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THE LONG GREEN ROW
Mid Winter Message 2/3/09
At Fieldworks, we are looking forward to the coming growing season with anticipation.
We have been busy this fall and winter planning and refining our production and distribution system. Gina, our new office manager in Voluntown has added to our efficiency of distribution and billing operations. Tom Funfgeld is now Fieldwork's rep on Long Island, and we look forward to Tom's contributions to Fieldworks and the growers on the Island.
Economic conditions for farmers have changed from last year and we are prepared to help make you as efficient as possible in your crop production operations. The good news is that fertilizer prices have dropped from last years numbers. Potash is the exception, as prices continue at historical highs. With the high price of potassium, carefully assess the residual soil levels and crop needs for potassium.
Phosphorus management is another area to economize if P residual levels are high and crop needs are modest. Remember, P can be a pollutant if used in excess and may become a regulated nutrient in the future.
N continues to be the nutrient with the greatest return on your crop input dollars. Optimize N applications to avoid volatilization and potential leaching. Make sure enough N is available at the right time to optimize crop yields. Also, consider using stabilized urea to limit volatilization. Use of an ammoniated N source like ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate will provide available N in cool, early season conditions.
Lime applications are always important in crop production with the objective of maintaining PH and Calcium and Magnesium levels. Shoot for a ph of 6.5 for most crops. Remember, a good ph makes residual nutrients available for optimum plant growth. High calcium levels are important for quality of high value fruit and vegetable crops. Schedule lime applications with Fieldworks now to make sure product is on the ground before your busy spring season.
On the corn herbicide front, consider using a residual herbicide as a standalone program or in conjunction with Liberty Link or Roundup ready programs. This will achieve the two fold objective of herbicide resistance and economy.
We have educational meetings planned for our grower customers this winter. Pesticide license recertification credits will be available for attendance.
Feb 19, Fieldworks Annual Grower Meeting, Bristol Aggie, Dighton, Mass
March 10, Tree Fruit Growers Workshop, Confreda Farms Cranston, RI
March 17, Vegetable Growers Workshop, Confreda Farms, Cranston RI
Invitations will be sent to you.
We encourage you to use this forum to ask us technical questions about fertility and pest management issues on your farm. Please refer ordering, billing and delivery issues to our offices.
Paul W. Peters, Agronomist, Certified Crop Advisor
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