b'Beyond the Season: Soil Fertility Management for Long-Term SuccessMANAGING FERTILIZER DECISIONS STRATEGICALLY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO PROTECT PROFITABILITY UNDER CURRENT MARKET CONDITIONS.ByMarla Riekman, Soil Fertility Specialist, Manitoba AgricultureDarren Bond, Farm Management Specialist, Manitoba AgricultureI n the current agricultural landscape, producers face increasing pressure to make fertilizer decisions that balance short-term economic realities with the need for long-term soil fertility and sustainability. Rising input costs, volatile commodity prices, and tighter margins shift the focus to immediate returns. However, overlooking the broader agronomic context can compromise future productivity and profitability. So, what is the best approach when faced with immediate economic uncertainty?The Cost of Fertilizer: Growing Concern or Persistent Problem?Fertilizer seems to have been expensive for several years now. When crop prices were high and margins were good, the impacts of high fertilizer prices were tempered. However, with softer grain prices and tighter margins, the impacts of high fertilizer prices are more pronounced, emphasizing the importance of successfully managing fertilizer decisions.Traditional strategies, like obtaining several quotes from multiple input retailers and buying in the off-season to store, usually provide positive results. Still, nitrogen Regular soil testing also helps to track long-term trends. Are P levels (N) costs are approximately 20% higher compared todeclining, holding steady, or increasing?last year. There is also a significant difference in the price between the different N sources that can be used torecommendations that are tailored to regional soil and increase profitability on the farm.climate conditions, economic returns from fertilizer For example, in the fall of 2025, anhydrous ammoniaapplication can be maximized. Recommended fertilizer was 20% cheaper than urea. Producers that have therates may be adjusted based on timing and application ability to use different N sources on their farm havemethod. The principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right a competitive advantage in markets where there areSource at the Right Rate, Rate Time and Right Place) considerable price differences between sources.allow for flexibility in fertilizer management to maximize While phosphorus (P) fertilizer hasnt seen the samecrop yields, while minimizing environmental impact; level of price increases as N, it is also still expensive.however, choosing the right rate is highly dependant on Knowledge plays a critical role here. Understanding theunderstanding the existing nutrient levels in the field.price differences and fertilizer properties between theResidual nitrate levels tend to be low following solid-different formulations on the market today will reveal theseeded cereal and oilseed crops, but may be higher true cost of P. Also knowing your P soil test levels willfollowing heavily fertilized row crops, such as corn. reveal the appropriate fertility plan to achieve success inFields with a history of N application greater than crop the growing season. requirements, or that have been affected by drought or another factor that severely limited crop yields, often Dont Guess, Soil Test have high residual nitrate levels. If this available N is Regular soil testing provides an inventory of nutrientnot accounted for when fertilizer recommendations levels in the field. When combined with fertilizerare developed for the following year, not only is there 10 Seed Manitoba 2026'