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Spotlight AGRO-CULTURE NEWS RESPONSIBLE NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT What do those three words above stand for? And do you recall hearing any discussions on responsible nutrient man- agement? Below are six guiding principles of Responsible Nutrient Management that many in the agricultural industry promote and practice. 1) The reduction or elimination of soil erosion is central to sustainable high- production agriculture. 2) Agriculture must manage water ef- ficiently to help insure an ample, quality supply in the future. 3) Measured and efficient use of crop nutrients and chemical crop protec- tion is essential to meeting the growing global demand for food and fiber while protecting our environment. 4) Cultural practices that promote soil health and productivity must increas- ingly be employed to help assure long- term agricultural sustainability. 5) A realistic understanding of production agriculture by both the non-farming and farming communities is critical to sustainable agricultural production. 6) The well-being of mankind is of greatest importance in any discussion about the environment. IDENTIFY DEFICIENCIES TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT YOUR CROP Summary of a report by Cory Schurman, Senior Agronomy Manager for Agro-Culture. One of the biggest things you can do for the crop after timely planting is checking fields and taking the time to see how it’s responding to the environment. You need to look for any concerns or is- sues that have developed. When you go out to check the fields keep a few useful tools with you, such as a spade to look at roots and the environ- ment around them. Carry a knife to look at the internal tissues and a soil probe or tube to look for compaction. Some carry a hand lens for a closer look at diseases or insects and a reputable source crop- ping or diagnostic guide is a good idea. Don’t forget to keep an open mind, thus avoiding preconceptions and bias. When looking at the root zone check for proper drainage in early crop growth. Tillage issues such as hardpans in the soil and then take corrective action. Remember that cool soil temperatures slow organic-matter decomposition and slow soil biology. Acid soil conditions may reduce the availability of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, and increase the availability of iron, manga- nese, boron, copper and zinc. Study your soil analysis to determine the soil pH 12 Sugar Producer June/July 2010 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2010 level in order to make necessary correc- tive steps. Some time insect damage can be mistaken for nutrient deficiency. Look at the roots, leaves and stems for damage. Perhaps a reliable insect guide should be included in your tools. Plant diseases likewise need closer inspection to show the difference from nutrient deficiency. Soil moisture can determine a crop’s response to fertility. Identify weeds to insure proper herbi- cide usage. Always be aware of possible drift that can damage crops. Know the symptoms of herbicide damage and the difference between that and nutrient deficiencies. Observe early on any signs of nutrient deficiency symptoms. In order to find out if there are excess nutrients causing imbalances and poor feeding conditions you may want to conduct a plant analy- ses. Sometimes the effect is caused by temperature changes. Editor’s Note: for more information about Agro-Culture, visit their website at www.agroliquid.com. Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers, together with Ag PhD, has signed an agreement with the producers of Today In America to film a 5-min- ute feature that will appear in their Heartland Series airing nationally on Fox Business News later this fall. The segment will be part of a program called, “Solutions for the 21st Century Farmer,” and will focus on how Responsible Nutrient Man- agement creates real sustainability in modern agriculture. The series, hosted by former NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw, covers in- novative, food-for-thought news topics designed to inspire Americans to think on a more globally conscious level. Today in America will present viewers with information and commentary from leading industry professionals with their finger on the environmental and industrial pulse. Topics to be discussed include family, education, health care, business and finance, home improvement, travel, recreation and environmental living. Ag PhD cohost Darren Hefty is a strong advocate of Responsible Nutrient Management and together with Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers’ senior marketing manager, Lonny Smith, will help guide the scripting and production of the segment. On the Tube with Fox News