FERTILIZER PLACEMENT

It is important to place fertilizer accurately where it can be used most efficiently by the crop. Progress has been made in fertilizer equipment since the first adaptation of an ordinary drill for no-till. Gradually, more equipment is becoming available which will handle seeding and fertilizing in one operation and at the same time minimize disruption of the zero till seed-bed.

Broadcasting fertilizer has the same inefficiencies in zero till as it does in a conventional till program. Likewise, banding offers the same advantages in the two systems. The pros and cons (see next page) of various fertilizer application systems should be considered as they apply to the particular farm operation.

No-till farmers in North Dakota and Manitoba are using a wide range of fertilizer application techniques. The choice of application system depends on the type and rate of fertilizer needed; the type of seeding and fertilizing equipment available and manpower availability at peak seasons.

The variety of systems which are working for no-till farmers are proof that the best way is the way which works for the individual.

Fall banding a complete liquid or granular blend of N,, P,, K, and S in amounts needed for individual fields with a half inch knife on a 12 inch centre cultivator is one farmer's system. Fall banding NH3 and applying a blend of P, K, and S with the seed in the spring works for another farmer. In another case, as much fertilizer as possible goes on with seed, then any extra that is needed is broadcast before or after seeding. A fourth successful system has been to use an air seeder to split apply the seed and fertilizer.

In each situation, the fertilizer/seeding system has been developed through experience to allow best use of all available resources including time, equipment and finances. As the examples show, many different variations are practical in zero tillage.

" We are producing more grain with no-till than conventional till because of more water available. This implies that fertilizer requirements should be higher on no-till. However, the no-till system involves a more active organic master fraction such that larger amounts of fertilizer may not be necessary. "

Guy Lafond, Cereals Agronomist Agriculture Canada, Indian Head, Saskatchewan