Title

North Dakota Fertilizer Recommendation Tables and Equations

(SF882, Revised October 2023)
Summary

Most of the nutrient recommendations for North Dakota crops were revised this year. For these crops and for minor crops that do not have a specific nutrient circular, this publication summarizes 27 crops or crop categories.

Lead Author
Lead Author:
D.W. Franzen, NDSU Extension Soil Specialist
Availability
Availability:
Web only
Publication Sections

The following soil test recommendation tables are based on field research data obtained in North Dakota, South Dakota, western Minnesota and the Canadian Prairie Provinces. In the case of some crops, data in the literature also were used to supplement data available from this area.

This publication contains major changes from previous publications. Please dispose of older editions. 

Changes to tables from previous editions are based on new or re-evaluated data. The recommendations in this publication, and all NDSU fertilizer recommendations in all individual NDSU crop fertility publications, while based on field research are not to be considered absolute. Fertilizer application and soil management in general should also be guided by common sense and individual grower history of crop nutrient use and resulting successful crop production. These table values are not intended to be used as a basis for law and regulation.

Recommendation Tables

Fertilizer needs should be determined after evaluating the current fertility of the soil through soil testing, using a site-specific zone sampling approach where appropriate, as well as the nutrient needs of the crop to be grown, knowing the historic productivity of the soil.

Trying to predict a future yield is a poor fertilization strategy. The most important reason for abandoning yield goal as a consideration in fertility recommendations is that the data from modern fertilizer rate trials indicate that a similar rate of nutrient results in the greatest yield regardless of the maximum yield in any one experiment. In other words, the rate of nutrient resulting in the greatest yield in a low-yield environment is similar to the rate that resulted in the greatest yield in a high-yield environment.

In a low-yield environment resulting from too wet or too dry conditions, nutrient use efficiency is quite low, so a greater rate of nutrient is required to produce a unit of yield. In a high-yield environment, nutrient use efficiency is quite high because release from the soil is maximized, root growth is maximized and the movement of nutrient to the root is maximized, so a lower rate of nutrient is required to produce a unit of yield. Therefore, the recommended N-rate table values should be utilized regardless of what yield a grower believes will result from the growing season.

Several of the nitrogen (N) recommendations are “capped” at a maximum rate. In years that support higher yields, data indicate that greater N release from the soil and greater ability of crops to capture available soil N will support these higher yields without requiring supplemental N fertilizer greater than capped rate limits. In addition, sunflower and flax N recommendations are capped due to greater lodging risk as the N rate increases.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) recommendations for most crops, except some legumes, include consideration of the amount of nitrate N (NO3-N) in the top 2 feet of soil. Omission of the 2-foot NO3-N analysis results in random numbers for the N recommendation. The 2-foot nitrate-N soil test is extremely important in this region for optimal N recommendations and to promote N-use efficiency, greater farm profitability and environmental stewardship.

Nitrogen fertilizer recommendations are not adjusted based on method of placement, but they are adjusted for previous crop and depth of sampling. To determine the rate of recommended fertilizer N, subtract the amount of soil NO3-N as determined by soil test and N-credit from the previous crop, if applicable, from the total amount of available N needed for the crop.

Spring wheat, durum, corn, sunflower and 2-row malting barley N recommendations include economic modifiers to rate based on an economic production function that combines yield and quality increases or decreases with nutrient rate and the cost of nutrient input to indicate the N rate that will provide the grower with the greatest net economic return.

Example of the use of soil test N in canola:

The soil test indicates that 55 pounds of NO3-N are present in the soil to 2 feet. The chart in Table 5 indicates a recommendation of 150 pounds N per acre total requirement. The amount of N to apply would be
150 – 55 = 95 pounds N per acre.

Adjusting N Recommendations

In a preplant NO3-N soil testing program, adjustments need to be made for the expected contribution of N following some previous crops. This expected N will not be seen in a fall or spring soil test NO3-N analysis, thus the need for the expected N contribution of the previous crop based on rotational studies.

Previous Crop N Credits

Some crop residues have a lower carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio than others, which results in a release of plant-available N through rapid decomposition. Also, the mass of residue of some crops is less than others (dry bean compared with wheat or corn, for example). Evidence also indicates that some crops (soybeans, other annual legumes) may accelerate the normal N mineralization rate from organic matter during their growing season, extending to the early growing season of the next crop. Nitrogen availability is greater following crops with a lower C/N ratio (sugarbeet, alfalfa) and crops having a lower mass of residue (soybean, dry bean) with less ability to tie up N during decomposition. The following N credits should be subtracted from crop N recommendations based on comparative subsequent crop N rate response. The values in the Credits table come from North Dakota and Minnesota experiments.

Credits Previous cropCredit
Soybean40 lb N/acre
Dry edible bean40 lb N/acre
Other grain legume crops
(field pea, lentil, chickpea)
40 lb N/acre
Harvested sweet clover40 lb N/acre
Alfalfa that was harvested and
unharvested sweet clover:
 
>5 plants/sq. ft.150 lb N/acre
3-4 plants/sq. ft.100 lb N/acre
1-2 plants/sq. ft.50 lb N/acre
<1 plant /sq. ft.0 lb N/acre
Sugarbeet 
Yellow leaves0 lb N/acre
Yellow/green leaves30 lb N/acre
Dark green leaves80 lb N/acre

Second-year N Credits

Half of the N credit indicated for the first year for sweet clover and alfalfa is recommended, but no N credit is recommended after the second year for other crops.

Depth Adjustments

The original data for calibration of the NO3-N test (1950s) in North Dakota was based on soil samples taken to a depth of 5 feet. Sampling beyond 2 feet improved N fertilizer recommendations a little, but in the late 1960s, researchers decided that the extra effort to sample to a depth of 3 and 4 feet was not practical or necessary for most crops.

Drought and application of excess N, however, may result in a buildup of available N below 2 feet. When fields are tested for N each year and only the recommended amount of N is applied, an accumulation of nitrogen below 2 feet is unlikely unless N is not utilized by the crop due to drought or is leached in medium and coarser soils due to excessive early growing season rainfall.

Sugarbeet is the most likely crop to be sampled to the 4-foot depth, but adjustments are not necessary in N calculations. Sugarbeet N recommendations for 2- and 4-foot samplings are provided in Table 23. If deeper sampling is conducted to refine recommendations or screen for problems in malting barley, sunflower or safflower, the following adjustments would apply:

  • If the amount of NO3-N in the 2- to 4-foot depth is less than 30 pounds of NO3-N per acre, do not adjust the N recommendation.
  • If the amount of NO3-N in the 2- to 4-foot depth is more than 30 pounds of NO3-N/acre, reduce the N recommendation by 80% of the amount greater than 30 pounds/acre. For example, if 50 pounds of NO3-N/acre are present at the 2- to 4-foot depth, reduce the N recommendation by 16 pounds of N/acre (80% X (50 pounds of N/acre less 30 pounds of N/acre, or 20 pounds) = 16).

