4RS OF NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP

Right Source

What are you putting in? Consider the form of the input being applied and the risk of loss. It’s important to incorporate a balance of nutrient sources and to consider the plant-availability of the input.

Right Rate

Are you applying too much, or too little? Knowing the amount of fertilizer to input into your fields is the next step in the 4Rs process. By assessing the land they’re going in, you will have a much better idea of how much is needed.

Right Time

When should you apply your fertilizer? Applying your inputs at the right time can help increase efficacy and efficiency. It’s important to base your decisions on crop uptake, soil supply, nutrient loss risks, and field operation logistics.

Right Place

What is the correct application of input inside the field? To determine the right place, it’s important to place fertilizer where crops are best equipped to take it, in the root zone.

SOIL SAMPLE

It is recommended that you test your soil pH and nutrient levels at a minimum every 4 years. Understanding your nutrient levels helps determine nutrient needs and develop a plan — which helps you pay for exactly what you need, where you need it, when you need it!

IANA Self-Assessment

Take the quiz to see where you are in the 4Rs process.

For more information on the 4Rs, visit 4rfarming.org.

You also want to keep your inputs in the right place. Consider using buffer stips, grassed waterways, blind inlets and other edge-of-field mangement tools.

NITRATE TESTING

ARE YOU SURE YOUR NUTRIENTS ARE WHERE YOU LEFT THEM?

100% SURE?

Water quality research tells us that nutrient runoff is a problem, costing you money and contributing to the nutrient loads entering our waterways.

If you’re located in the Upper White River watershed, Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance (IANA) is offering free nitrate test strips. You can test ditch water, tile water, surface runoff or creek water near a tile outlet around your farm. After all, you paid for your nitrogen (N), don’t you want to keep it where you put it?

What am I losing into my tile water?

If you use tile water to evaluate your nitrogen loss, you can actually find your loss per acre.

Concentration x Tile Flow ÷ Drainage Area = lbs. of N per acre being lost

What do your results mean?

These results are not precise measuring tools, but a resource for estimations. How can you keep more nitrogen where you need it?

Applying nitrogen as close to the time it’s needed at adequate rates helps reduce nitrogen loss. Planting foraging / scavenging cover crops helps reclaim excess nitrogen and keep it for the next crop.

Please use this estimation for informational purposes.
Reach out to your personal crop advisor for more information and detailed plans of action.