Agronomic Crop Nutrient Recommendations Based On Soil Tests and Yield Goals

NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATIONS BY CROP
Source: University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, November 2009

Regulatory Citation: COMAR 15.20.08.05
AGRONOMIC CROP NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATIONS

BASED ON SOIL TESTS AND YIELD GOALS
recommendations based on soil testing. Realistic
crop yield goals will differ among farms, among
fields within a farm, and with different levels of
management of a given field. A yield goal should
be a realistic target yield that is achievable given
favorable growing conditions.
The Maryland Cooperative Extension Soil

Testing Laboratory analyzed soil samples and
generating plant nutrient application
recommendations from 1954 until its closing in
2003. Over the years, fertility recommendations
have been updated as improved laboratory
methodologies have been developed, as cropping
systems and crop genetics have improved, and as
our understanding of the relationship between
laboratory soil test results and crop yields has
advanced.
Soil Testing Procedures

Testing Laboratory employed the Mehlich 1 (e.g.
double-acid) procedure for determining the levels
of soil test phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium
(Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), copper
(Cu), and zinc (Zn). A hot water soil extract is
used for boron (B) determination and an acidic
monocalcium phosphate solution is used to extract
sulfate sulfur (SO4-S). All nitrogen
recommendations are based on crop nitrogen
requirements and yield goals.
Philosophy of Soil Testing

There are several philosophies that may be
embraced when developing crop nutrient
recommendations. Some of these different
approaches involve attempting to Abalance@ the
levels of nutrients in the soil, while others aim at
maintaining a constant soil fertility level. One
unwavering component of Marylands plant
nutrient recommendation program has been a
continuous commitment to the sufficiency level
philosophy of soil testing. The sufficiency level
concept is based on long-term calibrations of soil
tests with field yield response data that reveal soil
test levels above which no yield response to
applied nutrients is observed. At soil test levels
below the sufficiency level, field calibration data
determine the quantity of applied nutrient that is
necessary to obtain maximum yield under local
growing conditions.
Soil Test Interpretive Categories

Testing Laboratory generated numerical values, or
soil test results, that describe the relative
availability of a given nutrient to the crop and the
expected crop response to application of that
nutrient to the soil. The soil test results were
grouped into four interpretive categories, Low,
Medium, Optimum and Excessive.
Low: The nutrient concentration in the soil is
inadequate for optimum growth of most crops and
will very likely limit plant growth and yield. There
is a high probability of a favorable economic
response to additions of the nutrient.
Crop Yield Goals

Crop yield potential, or yield goal, also
changed over the years as a reflection of the
cumulative advances in crop production practices
and management expertise. Practical, realistic
yield goals are now included as a vital component
in the development of agronomic crop nutrient
Medium: The nutrient concentration in the soil

may or may not be adequate for optimum growth
of most crops. Plant growth and yield may be
limited by the availability of this nutrient. There is
I-B1-1
Maryland Nutrient Management Manual
Supplement 6
a low to moderate probability of a favorable

economic response to additions of the nutrient.
relative scale that is calculated from the

concentration of extractable nutrients measured in
the laboratory, where the highest concentration
within the optimum range is set equal to a
fertility index value of 100 (FIV = 100). Thus, the
FIV ranges for the four soil test interpretive
categories are: low = 0 to 25; medium = 26 to 50;
optimum = 51 to 100; and excessive = >100.
Optimum: The nutrient concentration in the soil

is adequate for optimum growth of most crops.
There is a very low probability of a favorable
economic response to additions of the nutrient.
Excessive: The nutrient concentration in the soil is
more than adequate for optimum growth of most
crops. Nutrient additions most likely will be
unprofitable and may have undesirable effects on
growth of some crops.
The numerical values generated by different

soil testing procedures employed by different soil
testing laboratories can be easily converted to the
FIV scale for relative comparison. For more
information on converting soil test results from
one laboratory to another, see Converting among
Soil Test Analyses Frequently Used in Maryland,
SFM-4, which is available from your Maryland
Cooperative Extension county office, or online at
http://anmp.umd.edu.
Fertility Index Values

The actual numerical soil test values are
products of laboratory procedures that determine
the concentrations of extractable plant nutrients in
a measured volume of soil (mg nutrient per dm3
soil). Thus, soil-test values are merely arbitrary
index numbers and not measures of the actual
quantity of plant available nutrients present in a
soil.
Agronomic Plant Nutrient Recommendations

