How are you set fertility wise for 2011? We all know that to maximize soil productivity, correcting drainage problems is the top priority. Then adjust soil pH as necessary. Generally a neutral to slightly acid soil, 6.5-7.0 pH, maximizes availability of other soil based nutrients. Soil applied herbicides are also designed to work best in such balanced soils.

Regular liming is critical to good crop production in our soils. A common question is when is the best time to lime? The bottom line is that anytime the soil conditions are appropriate for the spreading equipment and the crop does not limit spreading, is ok. However, there are some helpful considerations for when to apply limestone. Doug Beegle, Penn State soil fertility specialist recommends that first, lime on a regular basis. Regular liming provides maximum flexibility to lime when you have time and the conditions are right. In our soils liming every 3–4 years usually meets this goal.

Second, plan ahead. Even very high quality limestone takes some time to react and correct the acidity in the soil. Applying limestone at least 6 months ahead of when the desired pH is needed is a good guideline. This is especially important if the soil pH is very low. For example, if a new alfalfa seeding is planned, liming should be considered the year before seeding or at least the fall before seeding.

Finally, consider the soil conditions. The main concern here is compaction from heavy lime trucks. For timing a limestone application within the year, the ideal would be to apply limestone on a dry soil.

Another alternative is to apply limestone on a frozen soil to minimize compaction. There are no problems with applying limestone on a frozen soil as long as the limestone stays where it is applied. The main thing here is not to apply limestone on a frozen soil where it might be directly washed off of the field by winter rains or snow melt, such as sloping fields, especially with little or no cover.

Actually, if limestone is applied to a frozen soil or on a dry soil in the fall, there will likely be some shallow incorporation due to freezing and thawing action throughout the winter. This can be helpful in no-till or perennial crops where there will be no tillage to mix the limestone with the soil. Anytime is a good time to lime as long as you pay attention to a few important details.

What about applying organic fertilizer now? First, we all know that winter is not the best time to apply manure and should be our last choice. The best nutrient utilization will come from applying the manure as close to the time of crop uptake as possible. Also, because of no crop utilization and frozen/snow covered soils, there could be high potential for nutrient loss in the winter.
Since there is a significant potential for losses of surface applied nutrients in runoff from snow melt or winter rains, try to select fields and timing of application based on minimizing the potential for loss.

Common sense says that you should select fields with cover crops or at least 25 percent residue. You should stay as far away from water as practical, preferably at least 100 ft. away. Select the most level fields available, especially avoiding significant slopes and areas in fields were concentrated water flow is likely, and try to avoid spreading when rain or melting conditions are expected.

Contact your local NRCS or SWCD for possible EQIP assistance.
Please realize that regulation generally follows poor management.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.