Fertilizer prices are higher this year, especially phosphate. Before farmers buy fertilizer, NDSU Extension Soil Specialist Dave Franzen says to review updated fertilizer recommendations. “We decreased the critical phosphate test needed for soybeans. We do have a lot of soils across the state low in phosphate, but others are in reasonable shape.” Franzen says for wheat, it will be important to keep starter fertilizer. “Starter phosphate is important for small grains and canola. People need to keep it in the program. Then, later on in the spring, it’s important to have a starter fertilizer for corn. Those are fertilizers a person will lose money if they don’t do that. They need the crop to get a good start and get the root system going so whatever moisture is in the ground they can take advantage.”