Phosphorus and Potassium

The rate of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) recommended in these tables is the amount to be applied as a broadcast application. Because banded fertilizer generally is used more efficiently in the year of application, the amount of P2O5 and K2O in the tables can be reduced by one-half to one-third depending on the crop when banding with or near the seed. The resulting yields will be similar to the yield using the full rate of broadcast fertilizer.

Data from field trials in drier or cooler years indicate that small grains, corn and canola will respond to seed-placed or side-banded P fertilizer, even on soils testing medium to high in phosphorus.

Some crops are very sensitive to fertilizer salt injury. Consult individual soil fertility publications for each crop. For information regarding fertilizer rate limits with the seed in small grains, refer to NDSU Extension publication SF1751, “Fertilizer Application with Small-grain Seed at Planting,” available online at www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/fertilizer-application-small-grain-seed-planting.

Broadcast recommendations of P and K for low- and very low-testing soils may include buildup P and K rates. When rates are reduced, soil test levels are not increased through time. Corn recommendations include K tables related to clay chemistry and K application economics.

Sulfur

SSulfur (S) deficiency most likely will occur on sandy soils throughout North Dakota and on well drained, medium textured soils. However, in wet seasons, S deficiency has been recorded on clay soils with organic matter content greater than 5%. Sulfur deficiencies appear most often on higher landscape positions with a thin-surface organic-matter layer (“A” horizon) and coarse soil texture (loam to sand and gravel), but having S deficiency is possible on almost any non-saline soil in a wet season.

Current S soil tests characterize the S status of the soil very poorly. The test commonly underestimates or overestimates the available S in soil for a variety of reasons. Noting the texture, organic matter content, landscape position and rainfall in the past year is almost always a better predictor of S need than soil testing.

In a year following a high rainfall/snowfall year, applying 10 to 20 pounds of S per acre for small grains and corn, regardless of landscape position, soil texture or organic matter, may be prudent. Since 2014, serious S deficiency has appeared in many small grain and corn fields. The sulfur source should be sulfate- or thiosulfate-based and not elemental S of any kind.

Chloride

The chloride (Cl) soil test is calibrated only for small grains, although a few responses have been seen in corn within the U.S. In general, responses to Cl in small grains have been in the range of 1 to 6 bushels per acre on responsive sites.

The economics of Cl use is most favorable in barley because small-grain yield increase to Cl is due to increased kernel size. Increased kernel size in barley is the market criteria “plump,” which is a metric used to determine barley suitability to the malting industry. The greater the plump score, the more likely the grain can be marketed as malting grade.

The Cl recommendation is determined by subtracting the amount of Cl found in the top 2 feet of soil from the critical value of 40 pounds/acre, although most of the yield response is the result of the first 10 to 15 pounds/acre of Cl applied. The most commercially available and cheapest source of Cl fertilizer is 0 0 60 (potassium chloride, muriate of potash), which contains approximately 50% Cl.

Other Nutrients

The DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) soil test analysis is used in North Dakota to analyze soils for plant-available zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). Calibration data in North Dakota are available only for Zn on crops known to respond positively to Zn application in the state: corn, potato, flax and dry edible bean (not soybean). Calibration data are also available for Cu on wheat/durum and barley.

Micronutrient requirements are crop specific. Additional crops would not be expected to respond to Zn or Cu if not listed above. The Cu soil test has been useful only in the state if the soils are less than 2.5% organic matter in deep sandy soils, such as an eroded Arvilla loamy sand found in Red River Valley beach-ridge soils and in numerous sandy glacial outwash-derived soils in eastern North Dakota.

Zinc

When corn, potato, flax or dry edible beans are to be grown on a field that tests low to very low in Zn, the recommendation is to apply 10 pounds/acre of Zn as zinc sulfate in a broadcast application or one-third of that rate in a seed-placed or near-seed band. Zinc is especially required in these crops if high levels of broadcast P or a starter P fertilizer is applied when soil Zn levels are low. The water solubility of the Zn fertilizer is important in efficient dispersion and uptake. A broadcast application of zinc sulfate should correct a Zn deficiency for four to five years. Zinc chelates at suggested manufacturer rates also may be used but are relatively expensive per pound of plant food and offer no residual soil buildup.

Banded chelates at 1 pint to 2 quarts/acre can be applied near or with the seed at planting. Foliar applications of zinc chelate and other soluble Zn fertilizers at low rates also are effective for correction of deficiencies for a single season. No Zn is recommended on fields testing medium or above or on fields testing very low, low or medium if the crop to be grown is not a Zn-sensitive crop. Ammoniated Zn complexes also are effective Zn fertilizer sources.

Iron

The supply of soluble iron (Fe) to plants from soil in the region is related to the soil carbonate level. If carbonates are present, soil wetness, cold soils, excessive tillage and high soluble salt levels influence the presence and severity of iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in soybean.

Most North Dakota crops are not sensitive to low available soil iron and are adapted to regional high pH, free soil carbonate conditions. However, IDC has been seen in flax, field pea and dry bean, and IDC is a particularly serious problem in soybean.

Seed treatment with ortho-ortho-FeEDDHA (iron-ethylenediaminedi (o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid) has provided the most consistent soybean yield increases in IDC-susceptible soils. It should be seed-placed in a band as directed on the label for greatest effectiveness. Recent studies in North Dakota have been conducted using FeHBED chelate, and positive results using this chelate have been noted.

Other Fe fertilizers, including ortho-para-FeEDDHA, are far less effective. Yield increases with ortho-ortho-FeEDDHA also have been seen in sugarbeet in the absence of IDC in multiple trials. Foliar applications have not been effective in correcting IDC and achieving similar yield to a seed-placed o-o-FeEDDHA band.

The best solution on fields with IDC is to plant varieties with greater regional IDC tolerance (not Iowa IDC ratings) and avoiding soybean cultivation on soils with high IDC potential and high in soluble salts. NDSU researchers have rated about 200 soybean varieties each year for the past 10 years for IDC tolerance.

Manganese

No field responses to manganese in North Dakota have been documented. Therefore, a recommendation is not made for any soil test level. Manganese is much more soluble at pH less than 5. Manganese toxicity in canola in pH about 4.5 has been observed in the state.

Copper

Yield increases due to soil-applied Cu were documented in North Dakota; however, the responses were on low organic matter, loamy sand soils with low (less than 0.3 parts per million) Cu levels. A number of companion trials on similar soils resulted in no yield increase.

