Posted 11/10/2006 11:23 (#60009 - in reply to #57338) Subject: Re: Variable Rate Lime, P,K
Where Lewis and Clark finished the rum
Good comments. In MT we raise wheat that has protein premiums attached to each bushel and therefore N is our focus. There is also an agronomic reason to understand how protein varies within a field, since research here has shown that certain thresholds of protein levels indicate adequate N.
So we have begun running on-the-go protein monitors on our combines, in addition to yield monitors. This gives us good feedback on N removal spatially. Current thinking is not to remediate the thin soils with low yield and low protein - because generally N response is low here and therefore has poor payback. So we are looking for areas where N response is high - and protein still hasn't reached that optimum level - we think these locations will give us the most bang for the buck.
Might even be that some of the areas of our fields become "organic" in that we don't add comm'l fert - hmmm.
Variable Rate Lime, P,K