Agronomic plant nutrient recommendations
based on soil tests and yield goals for the major
agronomic crops grown in Maryland are presented
in Tables 1 through 10. These recommendations
are based on the cumulative knowledge derived
from decades of soil fertility research. Where
ranges of applied nutrients are indicated, the
amount of plant nutrient required depends on the
exact numerical soil test value within the soil test
category.
Historically, these numerical soil test values

have been converted to units of pounds per acre
of soil test nutrient or as a concentration of the
nutrient in the soil, such as parts per million (pap).
An alternative method for expressing the
relative level of plant available nutrients measured
by soil testing uses fertility index values (FIV).
Fertility index values comprise a continuous
I-B1-2
Supplement 6
Table 1. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Corn Grain and Sorghum Grain Production
Recommended Nutrients Based on Soil Tests
Soil Phosphorus Index
Soil Potassium Index
Mediu Optimu Exces
Optim Exces
Low
m
m
sive
Low
Medium
um
sive
Nitrogen N if no
(N)
P&K
Suggested
P2O5 pounds per acre
K2O pounds per acre
pounds
recomm
methods of
Crop
per acre
ended
application
Field Corn for
Grain
Yield goal 140 b/A
Conventional
Tillage*
No tillage*
A. Alternating
No-tillage/
Conventional
Tillage
B. Continuous
No-tillage**
Grain sorghum
Yield goal 100 bu/A
140
30
140
30
65-135
35-95
30-65
0-25
20-30
0
0
0
110-180
80-140
60-110
30-70
20-60
0-30
0
0
30
80
0
110
30-40
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
0
0
30-40
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
0
0
140
30
140
30
65-135
35-95
30-65
0-25
20-30
0
0
0
110-180
80-140
60-110
30-70
20-60
0-30
0
0
30
80
0
110
30-40
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
0
0
30-40
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
0
0
140
30
140
30
75-180
45-140
30-70
0-35
20-30
0
0
0
110-180
50-110
50-110
30-80
20-50
0-20
0
0
30
80
0
110
30-40
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
0
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
20-30
0
0
0
75
45
75
75
65-135
35-95
30-65
0-25
20-30
0
0
0
80-150
50-110
30-80
0-40
20-30
0
0
0
30
30
30-40
30-40
20-30
30-40
30-40
20-30
Total
Broadcast
Banded with
planter
Sidedress
Total
Broadcast
Banded with
planter
Sidedress
Total
Broadcast
Banded with
planter
Sidedress
Total
Broadcast
Banded with
planter
NOTES:
* Recommendations assume that soil samples were taken from the conventional plow layer depth (0-8 inches) of all fields, including conventional,
conservation, reduced and rotational tillage, as well as no-tillage management systems.
** For continuous no-tillage, a separate soil sample should be collected from the 0-2 inch depth to monitor surface soil acidity (pH only).
Where ranges of nutrients are indicated for phosphorus and potassium, precise amount of plant nutrient required depends upon the numerical soil
test index value for that nutrient.
A starter fertilizer is normally suggested, even on those soils testing optimum or excessive in phosphate and/or potash and where little or no total
P2O5 & K2O is recommended by soil test. A starter is often beneficial in stimulating early plant growth, especially on cold wet soils. A complete
starter fertilizer should supply 20 to 30 lbs/A of N, P2O5,and K2O.
Field Corn For Grain
Apply 1.0 lb N / bushel of expected grain yield up to 250 bu/A. No additional nitrogen is recommended for yield goals above 250 bu/A.
Nitrogen recommendations assume split applications (sidedress or fertigation).
A pre-sidedress soil nitrogen test (PSNT) may be useful in determining whether additional nitorgen is needed for corn crops on fields that have
received manure or other organic nutrient sources in the past. See University of Maryland Extension Publication SFM-2, for details.
For conventional-tillage or no-tillage corn:
Where N solution (UAN) is the N source, N rate assumes injection or subsurface band placement.
If UAN is surface broadcast at planting, increase rate by 15-20%.
If sidedress UAN is dribbled or streamed on the soil surface, increase rate by 5-10%.
If sidedress N source is granulated urea, increase rate by 25%.
Notes for Table 1 continue on page 4.
I-B1-3
Supplement 3
Table 1. Notes, continued from page 3.