At best, copper should be applied only to low organic matter, sandy soils with low soil test levels, but expect a success rate of about 15% positive yield responses in small grains. Copper fertilizers are expensive, and their use should be based on weighing the productivity of responsive soils with the low return of benefits if copper were applied.

Fertilization Recommendation Tables for Crops Commonly Grown in North Dakota

The following tables can be used for the yield potentials shown. For other yield potentials, use the equations at the bottom of each table.

The abbreviations used in the tables are:

STN = soil test nitrogen

STP = soil test phosphorus

STK = soil test potassium

PCC = previous crop credit

Tables 1 - 7

Table 1. Soil test calibration levels used in North Dakota.

NutrientAnalysisCategories
Very lowLowMediumHighVery High

* Potassium calibration depends on smectite-to-illite ratio within the clay fraction. Smectite-to-illite ratio is important for consideration in particularly K-responsive crops of alfalfa, corn and sugarbeet. See specific crop for K recommendations.

** This calibration is only for corn, potato, flax and edible beans.

*** This calibration is only for wheat and barley in sandy loam or coarser soils with organic matter less than 2.5%. Response to copper is not common. Responses have been found only in 15% of medium- or lower-testing locations.

Deficiencies of manganese and boron have not been confirmed in North Dakota.

The sulfur soil test is not diagnostic and never should be used to formulate S recommendations for any crop.

This calibration is only for small grains.

  ------------------------------------------ ppm ------------------------------------------
Phosphorus (P), ppmOlsen0-34-78-1112-1516+
Potassium (K), ppm* low SI ratioAmmonium acetate0-4041-8081-129121-150151+
Potassium, ppm high SI ratio0-8081-120121-150151-200201+
Zinc (Zn)**, ppmDTPA0-0.250.26-0.500.51-0.750.76-1.001.01+
Iron (Fe), ppmDTPAno categories    
Copper (Cu)***DTPA0-0.100.10-0.200.20-0.300.30+ 
Manganese (Mn), ppmDTPAno categories    
Boron, ppmHot waterno categories    
  ----------------------------------- pounds per acre -----------------------------------
Nitrogen (N)H2O ExtractSee tables
Sulfur (S), lb/a-2 feetMonocalcium phosphateno categories    
Chloride (Cl), lb/a-2 feetH2O Extract10-2020-3030-4040+ 

The amount of nutrient extracted by a particular soil extractant has little meaning or usefulness until it has been calibrated under field conditions. In North Dakota, five soil-test calibration categories give meaning to the soil test results. The categories from very low to very high are defined as follows, unless explained differently above:

Very Low (VL) - In this category, the probability of getting a response to applied nutrient is greater than 80%.

Low (L) - Crops growing on fields in this category will respond to applied nutrient 50% to 80% of the time.

Medium (M) - The probability of getting a response to applied nutrient is 20% to 50%.

High (H) - In this category, crops will respond to applied nutrient about 10% to 20% of the time.

Very High (VH) - The probability of getting a response to applied nutrient is less than 10%.

Table 2-1. Alfalfa phosphorus recommendations. Phosphorus recommendation for alfalfa establishment broadcast application rates of P2O5. Growers should consider using replacement rates of P due to hay removal the previous year after first cutting at a rate of 10 pounds of P2O5 per ton removed.

Olsen P, ppm
0-34-78-1112-1516+
Rate P2O5, pounds per acre
120100806040

Table 2-2. Potassium recommended at alfalfa establishment in soils with a smectite-to-illite clay ratio >3.5 for broadcast application rates of K2O (see Figure 1). Growers should consider using replacement rates of P due to hay removal the previous year after first cutting at a rate of 48 pounds of K2O per ton hay removed.

K soil test, ppm
0-5051-100*101-150150-200200+
Rate K2O, pounds per acre
1801501209060

* Soils with estimated CEC (Table 2) 10 or less, apply 90 pounds per acre 0-0-60 at establishment regardless of soil test.

Table 2-3. Potassium recommended at alfalfa establishment in soils with a smectite-to-illite clay ratio <3.5 for broadcast application rates of K2O (See Figure 1). Growers should consider using replacement rates of P due to hay removal the previous year after first cutting at a rate of 48 pounds of K2O per ton hay removed.

K soil test, ppm
0-5051-100*101-150150+
Rate K2O, pounds per acre
1501209060

* Soils with estimated CEC (Table 2) 10 or less, apply 90 pounds per acre 0-0-60 at establishment regardless of soil test.

Table 3-1. Barley, feed, under conventional till management.

Total available N*, pounds per acreOlsen Soil Test P, ppm Soil Test K, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150151+
Pounds P2O5 per acre Pounds K2O per acre
*Total available N includes residual soil nitrate-N to a 2-foot depth, previous crop N credit, and supplemental N from fertilizers, manures or other sources. N rate is 120 pounds/acre in long-term (six years or more continuous) no-till systems.
150786052260 906045300

Table 3-2. Barley, feed, in no-till systems.

Total available N*, pounds per acreSoil Test P, ppm Soil Test K, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150151+
Pounds P2O5 per acre Pounds K2O per acre
120786052260 906045300

Table 3-3. Barley, malting grade, P and K recommendations in North Dakota*.

Soil Test P, ppm Soil Test K, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150151+
Pounds P2O5 per acre Pounds K2O per acre
*Total available N includes residual soil nitrate-N to a 2-foot depth, previous crop N credit, and supplemental N from fertilizers, manures or other sources. N rate is 120 pounds/acre in long-term (six years or more continuous) no-till systems.
786052260 906045300

Table 3-4. Malting 2-row barley, western region, conventional tillage, economic N rates with N cost and barley price. Subtract 50 pounds N per acre if the field is long-term no-till.

$/buCost of N, $/pound N
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
3140130120112103948474655546382819100000
4144137131124117110102968982756861544740322619
514714213613112512011410810297928681756964585347
61491441401351311261211171121091039894898480757065
7150146143138135131127123119115111107103999591878379
815114814414113713513212712412011711311010610399969289
915214914614314013713413112712412111811511210910610310097
10153150147144142139136133131128125123119119114111108106103

Table 3-5. Malting 2-row barley, eastern region, conventional tillage, economic N rates with N cost and barley price. Subtract 50 pounds N per acre if the field is long-term no-till.

$/buCost of N, $/pound N
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
3145138131125117110104978982756861544640332619
4148144137132127122117111106101969185807570655954
5150146142137133129125121117112108104100969287837975
615114814414113713413112712412011711311010610399969289
715214914614614013713513212912612312011711411110810510299
8153151148148143140137135132130127124122119117114111109106
9154152149149144142140137135133131128126124121120117114112
10154152150150146144142140137135133131131127125123121119117

Table 3-6. Malting 2-row barley, Langdon area, conventional tillage, economic N rates with N cost and barley price. Subtract 50 pounds N per acre if the field is long-term no-till.

