Jones recommends two ways to adapt to low pH. Phosphorus
can be added in the seed row. At high rates it will tie up the
aluminum and allow the plant to grow normally. Beirwagen has
found that adding phosphorus seems to help. Another way is to
raise crops that are not as affected by the low pH, such as Alum
spring wheat.
Both Beirwagen and O'Hara are rotating crops. "We are
rotating by raising pulses, barley and mustard. e mustard
seems to draw up nutrients from deeper in the soil," said
Beirwagen.
"It takes a while, but this acidity problem can be worked
around," said O'Hara. "We are planting fewer crops that take a
lot of urea, and we are rotating with other crops, such as pulses
and oilseed."
Adapt
If the soils are between pH 5.5 and 7.0, they are at the stage that
the problem can be prevented. Jones recommends variable rate,
or site-specific, nitrogen application to reduce the risk of over
application in parts of fields where it isn't needed. Using a split
application by applying nitrogen at seeding time and then later
if it rains sufficiently may be helpful. Another way to protect the
soil from an increase in acidity is to raise crops that require less
nitrogen, such as the pulses, barley, grasses, sainfoin, and alfalfa.
Low pH will likely show up in patches on many Montana farms.
Dealing with it through a MAP approach rather than allowing
acidity to spread and to get out of control should be a cost saving
for Montana Farmers.
For more information, Clain Jones can be reached at 406-994-6076
or clainj@montana.edu.
Protest
No Lime, no P.
Lime, no P.
Lime 90 P205 per acre.
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