4R Nutrient Stewardship focuses on using the right fertilizer or nutrient source at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place to increase yields. It keeps more nutrients in the field and improves profitability while also protecting the environment, improving sustainability, and showing the social responsibility valued and often demanded by today’s consumers.

Developed and enhanced over the past four decades through cooperation between the fertilizer industry, the scientific community and practical application by farmers, the 4Rs in the system: right source, right rate, right time, right place, are influenced by numerous factors, including but not limited to farm location, weather, soil quality, growing conditions, availability of agronomic consulting services and precision agriculture technologies, economics, and the farmers’ practices and goals.

Utilizing the general guidelines for 4R Nutrient Stewardship combined with precision agriculture technologies, farmers can optimize inputs, increase yields and profitability, and improve sustainability. There are many factors to consider when implementing the required fertilizer best management practices. Still, the 4Rs in the system remains consistent.

Right Source

Factors to be considered when selecting the right fertilizer or nutrient source include, but are not limited to:

• The current availability of nutrients in the soil;
• Whether the nutrients in the fertilizer will be available for immediate or delayed crop uptake;
• The determination of whether a combination of different fertilizers and nutrients are required.

Right Rate

Factors to be considered when applying the fertilizer or nutrient source at the right rate include, but are not limited to:

• Crop nutrient demand;
• Crop yield goals;
• Amount of fertilizer needed in different areas of the field based on soil analysis;
• Proper calibration of equipment for appropriate levels of distribution in different regions.

Right Time

Factors to be considered when applying the fertilizer or nutrient at the right time include, but are not limited to:

• Crop nutrient demands at different stages;
• Seasonal weather conditions;
• Runoff potential after a rainfall or during the winter;
• Ability to retain nutrients (saturated fields);
• Mitigation of potential odours.

Right Place

Factors to be considered when applying fertilizer or nutrient in the right place include, but are not limited to:

• Root zone;
• The crop being grown;
• Soil type;
• Soil characteristics in different areas of the field;
• Phosphorus index;
• Nutrient supply capacity;
• Slope;
• Surface water and drainage;
• Vulnerability to loss.

The Bigger Picture

The global population is expected to grow to approximately nine billion by 2037. It is estimated that agricultural production will need to double by 2050 to feed all the people on the planet. This will be accomplished not by increased land use but rather by more intensified and efficient production of the land currently in use.

Based on scientific advances, improved genetics and emerging biotechnologies, the yields are expected to increase by 3-4 percent per year worldwide. However, this will also require that fertilizer inputs be optimized. At the same time, regulatory pressures and legal actions regarding fertilizer use are increasing. Additional limits in these areas will continue to be advanced by both government and environmental groups.

The above combined with the fact that modern consumers are demanding to know that their food is being sustainably produced will make 4R Nutrient Stewardship even more important in the future.

You Can Have It All

Western Canadian farmers are acutely aware of the pressures involved in the efforts to increase yields and profits while also optimizing inputs through nutrient best management practices that are also environmentally friendly and socially responsible. They understand the value on both sides of the equation and are increasing their adoption of precision agriculture technologies to improve their ability to apply the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place.

Customization by farm and field is always required, and we’ll expand upon that in future posts. Implementing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship to make nutrients available to crops in the most efficient manner possible makes economic sense and has social and environmental benefits.

And you can, have them all.