For corn yield goals above 140 bu / A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
If phosphorus soil test index is less than 51, increase P2O5 0.6 lb / A for each bushel of expected yield above 140 bushels.
If phosphorus soil test index is between 51 and 100 lb / A, increase P2O5 0.3 lb / A for each bushel of expected yield above 140 bushels.
If phosphorus soil test index is greater than 100, no adjustment is necessary.
For corn yield goals above 140 bu / A, adjust K2O as follows:
If potassium soil test index is less than 51, increase K2O 0.8 lb / A for each bushel of expected yield above 140 bu / A.
If potassium soil test index is between 51 and 100 lb / A, increase K2O 0.4 lb / A for each bushel of expected yield above 140 bu / A.
If potassium soil test index is greater than 100, no adjustment is necessary.
Grain Sorghum
For grain sorghum, apply 0.75 lb N / bushel of expected yield up to 125 bu / A. No additional nitrogen is recommended for yields above 125 bu / A.
For no-tillage grain sorghum:
Where N solution (UAN) is the N source, N rate assumes injection or subsurface band placement.
If UAN is surface broadcast at planting, increase rate by 15-20%.
If sidedress UAN is dribbled or streamed on the soil surfsace, increase rate by 5-10%.
For grain sorghum yield goals above 100 bu / A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
If phosphorus soil test index is less than 51, increase P2O5 by 0.4 lb / A for every bushel of expected yield over 100 bu/A.
If phosphorus soil test index is between 51 and 100, increase P2O5 by 0.2 lb / A for every bushel of expected yield over 100 bu/A.
For grain sorghum yield goals above 100 bu / A, adjust K2O as follows:
If potassium soil test index is less than 51, increase K2O by 0.6 lb / A for every bushel of expected yield over 100 bu/A.
If potassium soil test index is between 51 and 100 , increase K2O by 0.3 lb / A for every bushel of expected yield over 100 bu/A.
I-B1-4
Supplement 3
Table 2. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Corn Silage Production
Soil Phosphorus Level
Soil Potassium Level
Mediu Optimu Exces
Optim Exces
Low
m
m
sive
Low
Medium
um
sive
Nitrogen
N if no
(N)
P&K
K2O pounds per acre
pounds
recomm
Crop
per acre
ended
Corn Silage
Yield goal 20 tons/A
Conventional
tillage *
No-tillage **
A. Alternating
no-tillage with
conventional
tillage
B. Continuous
no-tillage
Suggested
methods of
application
120
120
55-125
35-55
20-35
150-250
80-150
20-80
Total
30
30
30-85
120-210
60-120
0-50
20
70
0
90
25-40
0
35-55
0
20-35
0
0
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
20-30
0
0
0
Broadcast
Banded with
planter
Sidedress
120
30
120
30
55-125
30-85
35-55
0
20-35
0
0
0
150-250
120-210
80-150
60-120
20-80
0-50
0
0
20
70
0
90
25-40
0
35-55
0
20-35
0
0
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
20-30
0
0
0
120
30
120
30
95-165
55-125
35-95
0-55
20-35
0
0
0
150-250
120-210
80-150
60-120
20-80
0-50
0
0
20
70
0
90
40
0
35-40
0
20-35
0
0
0
30-40
0
20-30
0
20-30
0
0
0
Total
Broadcast
Banded with
planter
Sidedress
Total
Broadcast
Banded with
planter
Sidedress
NOTES:
* Recommendations assume that soil samples were taken from the conventional plow layer depth (0-8 inches) of all fields, including conventional,
conservation, reduced and rotational tillage, as well as no-tillage management systems.
** For continuous no-tillage, a separate soil samples should be collected from the 0-2 inch depth to monitor surface soil acidity (pH only).
test index value for that nutrient.
A starter fertilizer is normally suggested, even on those soils testing optimum or excessive in phosphate and/or potash and where little or no total
P2O5 & K2O is recommended by soil test. A starter is often beneficial in stimulating early plant growth, especially on cold wet soils. A complete
starter fertilizer should supply 20 to 30 lbs/A of N, P2O5,and K2O.
Nitrogen recommendations assume split applications (sidedress or fertigation).
No-tillage corn silage:
Where N solution (UAN) is the N source, N rate assumes injection.
If sidedress UAN is broadcast after planting using drop nozzles, increase rate by 15%.
If sidedress UAN is dribbled after planting, increase rate by 5-10%.
For corn silage yields above 20 tons / A, adjust N as follows:
Increase nitrogen rate by 7 lb / ton for each ton of expected yield between 20 and 40 tons / A.
For expected corn silage yields greater than 40 tons / A, no additional nitrogen is recommended.
For corn silage yields above 20 tons / A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
If phosphorus soil test index is less than 51, increase P2O5 5 lbs / A for each additional ton of expected yield over 20 tons / A.
If phosphorus soil test index is between 51 and 100, increase P2O5 2.5 lbs / A for each additional ton of expected yield over 20 tons / A.
For corn silage yields above 20 tons / A, adjust K2O as follows:
If potassium soil test index is less than 100, increase K2O 7 lbs / A for each additional ton of expected yield over 20 tons / A.
I-B1-5
Supplement 3
Table 3. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Small Grain Production
Mediu Optim Exces
Mediu Optimu Exces
Low
m
um
sive
Low
m
m
sive
Nitrogen
(N) pounds
K2O pounds per acre
Crop
per acre
Wheat, Barley, Rye,
Oats *
A. Lodging not
expected
B. Lodging expected
70-100
60-100
40-60
20-40
60-100
40-60
20-40
20-40
50-60
60-100
0
40-60
0
20-40
0
0
0
60-100
0
40-60
0
20-40
0
0
0
50-80
60-100
40-60
20-40
60-100
40-60
20-40
0-20
50-60
60-100
0
40-60
0
20-40
0
0
0
60-100
0
40-60
0
20-40
0
0
0
Total
Broadcast and
disk in or drill
with seed
Topdress
Broadcast and
disk in or drill
with seed
Spring Oats
Yield goal 60-65 bu / A
30-60
60-100
40-60
20-40
60-100
40-60
20-40
Small Grain - Double

