The High Cost of Fertilizer and Best Practices for Management
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Growers saw fertilizer prices spike in 2021 but are now seeing them hit even harder in 2022, resulting in sky high prices or an estimated increase around 80% since last year. Supply chain disruptions continue to wreak havoc and a fire at a U.S. fertilizer plant at the end of January are only just some of the factors fueling the dramatic increase. With all that being said, countless studies have proven a strong correlation between nitrogen (N) and crop yield; as nitrogen rates increase so does crop yield. So, how can growers maintain yield goals while balancing the high cost of fertilizer?
The High Cost of Fertilizer and Best Practices for Management (pdf; 161KB)
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Upcoming Events
Hudson Valley Orchard Weed Management Meeting
June 25, 2025 : Hudson Valley Orchard Weed Management Meeting
Poughkeepsie, NY
At this meeting, we will discuss previous research on using mulch for weed management, including the benefits of stacking mulch treatments with an organic herbicide program. We will then discuss the treatments in our field trial, discuss results to date, and get initial reactions from the grower, while viewing the field trial. We will then discuss the other study objective, using a mechanical weeding system to replace contact herbicide applications, currently underway in the Champlain Valley.
Workshop: Controlling Listeria in Apple Packinghouses
June 26, 2025 : Workshop: Controlling Listeria in Apple Packinghouses
Highland, NY
Join Cornell University Food Science experts, along with CCE ENYCHP specialists Dan Donahue and Elisabeth Hodgdon for a day-long intensive workshop on managing Listeria in apple packinghouse environments.
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New Paltz, NY
Join Heather Kase, CCE ENYCHP, and Anna Wallis, Cornell IPM, for seasonal updates on berry pest man-agement and IPM.
July 16, 2025 : Berry Twilight Meeting at Samascott Orchards
Kinderhook, NY
Join Heather Kase, CCE ENYCHP, and Anna Wallis, Cornell IPM, for seasonal updates on berry pest man-agement and IPM.
August 6, 2025 : Berry Twilight Meeting at Fishkill Farms
Hopewell Junction, NY
Join Heather Kase, CCE ENYCHP, and Anna Wallis, Cornell IPM, for seasonal updates on berry pest man-agement and IPM.