Utah Fertilizer Guide

Abstract

NaHCO 3 soil test level of P = 7 ppm(mg/kg) and K = 130 ppm(mg/kg); alfalfa price of $60/T & fertilizer cost of KCL at $110/T & Ca(H 2 PO 4 )2 at $178/T.** Maintenance approach assumes these soil test levels are maintained such that P 2 O 5 and K 2 O recommendations are based on crop removal.The Utah Fertilizer Guide emphasizes the sufficiency concept specifically because it maximizes economic returns.Fertilizer recommendations given by the diagnostic laboratory may require modification by the farmer to reflect individual management practices and site specific conditions.Extension agents may be consulted for help on localizing the fertilizer recommendations.Portable soil test kits designed for use in the field are of limited value because field calibration information is generally lacking.It is suggested that personal experience and a good record keeping system is more reliable than the portable soil test kit.