Crop Soybeans (Doublecrop recommendation)
A. Lodging not
expected
70-100
140-265
85-140
20-85
145-255
75-145
20-75
20-40
50-60
70-165
70-100
45-100
40
20-85
0
0
0
75-155
70-100
35-105
40
20-75
0
0
0
50-80
140-265
85-140
20-85
145-255
75-145
20-75
0-20
50-60
70-165
70-100
45-100
40
20-85
0
0
0
75-155
70-100
35-105
40
20-75
0
0
0
20-40
75-125
50-75
20-50
75-120
45-75
20-45
0-20
0-20
75-125
0
50-75
0
20-50
0
0
0
75-120
0
45-75
0
20-45
0
0
0
100-120
100-140
80-100
20-80
100-140
80-100
20-80
20-40
80-100**
100-140
0
80-100
0
20-80
0
0
0
100-140
0
80-100
0
20-80
0
0
0
100-120
140-265
85-140
20-85
145-255
85-145
20-85
20-40
80-100**
70-165
70-100
45-100
40
20-85
0
0
0
75-155
70-100
35-95
50
20-85
0
0
0
B. Lodging expected
Small Grain Legume

Interseeded
ICM Wheat (Intensive

Crop Management)
Yield goal100 bu / A
ICM Wheat ** - Double

Crop Soybeans
(Intensive Crop
Management)
Yield goal 100 bu / A
Suggested
methods of
application
Total
Broadcast and
disk in or drill
with seed
Topdress
Total
Broadcast or drill
in fall
Topdress
Total
Broadcast or drill
in fall
Topdress
Total
Broadcast or drill
in fall
Topdress
Total
Broadcast at
planting
Topdress **
Total
Broadcast at
planting
Topdress **
See Table 3 Notes on Page 7
I-B1-6
Supplement 3
TABLE 3. NOTES:
Where ranges of nutrients are indicated for phosphorus and potassium, the precise amount of plant nutrient required depends upon the numerical
soil test index value for that nutrient.
*
Use these recommendations for wheat yield goals of 60-70 bu / A, barley yield goals of 80-100 bu / A, winter oat yield goals of 70-80 bu / A, and
rye yield goals of 30-35 bu / A. For higher yield goals, use ICM Wheat management practices.
** Split topdress N application. Apply half at green-up and half at Feekes growth stage 5-6.
For ICM wheat (Intensive Crop Management Wheat):
Total nitrogen application rate is 1.0 lb N / bushel of expected wheat yield plus 20 lb N / acre when yield goal is between 80 and 120 bushels.
For all small grains production systems (conventional-tillage or no-tillage):
If topdress N solution (UAN) is surface broadcast, increase rate by 15-20%.
If topdress UAN is dribbled or streamed on the soil surface, increase rate by 5-10%.
If topdress N source is granulated urea, increase rate by 25%.
For ICM wheat yield goals above 100 bu / A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
If phosphorus soil test index is less than 51, increase P2O5 by 1 lb / A for each bushel of expected yield above 100 bu / A.
If phosphorus soil test index is between 51 and 100, increase P2O5 by 0.5 lb / A for each bushel of expected yield above 100 bu / A.
For ICM wheat yield goals above 100 bu / A, adjust K2O as follows:
f potassium soil test index is less than 51, increase K2O by 1 lb K2O / A for each bushel of expected yield above 100 bu / A.
If potassium soil test index is between 51and 100, increase K2O by 0.5 lb K2O / A for each bushel of expected yield above 100 bu / A.
For all small grain - double-crop soybean rotation with double-crop soybean yield goal above 40 bu / A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
If phosphorus soil test index is less than 51, increase P2O5 by 1.5 lb / A for every bushel of expected double-crop soybean yield over 40 bu / A.
If phosphorus soil test index is between 51 and 100, increase P2O5 by 0.75 lb / A for every bushel of expected double-crop soybean yield over
40 bu / A.
For all small grain - double-crop soybean rotation with double-crop soybean yield goal above 40 bu / A, adjust K2O as follows:
If potassium soil test index is less than 51, add 3 lb / A K2O for every bushel of expected double-crop soybean yield over 40 bu / A.
If potassium soil test index is between 51 and 100, add 1.5 lb/ A K20 for every bushel of expected double-crop soybean yield over 40 bu / A.
I-B1-7
Supplement 3
Table 4. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Soybean and Other Oilseed Production
Mediu Optim Exces
Mediu Optimu Exces
Low
m
um
sive
Low
m
m
sive
Nitrogen
Suggested
(N) pounds
K2O pounds per acre
methods of
Crop
per acre
application
Soybean (full season)

