The 4 Rs Concept: Right Rate, Right Place, Right Source, Right Time
The 4R’s concept is being promoted by Ohio State University extension and other government agencies. The 4R’s concept means using the right fertilizer source at the right rate, right time, and the right place (Fertilizer Institute). The goal is to keep the nutrients on the land and not in the air or water while increasing agricultural production and profitability. That requires matching nutrients applied with nutrients taken up by the plants while minimizing losses. For more information on this concept visit the Fertilizer Institute website at nutrientstewardship.com. Using the right fertilizer rate starts with knowing your crop nutrient requirements. The right rate should be based on soil and tissue tests taken from an accredited laboratory and should be based on Tri-state agronomic fertilizer guidelines. Soil tests should be taken a minimum of every three to five years. A study of agricultural testing laboratories found that while a majority of laboratories were testing and reporting