Nutrient Application Guidelines for Field, Vegetable, and Fruit Crops in Wisconsin (A2809)

Preface

The Wisconsin soil testing program and nutrient application guidelines were originally developed in the early 1960s. The guidelines have since been revised several times to reflect research advances, additional correlation and calibration data, and shifts in philosophical viewpoint.

The latest revision incorporates additional research data, including an update to the maximum return to nitrogen (MRTN) philosophy for corn N rate guidelines along with a new approach for defining soil groups and soil yield potential using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) database.

The Wisconsin routine farm soils (RFS) computer program, which is used by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (WDATCP) certified soil testing laboratories to generate nutrient and lime recommendations, has been updated to reflect the changes in this document. The guidelines in this publication have been incorporated into the nutrient management planning software SnapPlus.

This publication is intended to guide farmers regarding the appropriate amount of nutrients to apply to maximize yield and profitability. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and WDATCP, along with USDA-NRCS, reference this document in several nutrient management codes and rules.

We gratefully acknowledge L.G. Bundy, K.A. Kelling, E.E. Schulte, and L.M. Walsh, professors emeriti of soil science, for their contributions to earlier versions. Appreciation is also expressed to members of the University of Wisconsin–Madison departments of soil science, agronomy, and horticulture for their input—in particular Laura Ward Good, research scientist, and Matt Ruark, professor of soil science—along with Chris Baxter, professor of crop and soil sciences, University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

For updates throughout the growing season, consult the Wisconsin Crop Manager newsletter, available online at go.wisc.edu/WisconsinCropManager.