39 Ate Today? Thank a Farmer. Better Farming | December 2024 yield, then yields levelling off, and then yields going down as higher rates of nitrogen were applied. For some time, I thought that was just an anomaly, but now there is research to suggest that too high of a nitrogen rate causes a reduction in uptake of other nutrients, resulting in reduced yields. Part of his nitrogen prescription on corn is based on his belief that higher plant populations need more nitrogen. Also, when planted at higher populations, the more shallow-rooted corn plants need more nitrogen at higher concentrations. Jonathan does variable rate phosphorus and potassium generally every three years. He finds that it pays to make two trips: 1) doing variable rate phosphorus, and 2) variable rate potassium. After mapping the field and collecting the data, sometimes flat rate is the right rate of phosphorus and potassium when there is little variability in soil test results. On these fields, his focus is on other crop inputs, like fine-tuning populations, nitrogen and/ or sulphur rates. He believes for variable rate technology to go ahead using SWAT MAPS or other systems, we need agronomists who know what is practical when it comes to application and what is crop responsive. Next was Susan Gowan CCA-ON, whose business is Gowan Crop Consulting, and who works in Jarvis in the Haldimand County area. “We are having a great crop year in this area. We received timely rains. Most springs we are one of the last areas to get going. This year we were one of the first,” says Susan. “Normally we say, ‘patience pays on clays,’ but this year was a little different. Growers who planted early when the soil was a bit wet did okay. The crops came up because of the frequent rains we received. “I believe that when the soil is fit, you plant as early as possible. Most years you can’t afford to wait. crops: the lynch fileS Averi Gowan helps her mom sample soil. Susan Gowan photo Susan Gowan
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