$/buCost of N, $/pound N
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
311510810195878084675952453831244610000
4118114107102979287817671666155504540352924
51201161121071039995918782787470666257534945
6121118114111107104101979490878380767369666259
7122119116116110107105102999693908/7848178757269
8123121118118113110107105102100979492898784817976
91241221191191141121101071051031019896949190878482
10124122120120116114112110107105103101101979593918987

Table 4. Buckwheat.

N rate, lb/acreOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121+
lb P2O5/acre lb K2O/acre
*N rate includes soil test nitrate-N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credit and a 30-pound N credit for long-term (six years or more continuous no-till) no-till systems.
80*403020100 60403010

Table 5. Canola. Nitrogen rates include soil test nitrate-N to 2 feet in depth and previous crop N
credits. If long-term (6 years or more continuous), subtract 30 pounds N per acre.

Soil N plus
fertilizer
N
Olsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-160161+
lb P2O5/acre lb K2O/acre
120*604428120 906040200
150**604428120 906040200

* Indicates N rate for warmer and drier areas in North Dakota (Figure 1).

** Indicates N rate for cooler and moister areas in North Dakota (Figure 1).

A sulfat

e or thiosulfate form of S always should be used when growing canola at a rate of about 20 pounds of S per acre.
See Extension publication SF1122 for more details.

Table 6. Clover (Alsike, Red, Birdsfoot Trefoil or a grass-legume hay mix).

Olsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
LH LH
0-910+ 0-150151+
lb P2O5/acre lb K2O/acre
Inoculation is required at seeding with proper rhizobium culture.
600 600

Table 7. Corn for silage.

N* recommendedOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150151+
lb P2O5/acre lb/acre K2O
*Recommended N includes soil test nitrate-N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and 50 pounds of N credit for long-term (six years or more continuous no-till) systems.
180907040200 12012090600

 

N Calculator

For a simpler method to determine N rates for corn, see the North Dakota Corn N calculator at www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/soils/N_calculators/. The calculator also can be downloaded on an iPhone or Android smartphone. Search for North Dakota N calculator on the phone app store and download for free.

Map of ND
Map of North Dakota relating to N recommendations by region.

Tables 8-1 through 8-14. Corn for grain.

Table 8-1. Corn N recommendations for West River soils, considering maximum return to N using
corn N price and N cost. Assumes long-term no-till.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
215012510080603016000000000000
31821591351118763401600000000000
4195176159139124106877051331600000000
520118717315914413011610187736044301600000
6206194182170159147135123111998775635140281600
72101991891791691591481381281181079787776757463626
8212203194186176167159150141132123114105968778696051
921420619819118217416615915114313512711911110395877971
102162092011941871801731661591511441371301231161091019487
11217210204197191184178172165158152145139133126120113107100
12218212206200194188184176170164159153147141135129123117111

Table 8-2. Corn N recommendations for eastern and central region long-term no-till soils,
considering maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
217314712195704217000000000000
3190172155136120102856850331600000000
4200187173161148134121108958269554431170000
52051971841731621521421351221101009079695848372718
6210202191184173163156147138131121112103968778706152
721220419719018217316515815114313612812111310699918477
821420620119418818117416716115414714113512712111410810295
9215209203195192183181173167162157151145138133128122116110
10217210205198195188184179174169163158152147142137131126121
11218212207203198193189184178174169164160154149144140135130
12218213209204201196191187183179173169164161156151147143138

Table 8-3. Corn N recommendation table for the central region of North Dakota, considering
maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
2214179147114794613000000000000
32382141921701481251038162371400000000
42482322131971801631471301139780634730130000
525024122621320018617316014613311910694816753402613
625024823722421320219118016915814713612411319291806958
72502502432332232122031941851751661571461371281181099990
8250250248239231222213207197188180172163155147138130122113
9250250250244237229221213206198191184176169161154146139132
10250250250248241234228222213207201193187182173167160153147
11250250250250245239232225219213207201195189183177171165159
12250250250250248242237213224219213208202197191186180174169

Table 8-4. Corn N recommendation table for the Langdon region of North Dakota, considering
maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
21841491178449160000000000000
3208184162130118957351320000000000
42182021831671501331171008367503317000000
52202111961831701561431301161038976645137231000
622021820719418317216115013912811710694837261503928
72202202132031931821731641551451361271161079888796960
82202202182092011921831771671581501421331251171081009283
9220220220214207199191183176168161154146139131124116109102
10220220220218211204198192183177171163157152143137130123117
11220220220220215209202195189183177171165159153147141135129
12220220220220220212207201194189183178172167161156150144139

Table 8-5. Corn N recommendation table for long-term no-till fields in the Langdon region
of North Dakota, considering maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
21441097744900000000000000
3168144122907855331100000000000
417816214312711093776043271000000000
51801711561431201161039076634936241100000
618017816715414313212111099887766544332211000
7180180173163153142133124115105968776675848392920
818018017816916115214313712711811010293857768605243
9180180180174167159151143136128121114106999184766962
1018018018017817116415815214313713112311711210397908377
111801801801801751691621551491431371311251191131071019589
1218018018018018017216716115414914313813212712111611010499

Table 8-6. Corn N recommendation table for eastern high-clay soils with low risk of early-season N loss, considering maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
22502231961681401248557290000000000
32502342061871691501321139575583921000000
4250250226211197183169155141127113998672584430160
525025025022421320219118016915814713612411310291806958
625025025023522421520619718717816916015014113212411310495
7250250250241233224217209201193185177169161153145137129121
8250250250246239232224217210204197190183176169162155148141
9250250250250244238232224218212206200194187181175169163157
10250250250250250242237231224219213208202197191186180174169
11250250250250250246241236230224219214209204199194189184179
12250250250250250250244239235230224220215211206201197192187

Table 8-7. Corn N recommendation table for eastern high-clay soils with high risk of early-season N loss, considering maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
2150*1501501501401248557290000000000
31501501501501501501321139575583921000000
4150150150150150150150150141127113998672584430160
515015015015015015015015015015015013612411310291806958
615015015015015015015015015015015015015014113212411310495
7150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150145137129121
8150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150148141
9150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150
10150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150
11150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150
12150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150

* The 150 pound N per acre limit on N rate recognizes that increasing rate is not the way to achieve higher yields in these soils. When a split N application is used (side-dress), use Table 8-6 for the total rate of preplant plus side-dress.

