Source: John Grove, Plant and Soil Sciences professor 

Grain producers can take steps now to prepare for the next growing season. Fall is an ideal time to start by applying nutrients to the soil. 

There are several benefits to autumn fertilizing. For one, it can prevent delays in planting come spring. Kentucky's fall weather is generally drier, reducing the risk of soil compaction during application. Additionally, purchasing fertilizer in these cooler months might lead to savings, as spring tends to be the busier season for fertilizer sales. 

Before getting started, test your soil to ensure you only apply the nutrients your fields need. This approach saves both time and money. You can coordinate with your local extension office to submit soil samples to the University of Kentucky’s regional testing labs. 

Once your soil test results are in, follow UK recommendations for fertilizer application. Potash and phosphorus are particularly well-suited for fall application in Kentucky. These nutrients interact with the soil to keep them in place, preventing loss through leaching during the state’s typically wet winters. If you’re planting small grains this autumn, apply the recommended rates of phosphorus and potash before planting. Double-crop producers should also account for soybean nutrient needs when applying fall wheat fertilizer. 

UK encourages corn and full-season soybean producers to wait until the springtime to apply nitrogen and animal manures. Both run a high risk of leaching from the soil during the winter. Additionally, nitrogen losses can occur from denitrification and immobilization during the winter. Animal manures are most effective when there is a crop already growing in the field. 

If you’ve planted wheat this fall, apply just enough nitrogen to promote early growth and tillering, usually no more than 40 pounds per acre. Wheat-following crops like soybeans, tobacco or well-fertilized corn may not need additional nitrogen in the fall. If more nitrogen is required, remember that common phosphorus fertilizers in Kentucky, such as DAP (18-46-0) and MAP (11-52-0), also supply nitrogen that the wheat can utilize. 

For more information about alternative grain storage, contact the (COUNTY NAME) office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.    

### 

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.     

---

ANR