Phosphorus Prices Soar: Can Farmers Cut Back on Rates Without Sacrificing Yield?

Phosphorus prices have skyrocketed this year, reaching $13.75 to $14.25 per tonne for MAP and MES, causing farmers to question whether they can cut back on phosphorus rates without sacrificing yield. The answer is yes, according to Wheat Pete's Word.

Wheat Pete, Peter Johnson, explained that cutting back from 100 pounds per acre of MAP or MES to 77 pounds can have minimal immediate yield impact, but it requires long-term replenishment. In fact, research suggests that reducing phosphorus rates to 50 pounds per acre would only result in a loss of about half a bushel per acre.

One farmer, Adam, was able to cut back his phosphorus rate from 100 pounds to 77 pounds without sacrificing yield by using the efficiency of his air cart. Triple superphosphate is cheaper than MAP or MES, but it lacks nitrogen and has lower P concentration, making it less desirable for farmers.

Wheat Pete emphasized that while triple superphosphate might be equal to MAP in some cases, its limitations make it a less preferred choice for most farmers. He also warned about the importance of long-term soil test levels and the need to replenish phosphorus taken off in good wheat crops.