Find tips from UF/IFAS on the continuing process of nutrient budgeting, especially the essential role of irrigation.
“Nutrient budgeting is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process,” shared a UF/IFAS blog. We shared the steps for nutrient budgeting from that blog in our own, and now we’re sharing tips from UF/IFAS, especially where water is concerned. See it all below.
The Importance of Water
“If nutrients are fuel, water is the delivery system. Lack of water will affect nutrient uptake by plants. Too much water can also affect the uptake of nutrients due to leaching,” the blog maintained. It explained that “Plants do not take up nutrients in a dry form. Nutrients must first dissolve in soil water before they can move into the root system. As plants take up water, they simultaneously take in dissolved nutrients like nitrate and potassium.” This is why “water management is inseparable from nutrient management,” according to the blog.
Tips for Nutrient Budgeting
“Nutrient budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. Nutrient budgeting is a worthwhile exercise that will uncover the whereabouts of those nutrients you paid for when you purchased and applied the fertilizer for your field. Pay attention to the nutrient flow. This can make the difference between efficient production and wasted inputs,” the blog shared.
The blog shared these “action items” for nutrient budgeting:
- “Test your soil regularly: Every 1–2 years to track changes and guide decisions
- Know your crop removal rates: Understand what nutrients leave with harvest
- Split fertilizer applications: Especially for nitrogen and potassium
- Manage irrigation carefully: Avoid overwatering that leads to leaching
- Account for all nutrient sources: Including organic matter and irrigation water
- Follow UF/IFAS recommendations: These are developed for Florida conditions”
The blog added that Extension agents are a great source of knowledge and assistance.
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.