New Prairie Nutrient Removal Calculator features updated data

A new online tool is available for farmers focusing on the nutrient requirements of key crops grown in Western Canada.

University of Saskatchewan scientists Dr Fran Walley and Dr Rich Farrell worked with a team across the prairies to collect data focusing on the nutrient uptake and removal for commonly grown crops.

Walley says we know how valuable nutrient removal guidelines are, but the most recent guidelines available were from 2001.

"A lot has changed in the last few decade, different crops, genetics, management strategies and crop rotations, and so we set about to revise the existing guidelines to ensure the information was more relevant and reflective for today."

Farrell says the updated data is part of the new Prairie Nutrient Removal Calculator.

"If you want to keep from depleting the nutrients in your soil,  or even to maybe build some nutrients in your soil it's a good idea to know how much is coming off. This in conjunction with soil testing can give you an idea of how much to add back to the soil so that you can produce the crop."