Table 8-8. Corn N recommendation table for eastern medium-textured soils with low risk of
early season N loss, considering maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
2231226161126925722000000000000
32502322071841611381159268452200000000
425025023221319617816114412611192745741220000
5250250245232216203189175161147133119106927864503622
6250250250243232219207196184173161150138126115103928069
7250250250250241232221211201191181171161151141131121111102
8250250250250250241232222213204196187178170161152144135126
9250250250250250250239232223215207200192184176169161153146
10250250250250250250245238232226217210203196189182175168161
11250250250250250250250244238232226218212207199193186180174
12250250250250250250250250243237232226219213207202196190184

Table 8-9. Corn N recommendation table for eastern medium-textured soils with high risk for
early season N loss, considering maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
2150*150150126925722000000000000
31501501501501501381159268452200000000
415015015015015015015014412611192745741220000
5150150150150150150150150150147133119106927864503622
6150150150150150150150150150150150150138126115103928069
7150150150150150150150150150150150150150150141131121111102
8150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150144135126
9150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150146
10150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150
11150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150
12150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150150

* The 150 pound N per acre limit on N rate recognizes that increasing rate is not the way to achieve higher yields in these soils. When a split N application is used (side-dress), use Table 8-8 for the total rate of preplant plus side-dress.

Table 8-10. Corn N recommendation table for irrigated soils, considering maximum return to N using corn N price and N cost. This is the total N rate for the season, which includes several split-N applications.

Corn $ per buN cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
225524122821520118817516214913612310996837057443017
3263254245237228219210201194184175166158149140131123114105
4268262256250244238232226220208201195188183175169162155149
5272267262257252247242237232223217212207201196191186180175
6273268263258253248243238233230226223219215210206201197193
7274269264259254249244239234231227225223221218216213209205
8275270265260255250245240235232228226224222219217214210206
9276271266261256251246241236233229227225223220218215211207
10277272267262257252247242237234230228226224221219216212208
11278273268263258253248243238235231229227225222220217213209
12279274269264259254249244239236232230228226223221218214210

Table 8-8. Corn P recommendations, West River, non-irrigated, pounds P2O5.

Olsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm
VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+
7852392610

Table 8-9. Corn P recommendations, East River, non-irrigated, pounds P2O5 per acre.

Olsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm
VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+
10478523910

Table 8-10. Corn P recommendations, irrigated, pounds P2O5 per acre.

Olsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm
VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+
156104785226

Table 8-11. Potassium recommendations for corn in soils with clay chemistry having a smectite-to-illite ratio greater than 3:5 and soil test K levels 150 ppm or less.

Corn price,
$ per bushel
Price per pound K2O, $ per pound
0.1250.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.00
Recommended pounds K2O per acre
29090909060600000
39090909060606060600
490909090909090909060
590909090909090909090
6120120120120909090909090
712012012012012012012012012090
8120120120120120120120120120120
9120120120120120120120120120120
10120120120120120120120120120120

Table 8-12. Potassium recommendations for corn in soils with clay chemistry having a smectite-to-illite ratio greater than 3:5 and soil test K levels from 151 to 199 ppm.

Corn price,
$ per bushel
Price per pound K2O, $ per pound
0.1250.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.00
Recommended pounds K2O per acre
2909060606000000
390909090606060000
49090909090909060600
590909090909090909060
6120120120120909090909090
712012012012012012012012012090
8120120120120120120120120120120
9120120120120120120120120120120
10120120120120120120120120120120

Table 8-13. Potassium recommendations for corn in soils with clay chemistry having a smectite-to-illite ratio less than 3:5 and soil test K levels 100 ppm or less.

Corn price,
$ per bushel
Price per pound K2O, $ per pound
0.1250.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.00
Recommended pounds K2O per acre
29090909060600000
39090909060606060600
490909090909090909060
590909090909090909090
6120120120120909090909090
712012012012012012012012012090
8120120120120120120120120120120
9120120120120120120120120120120
10120120120120120120120120120120

Table 8-14. Potassium recommendations for corn in soils with clay chemistry having a smectite-to-illite ratio less than 3:5 and soil test K levels from 101 to 149 ppm.

Corn price,
$ per bushel
Price per pound K2O, $ per pound
0.1250.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.00
Recommended pounds K2O per acre
2909060606000000
390909090606060000
49090909090909060600
590909090909090909060
6120120120120909090909090
712012012012012012012012012090
8120120120120120120120120120120
9120120120120120120120120120120
10120120120120120120120120120120

Table 9-1. Sweet corn P and K recommendations, pounds P2O5 and K2O per acre.
Smectite-to-illite ratio less than 3.5 (see Figure 3).

Total available N**, pounds per acreSoil Test P, ppm Soil Test K, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150151+
Pounds P2O5 per acre Pounds K2O per acre
150786052260 12012090600

Table 9-2. Sweet corn P and K recommendations, pounds P2O5 and K2O per acre.
Smectite-to-illite ratio greater than 3.5 (see Figure 3).

Total available N**, pounds per acreSoil Test P, ppm Soil Test K, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-8080-120121-150151-200200+
Pounds P2O5 per acre Pounds K2O per acre
**includes nitrate-N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits fertilizer N total and 50 lb N per acre no-till N credit. Subtract another 30 pounds per acre if grown in the Langdon region.
150786052260 12012090600

Table 10. Dry bean (pinto, navy, other).

Soil N plus
fertilizer N
Olsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-160161+
lb P2O5/acre lb/acre K2O
See below453020100 5020000

Nitrogen recommendation = P and K are related to soil test values
For irrigated sands - 0.05 X historic yield – STN -PCC and not to yield potential.
Dryland - Inoculated 40 pounds of N per acre – STN - PCC
Non-inoculated 70 pounds of N per acre – STN - PCC

Table 11. Flax.

Total N * recommendedSoil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH
0-4041-8081-120121-160161+
K2O, lb/acre
80775432100

* Total N includes soil test nitrate-N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits,
long-term no-till N credit of 30 pounds of N/acre if field has been in no-till
continuously for six years or more and supplemental fertilizer N. Fertilizer P
application will not result in economic benefit for flax growers.

Table 12. Forage/hay grasses, established grass, irrigated hay grasses, new seedings.

Total N* RecommendedOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150150+
Pounds P2O5 per acre Pounds K2O per acre
*Total N includes soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and supplemental fertilizer N.
5040261200 60603000

Table 13. Millet.

Total N* RecommendedOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
LMHVH VLLMHVH
0-78-1011-1313+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150150+
* Total N includes soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and supplemental fertilizer N, and a 30-pound
N/acre N credit for fields in six years or more continuous no-till systems.
806040200 606030300

Table 14. Mustard.

Total N* RecommendedOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150150+
Pounds P2O5 per acre Pounds K2O per acre
* Total N includes soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and supplemental fertilizer N. For long-term no-till (6 years or more continuous), subtract 30 pounds per acre from recommendation. In the Langdon area, subtract 30 pounds N from the recommendation.
150604025150 604530150

Table 15. Oat.

