Rotation?

[loneranger]

I have small plots maybe 1 acre total in different areas. I try to rotate between Brassica,rye,clovers. I have yet to use much if any fert. How long can I keep this up, without using any outside fert?

 

[Central Iowa]

As long as you are happy with your plots and they are making your goals of what you want to provide you won't have to. If it was me I would at least soil test then decide if I wanted to add lime and fertilizer accordingly to get optimal results and to replenish what you are depleting.

 

[Sligh1]

Yep, soil test it.
The reality, how I'd handle it.... I'd still try and do a soil sample so at one point in time you know what type of soil you're dealing with, there's several things that could surprise you (PH, P&K levels, micronutrients, organic matter, etc). For the short term, if you don't do soil sample or have the time.... I would just fertilize the plot. It's 1 acre, so you're costs are very low. Eventually you're going to have some issues with some nutrients so you might as well not have to learn the hard way when things turn out poorly for a whole season. I'd put P&K down now so it can break down over the winter as well. Better safe than sorry.

 

[loneranger]

Thanks Guys, what kind Fert? I have a Golden Furrow next to me.Triple16 or something like that? How many lbs? Have several odd shaped areas so kinda hard to say lbs per acre.

 

[Daver]

Thanks Guys, what kind Fert? I have a Golden Furrow next to me.Triple16 or something like that? How many lbs? Have several odd shaped areas so kinda hard to say lbs per acre.

Ed - I use the same Golden Furrow office that you do, they will do the soil test for a small fee and then recommend a fertilizer to meet your need. Your fertilizer need will be determined by the outcome of your soil test.

 

[loneranger]

Thanks Daver!