(40 bu / A yield goal)
Canola
A. Lodging not
expected
B. Lodging expected
Sunflower
0.5 ton seed / A yield goal)
0*
80-120
120-150
20-40
100-110
45-80
20-45
80-125
40-80
20-40
Broadcast or
banded at
planting
60-80
60-80
0
40-60
40-60
0
20-40
20-40
0
60-80
60-80
0
40-60
40-60
0
20-40
20-40
0
0
0
0
Total
Broadcast
Topdress
70-100
20-40
50-60
60-80
60-80
0
40-60
40-60
0
20-40
20-40
0
0
0
0
60-80
60-80
0
40-60
40-60
0
20-40
20-40
0
0
0
0
Total
Broadcast
Topdress
50
30
20
30
20
Broadcast at
planting
NOTES:
*
Nitrogen application is not recommended for soybean production, however, use of commercially available fertilizer formulations may result in
application of up to 50 lb N/acre when fertilizer formulation and application rate is determined by crop P2O5, K2O, S, or other nutrient needs.
Organic waste nitrogen application to full-season soybean is not recommended because it is an agronomically inefficient use of applied nutrients.
Organic wastes should only be applied to small grain - double-crop soybean rotations at rates and timings to supply the recommended nitrogen rate
to the small-grain crop.
For full-season soybean yield goals above 40 bu / A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
If phosphorus soil test index is less than 51, increase P2O5 by 1.5 lb/acre for each additional bushel of expected yield over 40 bu / A.
If phosphorus soil test index is between 51 and 100, increase P2O5 by 0.75 lb / A for each additional bushel of expected yield over 40 bu / A.
For full-season soybean yield goals above 40 bu / A, adjust K2O as follows:
If potassium soil test index is less than 51, increase K2O by 3 lb / A for each bushel of expected yield over 40 bu / A.
If potassium soil test index is between 51and 100, increase K2O by 1.5 lb / A for each bushel of expected yield over 40 bu / A.
For all small grain - double-crop soybean rotation with double-crop soybean yield goal above 40 bu / A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
If phosphorus soil test index is less than 51, increase P2O5 by 1.5 lb / A for every bushel of expected double-crop soybean yield over 40 bu / A.
If phosphorus soil test index is between 51 and 100, increase P2O5 by 0.75 lb / A for every bushel of expected double-crop soybean yield over
40 bu / A.
For all small grain - double-crop soybean rotation with double-crop soybean yield goal above 40 bu / A, adjust K2O as follows:
If potassium soil test index is less than 51, add 3 lb / A K2O for every bushel of expected double-crop soybean yield over 40 bu / A.
If potassium soil test index is between 51 and 100, add 1.5 lb/ A K20 for every bushel of expected double-crop soybean yield over 40 bu / A.
For sunflower seed yield goals between 0.5 and 1.5 tons / A, adjust as follows:
Add 25 lb N / A for each 0.25 tons / A of expected yield above 0.5 tons / A.
Add 5 lb P2O5 / A for each 0.25 tons / A of expected yield above 0.5 tons / A.
Add 10 lb K2O / A for each 0.25 tons / A of expected yield above 0.5 tons / A.
For expected yields greater than 1.5 tons / A, no additional nutrients are necessary.
I-B1-8
Supplement 6
Table 5. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Establishment of Hay, Pasture, and Silage Crops.
Soil phosphorus Index
Soil potassium Index
Optim Exce
Optimu
Low
Medium
um
ssive
Low
Medium
m
Crop
NEWLY SEEDED
Alfalfa, Alfalfa-Grass Mix
A. Spring seeded
Nitrogen
(N)
pounds
per acre
Exce
ssive
Suggested
methods of
application
K2O pounds per acre
Broadcast and
disk in
15-30 *
110-205
70-110
20-70
185-295
115-185
20-115
15-30 *
155-280
100-155
60-100
205-300
140-205
80-140
15-30 *
60
60
60
60
60
60
95-220
40-95
20-40
145-240
80-145
20-80
Total
Broadcast and
disk in
Topdress
following spring
Clover, Clover-Grass Mix,

Hairy Vetch, Birdsfoot
Trefoil
15-30
60-100
40-60
20-40
60-100
40-60
20-40
Broadcast and
disk in
Lespedeza, LespedezaGrass Mix
15-20
35-60
20-35
20
40-65
25-40
25
Broadcast and
disk in
40-60
60-100
40-60
20-40
60-100
40-60
20-40
Broadcast or
disk in
15-30
60-100
40-60
20-40
60-100
40-60
20-40
Broadcast or
disk in
A. Spring seeded
40-60
60-100
40-60
20-40
60-100
40-60
20-40
Broadcast or
disk in
B. Late summer seeded
15-30
60-100
40-60
20-40
60-100
40-60
20-40
Broadcast or
disk in
Warm Season Perennial

Grasses ***
40-60
20-40
60-90
20-60
Broadcast and
disk in
50
60-150
20-60
20
110-200
50-110
20-50
Broadcast and
disk in
B. Seeded OctoberNovember
15-30
60-150
20-60
20
110-200
50-110
20-50
Broadcast and
disk in
Cereal Grain For Silage
75-100
50-100
25-50
25
50-100
25-50
25
15-20
50-100
25-50
25
50-100
25-50
25
60-80
Total
Broadcast before
seeding
Topdress at
greenup
15-20
30-50
20-30
20
30-50
20-30
20
Broadcast and
disk in
B. Fall seeded
Cool Season Perennial