Total N* RecommendedOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150150+
* Total N includes soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and supplemental fertilizer N. For long-term no-till (6 years or more continuous), subtract 30 pounds per acre from recommendation. In the Langdon area, subtract 30 pounds N from the recommendation.
120604530200 906045150

Table 16. Pea, field, lentil and chickpea.

Olsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH   
0-34-78-1112-1516+ <100>100
Inoculation is necessary with proper Rhizobium bacteria.
403020150 300

Table 17-1. Full-season Harvest Potato, Dryland.

Total N* lb N/acre
* Total N includes soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and supplemental fertilizer N.
Reds 140±20
Russets and whites 170 ± 20

Table 17-2. Irrigated potato N, requirements based on variety and date of vine-kill.

Vine kill datesVarietiesN, lb/a *
* Total of soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop credits if any and fertilizer N applied.
Early season fresh marketNorland, Red Norland, Dark Red Norland, Yukon Gold160 ± 10
Vine kill before July 25,
less than 90 days after planting
Midseason fresh market

Midseason fresh market and processing varieties include Norkotah Russet, Gold Rush, Ranger Russet, Ivory Russet, Snowden, Atlantic, Dakota Pearl and Ivory Crisp.

Also Alturas (N efficient variety)

200 ± 10
Vine kill between July 25 and Aug. 26,
90-120 days after planting
Late-season, fresh market and processingRusset Burbank and Umatilla240 ± 10
Vine kill after Aug. 26,
more than 120 days after planting

Table 17-3. Recommended P2O5 to apply for potato production in North Dakota.

Vine kill datesOlsen Soil Test P, ppm
0-34-78-1112-1516-1819-2223-4142+
P2O5 to apply, lb/acre

* Early fresh market varieties include Norland, Red Norland, Dark Red Norland and Yukon Gold.

Midseason fresh market and processing varieties include Norkotah Russet, Gold Rush, Ranger Russet, Ivory Russet, Snowden, Atlantic, Dakota Pearl and Ivory Crisp.

Late-season irrigated varieties included Russet Burbank and Umatilla and Alturas.

Irrigated before July 25, less than 90 days after planting*125100755050505050
Irrigated between July 25 and Aug. 26, 90-120 days after planting1501251007575757575
Irrigated more than 120 days after planting175150125100100100100100
Dryland Reds1501251007575757575
Dryland Russets and Whites175150125100100100100100

Table 17-4. Recommended K2O to apply for potato production in North Dakota.

Vine kill dates, Production categoryK Soil Test, ppm
0-4041-8081-120121-150151-200200+
K2O to apply, lb/acre

* Early fresh market varieties include Norland, Red Norland, Dark Red Norland and Yukon Gold.

Midseason fresh market and processing varieties include Norkotah Russet, Ivory Russet, Snowden, Atlantic, Gold Rush, Ranger Russet, Dakota Pearl and Ivory Crisp.

Late-season irrigated varieties included Russet Burbank, Umatilla and Alturas.

¶ Clay ratio is smectite-to-illite clay ratio greater than or less than 3.5

Irrigated
Before July 25, less than 90 days after planting*20010075502520
Between July 25 and Aug. 26, 90-120 days after planting300200100755025
More than 120 days after planting4003002001007550
DrylandClay¶ RatioK2O to apply, lb/acre
RedsS/I Ratio > 3.54003002001007550
 S/I Ratio < 3.5300200100755025
Russets and WhitesS/I Ratio > 3.54003002001007550
 S/I Ratio < 3.5300200100755025

Table 18. Rye.

Nitrogen rates

Areas of low productivity (yields below 40 bushels/acre) - Total available N = 100 pounds/acre

Areas of medium productivity (yields 40 to 60 bushels/acre) - Total available N = 150 pounds/acre

Areas of high productivity (yields greater than 60 bushels/acre) - Total available N = 200 pounds/acre

(Total available N = soil test nitrate 2 feet + previous crop credit + fertilizer N)

Phosphorus

Apply 25 pounds of P2O5 per acre at seeding with the seed up to an Olsen value of 15 ppm.

Potassium

All productive ranges - apply 50 pounds/acre 0-0-60 (30 pounds/acre K2O) if soil test K is less than 100 ppm.

Table 19. Safflower. Apply P with or near the seed.

Total N* RecommendedOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150150+
* Total N includes soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and supplemental fertilizer N. For long-term no-till fields, subtract a 30-pound N per acre N credit.
804020200 606030300

Table 20. Sorghum, forage and sudangrass.

Total N* RecommendedOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150150+
* Total N includes soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and supplemental fertilizer N, and a 30-pound N/acre N credit for fields in six years or more continuous no-till systems.
80403020200 606030300

Table 21. Sorghum, grain.

Total N* RecommendedOlsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150150+
* Total N includes soil test N to 2 feet in depth, previous crop N credits and supplemental fertilizer N, and a 30-pound N/acre N credit for fields in six years or more continuous no-till systems.
80403020200 606030300

Table 22. Soybean.

Total N*Olsen Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm Soil Test Potassium, ppm
VLLMHVH VL/VLL/LM/MH/MVH/HVH/VH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-150151-200201+
Split K recommendation, left is for soils with smectite-illite ratio < 3.5; right for soils with smectite-illite rate > 3.5
05226000 90/9060/9060/6030/600/600/0

Table 23. Sugarbeet.

Total N* RecommendedOlsen Phosphorus Soil Test
0-6 inch core, ppm
 Potassium Soil Test
soil test, 0-6 inch core, ppm
VLLMHVH VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+ 0-4041-8081-120121-160161+

* 120 ppm is critical K value for soils with smectite-to-illite ratio 3.5 or less (Figure 3).

** 160 ppm is critical K value for soils with smectite-to-illite ratio greater than 3.5.

In divided K rate, small number is for soils with smectite-to-illite ratio 3.5 or less; larger number is rate for soils with smectite-to-illite ratio greater than 3.5.

 Broadcast rate P2O5, lb/a K2O, lb/a
100 lb N, 2 foot core805535100 12090/12050/900/600
130 lb N, 4 foot core805535100 12090/12050/900/600


 

Tables 24-1 through 24-3. Sunflower.

See Figure 2 for map of regions. Also, see web-based N calculator at
https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/soils/N_calculators/# or download the N calculator app for iPhones and Androids.
Search for North Dakota N calculator and follow the download instructions.

Table 24-1. Eastern conventional till oilseed sunflower N recommendations based on N cost and sunflower price. For confection sunflower N rate, add 10 pounds N per acre to these values except to zero values.

