Introduction to Soils Start Farming Fact 3

Determining Nutrient Applications for Organic Vegetables Basic Calculations

In an organic production system, we generally focus on building our soils instead of on directly feeding
our crops. This can be done using a number of sources including compost, manures and cover crops. In
addition to fulfilling the requirements of a systems plan for certified organic production, and providing
slow release of the nutrients plants need, organic matter additions increase soil aggregates, water holding
capacity and other soil qualities important for healthy plant growth [1].
However, nutrients supplied from organic materials are supplied slowly over time. We are actually
feeding soil organisms that release these nutrients. The rate that nutrients are released depends on the
number of soil organisms, the quality of the material they eat, soil temperature, moisture and more.
Because availability is dependent on a number of factors including biological activity, we can only make
an estimate of nutrient availability but an estimate is better than a guess.
In order for us to calculate how many nutrients to apply to our fields, we need to know how much is
being released from the soil organic matter and the organic inputs we have applied in the past. This
requires testing the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in what we apply, testing our soil,
doing some basic calculations and keeping a nutrient budget. See Using Organic Nutrient Sources, and
Deciding which Organic Nutrients to Use and How Much to Apply <http://extension.psu.edu/vegetable-fruit/factsheets>. These tools are easy to use, requiring a little bit of basic math, your soil test and your compost or
manure test. If you have not tested your inputs, the procedure below will get you close. Remember an
estimate is just an estimate.

STEP 1: Use Table 1.0 below to calculate your nutrient needs based on tables 1.1-1.4
Line 1. Recommendations based on Nutrient Needs: Vegetable specific recommendations based on
research are given in the Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations [2] available at <
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/agrs028.pdf >.

Line 2. Recommendations based on Soil Test: See your soil test report. Note that nitrogen
recommendations on your soil test from Penn State are not based on soil nitrogen levels because
available soil nitrogen levels fluctuate greatly day to day and even hour to hour. Nitrogen
recommendations on your soil test are from average recommendations (Line 1).
Line 3a. Soil Organic Matter: Most recommendations account for some organic matter N for average
soil OM levels. However, if organic matter has been increased a larger credit should be taken.
Calculate this additional credit as 20 pounds per acre of nitrogen (0.5 lb/1,000 sq. ft.) for each percent
OM over 2%. For example, if a soil that has 3% organic matter you could expect this to provide 20
pounds of additional OM nitrogen per acre [1]. This is the credit that would be entered in the table.
Phosphorus and Potassium from soil organic matter will be reflected in the soil test values and should
not be included here. [1]. Note: Currently Penn State soil test results for vegetables include no OM
credit. Agronomic tests include a credit for 2% OM.
Line 3b. Manure Nitrogen: Use Table 1.1 to find the amount of nitrogen available from manure
applied in the last 2 years. We are assuming that the manure you applied will be slowly available over
three years. In year one, 50% of the nitrogen is released; in year two and three, 50% of what is left. If
there is not an application rate similar to what you used in the chart, multiply the percent of each nutrient
times the pounds you applied to give you the total amount of nutrients you applied per acre. Then divide
by four to get the amount available 1 or 2 years after it was applied. Remember, according to national
organic standards, any raw manure must be applied 120 days before harvest of a vegetable in direct
contact with the soil may not be advisable to use on a crop destined to be eaten raw for food safety.
Make sure to check with your certifier.
Line 3b. Manure Phosphorus & Potassium: If a soil test was taken after this manure application, the
phosphorus and potassium from the manure will be reflected in the soil test values and should not be
included as a credit here. If no soil test has been take since these previous applications, a credit for the P
and K applied minus what the crops removed should be taken. If no information is available on actual
crop P and K removal, an average of 25 lb P2O5 per acre and 100 lb K2O per acre can be used for
removal. Use Table 1.2 to calculate estimated values if no soil tests are available.
Line 3c. Compost Nitrogen: Use Table 1.1 to find the amount of nutrients available from compost
applied in the previous two years. This table assumes that 15% of the nitrogen contained in the compost
is available the year after it was applied and 10% of what is left the following year. This will vary
depending on how mature the compost is. If the compost is less mature, more will tend to be available in
the first year. If you are certified organic, any compost you bring from off the farm and apply must be
approved by your certifier. Compost you make on the farm must follow the processes outlined in the
national organic standard and approved by your certifier.

Introduction to Soils Start Farming Fact 3

Determining Nutrient Applications for Organic Vegetables Basic Calculations

Line 3c. Compost Phosphorus & Potassium: If a soil test was taken after this compost application,
the phosphorus and potassium from the compost will be reflected in the soil test values and should not
be included as a credit here. If no soil test has been take since these previous applications, a credit for
the P and K applied minus what the crops removed should be taken. If no information is available on
actual crop P and K removal an average of 25 lb P2O5 per acre and 100 lb K2O per acre can be used for
removal from vegetables. Use Table 1.2 to calculate estimated values if no soil tests are available.
Line 3d. Cover Crop: Use Table 1.3 to find the amount of nitrogen that may be available in the season
following a legume cover crop. For a more accurate estimate see handout Calculating Nitrogen
Availability from Your Legume Cover Crop available from Penn State Cooperative Extension
Northampton County < tdupont@psu.edu >. There will be no P or K credit for cover crops because they
do not add P or K, they just hold it in the soil.
Line 3e. Leguminous Crop: Use Table 1.4 to find the amount of nitrogen that may be available in the
season following a previous crop of alfalfa, soybean or clover hay. There will be no P or K credit for
leguminous crops because they do not add P or K, they just hold it in the soil.
Table 1.0 Calculating Nutrient Credits and Needsa
Step
Nitrogen (N) Phosphate
Potash
lbs/A
(P205) lbs/A
lbs/A
1. Total crop nutrient needs
*only needed if you dont have a soil test
(from Vegetable Guide)
2. Recommendations based on soil
test
3. Credits
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Soil organic matter

