On the educational circuit this winter, discussion around the 4R’s is in the forefront of cropping systems topics.  By now hopefully everyone understands what the 4R’s represent in managing a crop fertility program: 1) the right source 2) the right placement 3) the right rate and 4) the right timing.

The driving factor behind the 4R’s is the simple fact that we in agriculture have to keep nutrients on our own land and must reduce the movement of nutrients to places they aren’t wanted, such as our water systems and the Great Lakes.  On most farms this won’t mean reducing overall fertility, but simply modifying how we place and time nutrient applications and possibly introducing new products into our plan.

ALPINE’s family of products fit into 4R fertilizer programs perfectly.  ALPINE G24 in-furrow, highly available, seed-safe starter fertilizer fits all four aspects of 4R cropping plans.  Our top quality foliar nutrition products such as ALPINE K20S or ALPINE SRN allow precise timing in available forms of potassium or nitrogen when the crops are in heavy consumption of those nutrients.  ALPINE’s well stocked equipment warehouse has everything needed to rig planters, drills and side-dress units up to apply crop nutrition in  a 4R manner.

Being proactive on issues such as nutrient management can only enhance agriculture’s image to an ever-increasing public eye.  By adopting 4R management strategies on your farm you’ll be taking a leadership role on this great initiative, will most likely increase your farm’s profitability and have the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing the best you can to look after our environment and the image of agriculture to the public.  Give you ALPINE representative a call and talk over how you can practice 4R nutrient management on your farm.

– Ken