Features Top Crop Summit
Video: Top Crop Summit 2023 interview series – 4R P fertilizer management in the Prairies

The cold soils at planting and short growing season in the Canadian Prairies create special challenges for P nutrition in crops and P fertilization practices. In addition, recent changes in management practices such as widespread adoption of reduced tillage systems, introduction of new crops and high-yielding varieties, intensification and extension of crop rotations, and development of new fertilizer products have also affected management of P fertilizer. This presentation summarizes and updates a recent review of P management research in the Northern Great Plains that provides the science base for “4R” management of P fertilizer in this region (i.e., “right” source, “right” rate, “right” time and “right” place for fertilizer application).

Dr. Don Flaten recently retired from the University of Manitoba, where he was a professor in soil fertility, crop nutrition, and nutrient management. Prior to teaching and conducting research on a full-time basis in the Department of Soil Science, Don was Director of the School of Agriculture at the U of M, as well as Provincial Soils Specialist for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, and a District Agriculturist for Alberta Agriculture.