ProCrop

Fertilizer Requirements

Safflower will root deeper than small grains. This allows the plant to utilize nutrients that may be positionally unavailable to small grains and flax. Conversely, if safflower follows a crop with a similar rooting depth (i.e. corn, sunflowers), more fertilizer may need to be applied than if safflower follows wheat, barley, oats, flax, or fallow in a rotation. Nitrogen is most often the limiting nutrient on non-fallow land. Phosphorus can be limiting on both fallow and non-fallow land.

Because safflower roots penetrate to depths of more than 4 feet, soil sampling to depths greater than 2 feet should increase the accuracy of fertilizer recommendations. Yield goals should be realistic, based on long time averages and on management ability of the grower. Yields have ranged from 500 pounds per acre when moisture was limited or weed and disease pressure was high, to more than 2500 pounds per acre under conditions relatively free of weeds, diseases and insects and when adequate moisture and fertility were available.

On most re-crop land, only a limited amount of nitrogen may be needed for a 1000 lb. yield goal unless a deep rooted crop, such as sunflower, winter wheat, or safflower has been grown during the past 3-5 years. Phosphorus may show a response on low testing soils.

For more information see Fertilizing Safflower bulletin at http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/soilfert/sf727w.htm

Back to Fertilizer - Safflower Menu
Back to Safflower Menu
Back to Main ProCrop Index

Further contact information