Grasses**
A. Spring seeded midMarch to mid-April
B. Late summer seeded
Aug 10-Sep 10, except
Garret Co. Aug 1-Sep 1
Timothy
Annual Ryegrass and/or

Cereal Grain For Grazing
A. Seeded September
Buckwheat
NOTES:
soil test index value for that nutrient. Nutrient recommendations for most forages were developed for hay production systems. Where no grazing
designation for a crop is given, pasture-based producers may modify the timing and rate of nutrient applications as long 1) the total annual
application rate does not exceed the total annual recommendation for each nutrient, and 2) nutrient application timing complies with "Nutrient
Application Guidelines," Section I-D, of this manual.
* Organic waste nitrogen application for alfalfa establishment in excess of 30 lb / A of plant available nitrogen is not recommended due to inhibition
of nodulation.
** Cool Season Perennial Grasses: orchardgrass, timothy, bromegrass, tall fescue, reed canarygrass, annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass.
*** Warm Season Perennial Grasses: bermudagrass, switchgrass, eastern gamagrass, indiangrass, weeping lovegrass, buffalograss, caucasian
bluestem, big bluestem, little bluestem, and beachgrass. If stand is well established (2-3 plants per foot of row) by mid to late August, apply 40 lb
N/A in establishment year.
I-B1-9
Supplement 6
Table 6. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Maintenance of Hay, Pasture, and Silage Crops
Mediu Optim Exces
Mediu Optimu Exces
Low
m
um
sive
Low
m
m
sive
Nitrogen
Suggested
(N) pounds
K2O pounds per acre
methods of
Crop
per acre
application
MAINTENANCE
Alfalfa & Alfalfa-Grass
Mix
0*
60-100
30-60
20-30
190-275
140190
90-140
90
Topdress
annually
Clover & clover-Grass

Mix (more than 25%
clover)
A. Yield goal 4
tons/A
0*
60-100
30-60
20-30
190-275
140190
90-140
90
Topdress
annually
B. Yield goal 8
tons/A
0*
100-120
50-100
20-50
470-555
420470
370420
370
Topdress
annually
Birdsfoot Trefoil (more

than 25% trefoil)
0*
60-100
30-60
23-30
125-195
75-125
40-75
40
Topdress
annually
Bluegrass-White Clover
Mix (more than 25% white
clover)
20-30***
50-100
25-50
25
50-100
25-50
25
Topdress
annually
Bluegrass Pasture (little

or no clover)
100-120
50-100
25-50
25
50-100
25-50
25
50-60***
50-100
25-50
25
50-100
25-50
25
25-30***
25-30***
160-200
60-150
20-60
20
110-200
50-110
20-50
80-100***
30-80
20-60
20
60-100
50-60
20-50
40-50***
40-50***
30-70
50-100
0-50
220-250
60-150
20-60
20
110-200
50-110
20-50
100-125***
30-80
20-60
20
60-100
50-60
20-50
40-50***
60-75***
30-70
50-100
0-50
140-180
60-150
20-60
20
110-200
50-110
20-50
60-80***
30-80
20-60
20
60-100
50-60
20-50
40-50***
40-50***
30-70
50-100
0-50
150
50***
50***
50***
Orchardgrass And Reed