Sunflower Seed Price
$ per pound
N cost, $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.00
Total Known Available N, pounds per acre*
0.091501351241119684725947
0.12150145135125116106968778
0.1515015014313512711911210496
0.18150150148141135128126115109
0.21150150150146141135129124118
0.24150150150150145140135130125
0.27150150150150148144139135131
0.30150150150150150147143139135

* Total known available N includes soil test N to 2 feet, previous crop credit and fertilizer amendment N rate.

Table 24-2. Eastern long-term no-till oilseed sunflower N recommendations based on N cost and sunflower price. For confection sunflower N rate, add 10 pounds N per acre to these values, except to zero values.

Sunflower Seed Price
$ per pound
N cost, $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.00
Total Known Available N, pounds per acre*
0.0984220000000
0.121176824000000
0.1513797612400000
0.181501178655240000
0.21150132105775024000
0.241501421199571472400
0.27150150130108876544240
0.301501501391189980614224

* Total known available N includes soil test N to 2 feet, previous crop credit and fertilizer amendment N rate.

Table 24-3. Western long-term no-till oil-seed and western conventional oilseed sunflower N recommendations based on N cost and sunflower price. For confection sunflower rate, add 10 pounds N per acre to these values, except to zero values.

Sunflower Seed Price
$ per pound
N cost, $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.00
Total Known Available N, pounds per acre*
0.091267731000000
0.12150115774300000
0.15150135106775022000
0.1815015012610178543190
0.211501501401199878583819
0.2415015015013211395786043
0.27150150150142125109937862
0.301501501501501351211069278

* Total known available N includes soil test N to 2 feet, previous crop credit and fertilizer amendment N rate.

Sunflower - Langdon Area N - Use Table 24-1 and Table 24-2, depending on tillage, and subtract 50 pounds N per acre from the eastern North Dakota N recommendation.

Sunflower Phosphorus (P) - No P is required for sunflowers. Adding P will not decrease yield, but neither will it increase yield.

Sunflower Potassium (K) - Apply 100 pounds per acre 0-0-60 potassium fertilizer or equivalent if soil test K is less than 150 ppm.

Sunflower response to S is low, but application after a wet fall/winter/early spring in deep sandy, low-organic-matter soils might be beneficial. Sunflower is not responsive to zinc, iron, boron or any other micronutrient in North Dakota.

Tables 25-1 through 25-9. Spring Wheat and Durum Nitrogen Recommendations.

To determine recommended N rate:

1. Find the region of the farm and look up the gross optimal available-N from the appropriate region/productivity table (Tables 25-1 through 25-9).

2. Subtract the soil test nitrate-N from the 0- to 2-foot depth.

3. Subtract any previous crop N credits.

4. Consider whether the field has been in a no-till or one-pass tillage system.

- If the field has been in no-till less than five continuous years, add 20 pounds of N/acre.

- If the field has been in no-till five or more continuous years, subtract 50 pounds of N/acre.

5. Make an organic-matter adjustment for soils with greater than 5.9% organic matter.

- For each full percent of organic matter greater than 5%, subtract 50 pounds of N/acre.

For easier N rate determination, see the North Dakota Spring Wheat and Durum N Calculator at https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/soils/N_calculators/#r download the N calculator app for iPhones and Androids. Search for North Dakota N calculator. Follow download instructions.

The final N rate may be adjusted plus or minus 30 pounds of N/acre due to a host of factors, including varietal protein traits, soil that tends to favor denitrification or leaching losses, excessive straw from the previous year or less-than-ideal application methods.

Within each region, the productivity is defined.

Productivity category definitions:

Langdon Region

Low = less than 40 bushels/acre

Medium = 41 to 60 bushels/acre

High = greater than 60 bushels/acre

Eastern Region

Low = less than 40 bushels/acre

Medium = 41 to 60 bushels/acre

High = greater than 60 bushels/acre

Western Region

Low = less than 30 bushels/acre

Medium = 31 to 50 bushels/acre

High = greater than 50 bushels/acre

Table 25-1. Langdon region conventional till low productivity (less than 40 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
31121009052000000000000000
41241001008762370000000000000
51321161001008566474200000000000
61371231101009984695247301400000000
7141129117106100978471574741220000000
814313312311310310094837260474716000000
9145136127118109100100938373635247401713000
10145139131123115107100100918374655647353423110
111451411341261191121041009890827466585047393020
121451451341271251141071009895898073655850454233
131451451361301251171111059898938782736660534746
1414514513813212712111510910398989286807467615548
15145145140134129123118112104101989791868074686256

Table 25-2. Langdon region conventional till medium productivity (41-60 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
313012512011511010080505030201510000000
413513012512011510090807050403025000000
51401351301251201151009080605040351000000
614514013513012011510595856560504525100000
715014514013512512011010095707060553530201000
81551501451401301251151051008080706545403020150
916015515014513513012011010590908075555040302510
10165160155150145135125120110100958580656050403520
111751701651551501401301251151101009085756560504030
121781711651571501431361281211141079992847769625446
1317817216515915214613913212611911210699928678726558
14178172166160154148142136130124118111105999386807467
151781731671621561501451391331281221161101049993878175

Table 25-3. Langdon Region, conventional tillage, high productivity (greater than 60 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
31671651631601551481351201017735200000000
417216816516215615014113112111098845030200000
517717016816415715114413713012211410596867665523010
61781721701681581521461401341281221161091029588807250
7178174172170160152147143139133128121117112106101958983
81781751731711611521471441421361311271231181141091049994
9178176174172162154149146142138133131127123119115111107103
10178176174172162154149146142138134133130126123119116112109
11178176174172162154149146142138134133130129126123120117113
12178176174172162154149146142138134133130129127126123120117
13178176174172162154149146142138134133130129127126126123121
14178176174172162154149146142138134133130129127126126125123
15178176174172162154149146142138134133130129127126126125124

Table 25-4. Spring wheat/durum N recommendations, Eastern Region, conventional tillage, low productivity
(less than 40 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
314213012082000000000000000
4154130130117927739000000000000
5162146130130115967772340000000000
6167153140130129114998277604400000000
71711591471361301271141018777715230000000
8173163153143133130124113102907777462900000
917516615714813913013012311310393827770574329130
101751691611531451371301301211131049586777564534128
1117517116415614914213413012812011210496888077696050
12175175164157155144137130128125119110103958880757263
131751751661601551471411351281281231171121039690837776
1417517516816215615114513913312812812211611210497918578
15175175170164159153148142137131128127121116110104989286

Table 25-5. Spring wheat/durum N recommendations Eastern Region, conventional tillage, medium productivity
(41-60 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
3178150120117100420000000000000
4182161141118118103723300000000000
5183167150133120118103825729000000000
6184171157143128118118105866949280000000
7185173162150137125118118118917660442780000
81861761651551441331221181181059381685440261100
91861771681591491401301211181181189584736250382613
1018717817016215514513613011911811810596877768574736
11187179172164158149141134126118118118106978980716153
121871801731661601531461381311241181181181069890837567
1318718117516816215514914313612912312211811310699928577
14188182176170164158152146140135128122118118118106999386
1518818217717116616015414914313813212612111811811810610094

