic acid are plants staying greener longer, nutrients chelate, pH is buffered and holds water more efficiently, and most importantly fewer fertilizer inputs for the same result.

But how could humic acids increase the organic matter when you’re only using gallons per acre? Well, it starts by stimulating root growth and fungal biomass, which creates a mycelium mass form becoming organic matter. Then, it stimulates activity such as fungi that can break down raw organic matter (plant roots and residues), thus creating a cost savings on fertilizer. Humic Acid also enhances the uptake of major nutrients (N), Nitrogen (P), Phosphorus (K) Potassium, therefore when adequate humic substances are present in soil, NPK fertilizer can be reduced. But let’s be clear, (HA) does not take the of (NPK) but it does allow it to be more efficiently used.

What we know is: when our OM is higher it will buffer soil pH, thus making the soil work better. However, overuse of industrially processed fertilizers alone depletes it faster than it can regenerate. As the level of humic substances in soils become depleted, the demand for NPK synthetic fertilizers increase. We can combat this by using low rates of biostimulants like humic acid. In a time of fertilizer price increases, the use of humic could not only increase soil life, soil structure, and healthier plants but save a tremendous amount of money with lower fertilizer inputs with equal results and less money spent.

In conclusion, we need to think outside of the box during these times and focus more on soil health.