Given the ups and downs of the fertilizer market over the last year, many producers are wondering what they should plan for in 2007.

The key to maximizing profitability when fertilizer prices are fluctuating is to make sure you credit all nitrogen sources, then do your best to apply fertilizer nitrogen on a timely basis to maximize fertilizer recovery. Knowing your soil test level of phosphorus is also essential.

Gary Hergert, Extension Soils Specialist, University of Nebraska provides these additional tips to keeping crop production profitable include:

• Credit residual soil nitrate-N.
• Set realistic yield goals.
• Credit nitrogen from previous crop residue or legume crops.
• Credit manure sources properly.
• Credit nitrogen released from soil organic matter.
• Improve nitrogen use efficiency with timing of application.
• Know your soil P, K and Zn levels.

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