Table 25-6. Spring wheat/durum N recommendations, Eastern Region conventional tillage, high productivity
(greater than 60 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
3218202185167148147145129109815035201000000
42272131991841691541471471371231068565403015000
5233221209196184171158147147143131118104866340302010
623722721620519518417316115014714713712711510288704330
72412312222122031931841741641531471471421331231121018874
8244235227218210205193183175165156147147146137129120110100
9246238231223215207199191183174167159149147147141133125117
10248241234227220212205198191184176168161153147147144137130
11250243237230223217210203197190183176169162155148147147141
12250245239233227221214208201196189183177170164157151147147
13250247241235230224218212206201195194183176171165159153147
14250247243237232227221216210205199194188183177172166160155
15250250245239235229224219214209204198193188183178172167162

Table 25-7. Spring wheat/durum N recommendations, Western Region, conventional tillage, low productivity
(less than 30 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
399959376595530000000000000
41029795856860544200000000000
510599979071646052330000000000
6108103989378686660525045289000000
71111071009686747265585852513926110000
811411010399908277706466575545352513000
9117112106100938682777273646052463541131110
10120114109103969288848077686259544544232015
111201161101051009593908684797468635647423820
121201181121071029896949288837974696459484540
1312012011410810410198969492868378736965605650
14120120120111107104100979695908682787470656158
15120120120120112108101989796938985827874706662

Table 25-8. Spring wheat/durum N recommendations, Western Region, conventional tillage medium productivity
(31-50 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
3148139139138121102102101605030150000000
41621391391391391381151021021018060402000000
5172153139139139138117102102101806555453010000
617816214613913913813410210210210190705040302000
71821691551411391391381131131021021019665504030200
8186174162149139139139127127113102102101987648352515
918817816715614513913913613612411310210210110083633820
10190181171162151142139137137135124112102102101101877153
111921831741651571481391391391381321221121021021011019077
1219418617716916115314513913913913813012111210310210110192
13194187180172165157150142139139138138129121112103102101102
14196189183176168162154147140139139138135127119112105102102
15196190184177171164158151145139139139138133126119111104102

Table 25-9. Spring wheat/durum N recommendations, Western Region conventional tillage high productivity
(greater than 50 bushels per acre).

Wheat
$ per bu
N cost $ per pound
0.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.101.201.301.401.501.601.701.801.902.00
Nitrogen Recommended, pounds per acre
31641571279561250000000000000
416416414712510177522600000000000
517216415914112310485664626000000000
617816416415213712210691755943260000000
71821691651581471341221089581685427000000
818517416616415414313212010998867463513927000
9187177168164160155140130120110100907969594838270
1018918017016416415614713812912011110292837465554637
11190181175167164160152144136128120111103958678706153
121921841771701641641571491421341271191121039789817466
1319318618017216616416015414714013312811911210598918477
141941871811751691641641571511451381331251191131061009387
1519518918317717116416416115514914313713112511911310710195

Table 25-10. Broadcast fertilizer phosphate recommendations for North Dakota for spring wheat and durum based on soil test (Olsen).

Soil Test Phosphorus, ppm
VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+
Pounds P2O5/acre
9060352015*

* Wheat seeding always should include a small amount of starter fertilizer in a band regardless of soil test. If starter fertilizer banding is not used, rates in H and VH categories should be zero.

Potassium recommendations for spring wheat and durum

Soils with smectite-to-illite ratio greater than 3.5 (Figure 3)

Soil test K > 150 ppm, no additional K required. KCl (0-0-60-50Cl) may be applied if Cl levels are low.

Soil test K 150 ppm or less, apply 50 pounds/acre KCl (30 pounds/acre K2O)

Soils with smectite-to-illite ratio 3.5 or less (Figure 3)

Soil test K > 100 ppm, no additional K required. KCl (0-0-60-50Cl) may be applied if Cl levels are low.

Soil test K 100 ppm or less, apply 50 pounds/acre KCl (30 pounds/acre K2O)

Winter wheat Nitrogen rates

Areas of low productivity (yields below 40 bushels/acre) - Total available N = 100 pounds/acre

Areas of medium productivity (yields 40 to 60 bushels/acre) - Total available N = 150 pounds/acre

Areas of high productivity (yields greater than 60 bushels/acre - Total available N = 200 pounds/acre

(Total available N = soil test nitrate 2 feet + previous crop credit + fertilizer N)

When growing winter wheat in Langdon region (see Figure 2), subtract 40 pounds of N/acre.

Under long-term no-till management (6 years or more continuous), subtract 50 pounds N/acre.

Table 26. Winter wheat P recommendations.

Olsen soil test P soil test values, ppm
VLLMHVH
0-34-78-1112-1516+
Pounds P2O5/acre
7550301515*

* Wheat seeding always should include a small amount of starter fertilizer in a band regardless of soil test. If starter fertilizer banding is not used, rates in H and VH categories should be zero.

Winter wheat K rates

Soils with smectite-to-illite ratio greater than 3.5 (Figure 3)

Soil test K > 150 ppm, no additional K required. KCl (0-0-60-50Cl) may be applied if Cl levels are low.

Soil test K 150 ppm or less, apply 50 pounds/acre KCl (30 pounds/acre K2O)

Soils with smectite-to-illite ratio 3.5 or less (Figure 3)

Soil test K > 100 ppm, no additional K required. KCl (0-0-60-50Cl) may be applied if Cl levels are low.

Soil test K 100 ppm or less, apply 50 pounds/acre KCl (30 pounds/acre K2O)

Figure 1
Photo Credit:
Image courtesy of NASA, Angela King – image compiler, and Hobart King/Geology.com, publisher
Figure 1. General climatic delineation between cooler and moister areas in North Dakota compared with warmer and drier areas. In a given year, the line separating the two regions may move considerably east or west. For use with Tables 3-4, 3-5 and 5.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Agri-climatology regions for use in Tables 24-1 through 24-3 for sunflower and Tables 25-1 through 25-9 for spring wheat and durum N recommendations, and for winter wheat considerations.

 

Figure 3
Figure 3. Smectite-to-illite ratios relevant to alfalfa, corn and sugarbeet potassium (K) recommendations in Figures 2-2 and 2-3 for alfalfa; 8-11 to 8-14 for corn, 9-1 to 9-2 for sweet corn; Table 17-4 for potato, Table 23 for sugarbeet and for spring wheat after Table 25-10 and winter wheat after Table 26.

 

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