Canary Grass (less than
25% legumes) Yield goal:
4 tons/A
Fescue (less than 25%

legumes)
Yield goal: 5 tons / A
Timothy, Smooth
Bromegrass, Perennial
Ryegrass
Yield goal 3 tons / A
ANNUAL RYEGRASS
and/or CEREAL GRAIN
FOR GRAZING
(established previous fall)
Total
Topdress at
greenup
Topdress midlate May
Topdress in late
summer
Total
Topdress at
greenup
Topdress after
first harvest
Topdress in late
summer
Total
Topdress at
greenup
Topdress after
first harvest
Topdress in late
summer
Total
Topdress at
greenup
Topdress after
first harvest
Topdress in late
summer
Total
Topdress at
greenup
Topdress late
April - early May
Topdress late
May - early June
I-B1-10
Supplement 4
Table 6. (contd) Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Maintenance of Hay, Pasture, and Silage
Crops
Mediu Optim Exces
Mediu Optimu Exces
Low
m
um
sive
Low
m
m
sive
Nitrogen
Suggested
(N) pounds
K2O pounds per acre
methods of
Crop
per acre
application
MAINTENANCE
Warm Season Perennial
90Grasses**
120
60-90
20-60
0
0
90-120
30-90
20-30
120
Total
(except Eastern
90Topdress at
Gammagrass & improved
80***
60-90
20-60
0
0
90-120
30-90
20-30
120
greenup
Bermudagrass)
Topdress after
first cutting or
40***
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
grazing
Eastern Gamagrass
and Improved
Bermudagrasses
200-240
60-90
20-60
90-120
30-90
20-30
50-60***
60-90
20-60
90-120
30-90
20-30
50-60***
50-60***
50-60***
Total
Topdress at
greenup
Topdress after
first cutting or
grazing
Topdress after
second cutting
or grazing
Topdress after
third cutting or
grazing
NOTES:
test index value for that nutrient. Nutrient recommendations for most forages were developed for hay production systems. Where no grazing
designation for a crop is given, pastured-based producers may modify the timing and rate of nutrient applications as long 1) the total annual
application rate does not exceed the total annual recommendation for each nutrient, and 2) nutrient application timing complies with "Nutrient
Application Guidelines," Section I-D, of this manual.
*Nitrogen application is not recommended for alfalfa, alfalfa-grass, clover, clover-grass, or birdsfoot trefoil production, hovever, use of commercially
available fertilizer formulations may result in application of up to 50 lb N / acre when fertilizer formlation and application rate is determined by crop
P2O5, K2O, S, or other nutrient needs.
Organic waste nitrogen application for maintenance of alfalfa, alfalfa-grass, clover, clover-grass, or birdsfoot trefoil is not recommended because it is
an agronomically inefficient use of applied nutrients. Organic waste nitrogen may be applied to alfalfa, alfalfa-grass, clover, clover-grass, or birdsfoot
trefoil stands as necessary for organic waste disposal when nutrient efficient alternatives for organic waste disposal are not available, at rates up to
140 lb/A plant available N for 4 tons/A yield goal. For yield goals above 4 tons/A, increase organic waste plant available N rate 35 lb/A for each ton
of expected yield above 4 tons/A. Apply half of total rate in early spring (March) and half after first cutting.
For alfalfa & alfalfa-grass mix yield goals above 4 tons/A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
1. If phosphorus soil text index is less than 100, Increase P2O5 by 5 lb / A for each ton of expected yield above 4 tons/A.
2. If phosphorus soil test index is greater than 100, no adjustment is necessary.
For alfalfa & alfalfa-grass mix yield goals above 4 tons/A: increase K2O by 70 lb/A for each ton of expected yield above 4 tons/A, regardless of
potassium soil test index.
For clover and clover-grass mixture yield goals above 4 tons / A, adjust P2O5 as follows:
1. If phosphorus soil test index is less than 100, increase P2O5 by 5 lbs / A for each ton of expected yield above 4 tons/A.
2. If phosphorus soil test index is greater than 100, no adjustment is necessary.
For clover and clover-grass mixture yield goals above 4 tons/A: increase K2O by 70 lbs/A for each ton of expected yield above 4 tons / A
regardless of potassium soil test index.
For orchardgrass and reed canarygrass yield goals above 4 tons/A: increase N application by a total of 50 lb/A for each ton of additional
expected yield above 4 tons/A.
For perennial ryegrass, smooth bromegrass and timothy yield goals above 3 tons/A: increase N application by a total of 45 lb/A for each ton of
additional expected yield above 3 tons/A.
For tall fescue yield goals above 5 tons/A: increase N application by a total of 50 lb/A for each ton of additional expected yield above 5 tons/A.
** For warm-season perennial grasses including switchgrass, indiangrass, weeping lovegrass, buffalograss, caucasian bluestem, big bluestem,
and little bluestem, increase N application by a total of 30 lb/A for each ton of expected hay yield above 4 tons/A.
For eastern gamagrass and improved bermudagrasses (high yielding warm-season grasses) yield goals above 5 tons/A hay yield, increase N
application by a total of 50 lbs/A for each ton of additional expected yield above 5 tons/A.
When topdressing N, adjust rate as follows:
1. If UAN is surface broadcast, increase rate by 15-20 %;
2. If UAN is dribbled or streamed, increase rate by 5-10 %;
3. If granulated urea is broadcast, increase rate by 25%.
I-B1-11
Supplement 6
Table 7. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Sudangrass, Millet, and Forage Type Sorghum and
Soybean
Mediu Optim Excess
Mediu Optimu Exces
Low
m
um
ive
Low
m
m
sive
Nitrogen
Suggested
(N) pounds
K2O pounds per acre
methods of
Crop
per acre
application
Sudangrass, Millet, and
Forage Type Sorghums
120-150*
45-80
20-45
80-160
80-160
40-80
20-40
(Yield goal 10-15 Ton/A)
70-100
45-80
20-45
80-160
80-160
40-80
20-40
50
Total
Broadcast and
disked in
Topdress after
first harvest
Forage-Type Soybean
(Yield goal 10-15 ton / A)
20
Broadcast and
disked in
Summer Cover Crop &

Wildlife Feed Pasture
A. Sudangrass and
forage type
sorghums
50
70-130
40-70
20-40
70-130
40-70
20-40
Broadcast
before seeding
B. Forage type
soybean and
millet
25
70-130
40-70
20-40
70-130
40-70
20-40
Broadcast
before seeding
NOTES:
Where ranges of plant nutrients are indicated for phosphorus and potassium, the precise amount of plant nutrient required depends upon the
numerical soil test index value for that nutrient.
* Sudangrass, millet, forage-type sorghum: If a third harvest is planned, apply an additional 30-50 pounds of N after the second cutting.
I-B1-12
Supplement 4
Table 8. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests and Yield Goals for Maryland-Type Tobacco
Mediu Optim Excess
Mediu Optimu Exces
Low
m
um
ive
Low
m
m
sive
Nitrogen
(N) pounds
K2O pounds per acre
Crop
per acre
Maryland-Type Tobacco
60-90
40
20-50
120
120
0
80
80
0
40
40
0
40
40
0
200
130
70
160
100
60
120
80
40
120
80
40
Suggested
methods of
application
Total
Broadcast
Sidedress
NOTES:
Potassium fertilizer should be potassium sulfate (K 2SO4). Avoid fertilizers containing chloride (Cl).
I-B1-13
Supplement 3
Table 9. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests for Cotton

