ARS | Publication request: NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Submitted to: High Plains Sunflower Production Handbook
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: February 15, 2005
Publication Date: July 25, 2005
Citation: Vigil, M.F., Lamond, R., Meyer, R. 2005. Nutrient management. High Plains Sunflower Production Handbook. P. 4-6.

Interpretive Summary: Nearly 600,000 acres of sunflower are grown in the Central Great Plains Region. Because sunflower is relatively new to the region, farmers have many questions regarding fertilizer management of this crop. This manuscript is a summary that provides the regions farmers timely information regarding fertilizer management of sunflower. All major fertilizer nutrients are discussed including nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). A section on liming for soils of low pH and one dealing with micro-nutrients is also included. A scheme for calculating N fertilizer requirements based on expected yield is included as a guide for producers who have to make fertilizer N management decisions for sunflowers on an annual basis. Also included is a table that can be used to estimate P fertilizer needs based on yield goals and soil test levels.

Technical Abstract: Nearly 600,000 acres of sunflower are grown in the Central Great Plains Region. Because sunflower is relatively new to the region, producers have many questions regarding optimal nutrient management of this crop. This writeup provides the regions producers timely information regarding nutrient management of sunflower. All major nutrients are discussed including nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). A section on liming and one dealing with micro-nutrients is also included. A scheme for calculating N fertilizer requirements is included as a guide for producers who have to make N management decisions for sunflowers on an annual basis. Also included are tables dealing with N credits and phosphorus recommendations.