Nitrogen and phosphorus losses can be a big concern for the farmer, both environmentally and economically. Most losses are unintentional, but that doesn’t mean they’re unavoidable. In this post, we will explore how OMEX can help you prevent nitrogen and phosphorus leaching through a nutrient management plan designed to stabilize, reduce losses of N and prevent tie-up of P.

Starter fertilizers get crops off to a great start by providing nutrition that might not otherwise be available due to cold, wet spring seeding conditions. The result is vigorous plants that establish quickly and are better able to compete with weeds, tolerate early-season stresses, pests and diseases.

Starters contain a supply of nutrients, strategically placed as close to the seed as possible. As seeds sprout, seedlings can quickly access these nutrients in a readily available form. Monitored R&D trials using various crops (canola, wheat, flax) revealed that the roots with Starter P in-furrow were three to four days ahead in their growth and development than those without a starter.

As producers across the Prairies are anxiously awaiting the start of seeding, Old Man Winter seems very reluctant to release his grip in some parts of the region. Spring temperatures have been trending below normal and the forecast is showing an increase in precipitation for most areas across Western Canada. In early April, frost was detectable at a depth of 7-8 feet in Manitoba.

So, what does a cool, wet spring mean for farmers who want to get a jump on the season?