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Safflower Fertilizer Requirements
Yield goals should be realistic, based on long time averages and management ability of the grower. Yields have ranged from 500 pounds per acre when moisture was limiting or weed and/or disease pressures were 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. A general rule is that for every 100 pounds of seed produced, safflower plants will require 5 pounds of nitrogen applied and in the soil. A 1000 pounds per acre yield goal then requires 50 pounds of total N.
The method of nitrogen application will depend on the nitrogen source used. Anhydrous ammonia should be applied 4-6 inches beneath the soil surface. Broadcast-applied urea and other dry or liquid nitrogen fertilizer products should be worked into the soil shortly after application. Drill row application should never exceed 15 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre, since seedling injury may occur if this level is exceeded. Urea should never be applied with the seed. Fall application of nitrogen on well drained sandy soils is not recommended because of possible leaching.
Safflower grown on soils with low phosphorus and/or potassium test depends heavily on applied fertilizer. Because of position availability, banding or drill applying phosphorus is more efficient than broadcasting. Up to 35 pounds per acre of phosphate can be safely drill applied. If the amount of potassium required by soil test exceeds 10 pounds per acre, then the potassium should be broadcast. Safflower has not consistently responded to phosphorus and potassium application unless the soil tests in the low range.
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