Michigan State University Extension
Soils & Soil Management - Fertilizer - 06039701
07/10/97
Extension Bulletin E-2567 (New), July 1995
M.L. Vitosh, Michigan State University; J.W. Johnson, The Ohio State University; D.B. Mengel, Purdue University; Co-editors
Foreword
When fertilizer first became readily available in the 1930s, university researchers began to conduct field studies, develop soil tests and make fertilizer recommendations. One of the early publications in the tri-state region was "How to Fertilize Corn Effectively in Indiana" by G.D. Scarseth, H.L. Cook, B.A. Krantz and A.J. Ohlrogge, Bulletin 482, 1944, Purdue University, Agricultural Experiment Station. Since that time, many soil fertility scientists have made significant contributions to our understanding of plant nutrition and the development of fertilizer recommendations. We have learned a great deal from this legacy and are very grateful for their contributions.
In the past, universities have developed fertilizer recommendations independently without much regard for differences that might have existed between states. We have reached a time in our history when different recommendations at the state boundary line are being questioned. It is time to break with tradition and develop common fertilizer recommendations that will serve more than one state. In this publication, we have developed common fertilizer recommendations for the major crops in the tri-state region. The task has not been easy. We found that some changes and compromises were necessary. This is our first attempt at developing tri-state fertilizer recommendations for corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. More work is needed on other crops and has already begun. We look forward to the continued development of these recommendations and are confident that they will be of great value to many farmers, consultants and agribusiness associates in the tri-state region.