Mediu Optim Excess
Mediu Optimu Exces
Low
m
um
ive
Low
m
m
sive
Nitrogen
(N) pounds
K2O pounds per acre
Crop
per acre
Cotton
50-75
80-120
40-80
30-40
80-120
40-80
30-40
50-80
10-40
50-80
10-40
20-25
30-50
30-40
0
30-40
0
30-40
0
0
0
30-40
0
30-40
0
30-40
0
0
0
Suggested
methods of
application
Total
Broadcast preplant
Banded with
planter
Sidedress
NOTES:
I-B1-14
Supplement 3
Table 10. Plant Micronutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests
Micronutrient
Crop
Soil Test Level (ppm in soil)
Recommended Nutrients Based on Soil

Tests
Boron (B)
Field corn, cotton
If less than 0.7 ppm B
1 pound/A boron plowed down
Alfalfa

If 0.8-1.2 ppm B
If greater than 1.2 ppm B
3 pounds/A boron topdressed or with fertilizer

1 pound/A boron topdressed or with fertilizer
Red Clover, Ladino

Clover
Zinc (Zn)
Corn
If pH less than 6.8 and P soil test test index

less than 100 and soil test zinc less than 0.8
ppm
4 pounds/A zinc in band or

10-12 pounds/A zinc broadcast
Manganese (Mn)
Corn, Soybeans, Small

Grains
If less than 10 ppm Mn
6 pounds/A manganese in row or

0.5-1.0 pounds/A manganese, foliar spray
@20 gal/A, make two foliar applications two
weeks apart
Sulfur (S)
Corn, Soybean, Small

Grain, Alfalfa, Cotton
For sand and sandy loam soil: If

SO4-S less than 6 ppm in 0-8 inch depth and
SO4-S less than 20 ppm in 16-24 inch depth
20 pounds/A SO4-S
For all other soils: If less than 6 ppm SO4-S
20 pounds/A SO4-S
If less than 0.3 ppm Cu and

Organic matter less than 3.8% or
Organic matter 3.8-5.0% or
Organic matter 5.0-10% or
Organic matter greater than 10%
2 pounds/A copper
4 pounds/A copper
5 pounds/A copper
6 pounds/A copper
Copper (Cu)
All Crops
I-B1-15
Supplement 3

Agronomic Crop Nutrient Recommendations Based On Soil Tests and Yield Goals

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NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATIONS BY CROP

Source: University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, November 2009

AGRONOMIC CROP NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATIONS

The Maryland Cooperative Extension Soil

Soil Testing Procedures

Philosophy of Soil Testing

Soil Test Interpretive Categories

Crop Yield Goals

Medium: The nutrient concentration in the soil

Maryland Nutrient Management Manual

a low to moderate probability of a favorable

relative scale that is calculated from the

Optimum: The nutrient concentration in the soil

The numerical values generated by different

Fertility Index Values

Agronomic Plant Nutrient Recommendations

Historically, these numerical soil test values

Table 1. Notes, continued from page 3.

Small Grain - Double

Small Grain Legume

ICM Wheat (Intensive

ICM Wheat ** - Double

See Table 3 Notes on Page 7

Soybean (full season)

P2O5 pounds per acre

K2O pounds per acre

Clover, Clover-Grass Mix,

Lespedeza, LespedezaGrass Mix

B. Late summer seeded

Warm Season Perennial

Cereal Grain For Silage

Cool Season Perennial

Annual Ryegrass and/or

Clover & clover-Grass

Birdsfoot Trefoil (more

Bluegrass Pasture (little

Orchardgrass And Reed

Fescue (less than 25%

(Yield goal 10-15 Ton/A)

Summer Cover Crop &

Table 9. Plant Nutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests for Cotton

Table 10. Plant Micronutrient Recommendations Based on Soil Tests

Soil Test Level (ppm in soil)

Recommended Nutrients Based on Soil

Field corn, cotton

If less than 0.7 ppm B

1 pound/A boron plowed down

If less than 0.8 ppm B

3 pounds/A boron topdressed or with fertilizer

Red Clover, Ladino

If less than 0.8 ppm B

2 pounds/A boron topdressed or with fertilizer

If pH less than 6.8 and P soil test test index

4 pounds/A zinc in band or

Corn, Soybeans, Small

If less than 10 ppm Mn

6 pounds/A manganese in row or

Corn, Soybean, Small