The Tri-State Field Crop Fertilizer Recommendations for Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio has been revised and updated. Extensive research station and on-farm trials have been conducted over the past decade to validate and refine the guidelines. In general, the fertilizer recommendations originally published in 1995 provide a solid framework for managing fertilizers and soil fertility. However, some changes have been made to the recommendations, as shown in the summary below.

Visit the following links for complete information:

Executive Summary  |  Soil Sampling, Handling, and Testing  |  Soil pH and Lime Recommendations  |  Nitrogen  |  Phosphorus and Potassium  |  Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur  |  Micronutrients  |  Additional Resources  |  Authors and Acknowledgements

Plus, check out this video overview of the recommendations.

What has Changed?

Why the Change?

Soil Sampling

Sample every 3 to 4 years in a consistent way as the foundation for an adaptive nutrient management program.

No changes.
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Soil pH and Lime Recommendations

Michigan and Indiana liming recommendations are consistent, Ohio recommendations are different.

States label and regulate liming materials differently.
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Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations

Corn N recommendations are now based on economic model to maximize profitability.

Fluctuating grain and fertilizer prices necessitate a focus on economics in addition to yield.
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Wheat N recommendations have been updated.

They are calibrated with recent field trials with modern varieties.
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Phosphorus and Potassium Recommendations

Management framework drops drawdown range, makes build-up recommended but not required.

These recommendations are simplified to provide farmers with greater flexibility to manage nutrients profitably.
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Default soil test P and K levels now based on Mehlich-3.

These recommendations are consistent with current soil test extracts.
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P critical level 20 ppm for corn and soybean, 30 ppm for wheat and alfalfa (Mehlich-3 P).

This update is based on extensive field trials over past decade.
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K critical levels are 100 ppm for sandy soils, 120 ppm silt and clay soils (Mehlich-3 K, all crops).

This update is based on extensive field trials over past decade.
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Grain nutrient removal rates per bushel of yield have decreased.

Crops are yielding more but grain nutrient concentrations have decreased.
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Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur Recommendations

Liming supplies sufficient Ca & Mg; S deficiencies remain infrequent but are increasing

No changes
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Micronutrients

Most soils supply sufficient micronutrients; diagnostic tools are limited

No changes
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