Best way to add fertilizer after growth

[4wanderingeyes]

I need to top dress some urea in some radish and turnip plots, what is the best way to do this without running over all of it and wrecking it? I know one of the plots is already 6 inches tall, and the other ones are about an inch tall, but I wont get there again for another week and a half, and it has been practically ideal growing weather since it was planted. I would assume the first planted one will be well over a foot tall by then, and the other one 6 inches tall or so. I could use a small bag spreader, but I need to spread 400 pounds, so it would be very tedious to do it that way. We are talking small 3/4 acre plots, with minimal equipment. Like hand spreaders, bag spreader, a push spreader, and a small pull behind atv/lawn mower spreader. I think the first plot will be to tall for the push, or the pull spreaders.

Most years I spread it when it is just a few inches tall, but this year the rain and sun seemed to cooperate to much.

 

[alldaysit]

I think the most effective would be via helicopter.... or drone

Sorry, couldn't resist. I hate these times when I don't have any other choice then spread it via shoulder bag spreader. I've been contemplating a 3pt cone spreader for years and might just pull the trigger this winter


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[j-bird]

I would guess in most cases that simply running over it in one pass wouldn't hurt your plot too much.....the other plants should fill in. Just make sure you have your spreader set to cover as much area as possible to minimize the traffic. I do this with applying gly to soybeans all the time.....they fill in just fine.

 

[dogghr]

I always add Urea after 30 days to brassica and they are typically 1-2 feet. I Use ATV and spreader. Doesn't hurt a thing, they continue on without any stress. Don't worry.

 

[4wanderingeyes]

Thanks dogghr. When the plants are that big, is there concern of the urea landing on the leaves and burning the leafs? Do you use 46-0-0, or 34-0-0?


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[MRBB]

I too have just drove over and spread using either a 3 point spreader on a tractor or a tow behind on an atv
most things still growing will spring back up after a few days and some rain, its not like you run over everything
one pas should cover a good 12+ ft for most spreaders(many even wider)

 

[dogghr]

Thanks dogghr. When the plants are that big, is there concern of the urea landing on the leaves and burning the leafs? Do you use 46-0-0, or 34-0-0?


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No urea doesn't burn them but I do try todo before some rain so as to get N to do its stuff. I use Urea as amonian nitrate is no longer allowed in this area for bomb making. I apply at planting and as said again about month later. They do like N. Just remember as with any fert, wash your equipment good afterward and spray WD or oil to prevent rust.
Actually saw the other day to use vegetable oil to coat equipment. Good idea since no worries of getting contamination in soil with future use.

 

[bueller]

I believe urea can burn the plants if applied when they are wet. Make sure you spread urea after the morning dew has burned off.

 

[4wanderingeyes]

I have always used urea, and never had a problem, but I would get it spread before the plants were a foot or more tall. This year they will at least be a foot tall by the time I get back up next weekend to spread the urea. Thanks for the reminder with the morning dew. I am hoping this wet weather pattern doesn't shut off after next weekend. Or I will have to make a special day time trip just to spread the urea.


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[BuckSutherland]

I believe urea can burn the plants if applied when they are wet. Make sure you spread urea after the morning dew has burned off.

If you get a little tissue burn it has ZERO effect on the plant whatsoever. I topdress 100 acres of corn every year and after a week you dont even know it was there. Spread when you have time or if you are like me at 3:30 am in the dark with a rain suit on cause the storm is coming.