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Since fertilizer prices remain at all-time highs, many producers ponder the question, "Is it worth it to fertilize winter pasture?" I'll try to answer that in the space below.

Fertilizer prices are high, but proper fertilization of forages can still provide less expensive feed than the alternatives.

Nitrogen (N) is directly related to yield. Have you ever heard this statement from your fertilizer dealer? Without any other limiting factors, as you increase the nitrogen rate you increase yields of non-legume crops.

Certain people use fertilizer for reasons other than increasing crop yield namely for explosives and for drug manufacturing. Fertilizer theft is an increasing problem, but agricultural producers can take steps to protect their fertilizer stores from thieves.

As we write this in mid-2008, fertilizer prices have reached all-time highs. How did we get to these price levels and how does an agricultural producer make sound economic decisions in this environment?

One of the most common inquiries I get around this time of year in very dry years goes like this: "I put out fertilizer on my pasture this spring, and it hasn't rained much. I've had very little grass growth. Is the fertilizer still there? If so, how long will it stay there?" The quick answer is it's probably still there. The more informative answer is a bit more involved, but I'll try to explain it as simply as possible.

I want to use this article to address commonly asked questions regarding the role of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in plants and outline the characteristics of their primary fertilizer sources.

By understanding a little about soil's physical properties and its relationship to moisture, you can make better soil-management decisions.

Fertilizer, swathing, raking, baling and labor expenses can push the cost of haying bermudagrass up to $30/ton or more. With that kind of investment, it's important to implement proper management to assure a positive return.

When visiting with cattle producers, I often hear that commercial fertilizer is too expensive. To help determine if fertilizer prices are pricing them out of the market, there are two options a producer can consider to see if they can afford conventional fertilizer.