Manure
Compost
Prior legume cover crop
Prior leguminous crop

4. Total credits (add a. +b. + c. +d

+e.)
5. Additional needed (2. - 4.)
a

From Table 8.2.1 Organic Cole Crop Production NYS IPM Publication No. 134 [1].

(K2O)

Table 1.1 Available Nitrogen from Compost and Manurea (Note values vary test your
compost/manure)
Sources

Total
Nitrogenb
%

lb/ton

Compost
Availability Factor c
Composta,b
Mushroom
Composta,b
Manure
Availability Factor c
Horse Manurec,d
Cattle Manurec d
Sheep Manurec,d
Swine Manurec,d
Poultry Broilerc d
Poultry Layerc,d
Tested
Compost/Manure
a

100 lbs
(wheel
barrow)/A
Year
Year 1
2-3
.15

1.5-3

30-60

0.40.7

8-14

0.6
0.25
1.15
0.2
4
2

12
5
23
4
79
37

.1

Nitrogen Available (lbs/year)c

2,000 lbs
(1 ton
80f tons
pickup)/A
(1"/ acre)
Otherd
Year
Year
Year
Year 1
Year 1
Year 1
2-3
2-3
2-3
.15

.06.07

.06.07

1.22.1

.1
3.06.0
.8 1.4

.5
.3
.13
.6
.1
2
1

.25
.15
.07
.3
.05
1
.5

.5
6
2.5
12
2
40
19

.25
3
1.3
6
1
20
9

.2 - .5 .15 - .3 4.5-9

.15
360720
96168

.1
240480
64112

.15

.1

.5
480
200
920
160
3160
1480

.25
240
104
460
80
1580
740

.5

.25

From Using Organic Nutrient Sources Table 3 [3].

The values in this table are typical or book values for the different materials. The analysis of these materials
varies significantly therefore the materials you plan to apply should be analyzed and the values in the table should
only be used as a crude replacement for actual analysis.
b

Below the calculations that are used in this table and that should be used with an actual analysis are explained.
c

Total N -- Manure and compost analysis maybe given on an analysis report as either % or lb/ton use either of
these to determine how much total N is in the material being applied.
(In the examples below assume the Manure Analysis = 12 lb N/ton or 0.6% N. Note that in these
examples, they are all the same manure and same application rates just in different units)
If the material is managed as tons/A and the analysis is in lb N/ton simply multiply tons/A x lb N/ton to
get the total N applied/A
Example: Typical Application rate 20 ton manure/A x 12 lb N/ton = 240 lb total N/A

If the material is managed as tons/A but the analysis is in %N, multiply the %N as a fraction x 2000 to get
the lb N/ton and then multiply this by the tons/A to get the total N applied/A.

Introduction to Soils Start Farming Fact 3

Determining Nutrient Applications for Organic Vegetables Basic Calculations

Example: Typical Application rate 20 ton manure/A x 2000 lb/ton x 0.006 N = 240 lb total N/A
If the material is managed as lb/area and the analysis is in lb N/ton, first divide the lb N/ton by 2000 to lb
N/lb material then multiply this times the number of pounds of material to be spread to get the total N
applied to that area.
Example: Typical Application rate 138 lb manure spread over 10 ft x 15 ft area
(12 lb N/ton 2000 lb manure /ton) x 138 lb manure (10 ft x 15 ft))= 0.0056 lb N/ft2
0.0056 lb N/ft2x 43,560 ft2/A = 240 lb total N/A
-OR- 0.0056 lb N/ft2x 1000 ft2 = 5.6 lb total N/1000 ft2
-OR- 0.0056 lb N/ft2x 100 ft2 = 0.56 lb total N/100 ft2
If the material is managed as lb/area and the analysis is in %N, first multiply the % as a fraction times the
number of pounds of material to be spread. to get the total N applied to that area.
Example: Typical Application rate 138 lb manure spread over 10 ft x 15 ft area
(0.006 N x x 138 lb manure (10 ft x 15 ft))= 0.0056 lb N/ft2
0.0056 lb N/ft2x 43,560 ft2/A = 240 lb total N/A
-OR- 0.0056 lb N/ft2x 1000 ft2 = 5.6 lb total N/1000 ft2
-OR- 0.0056 lb N/ft2x 100 ft2 = 0.56 lb total N/100 ft2
c

Available N -- To determine the amount of this total N that will be available in the current year, multiply the
amount of total N applied times the appropriate availability factor from the table above. Note that there are
different factors for compost and manure, and there are different factors for the year the manure is spread (Year
1) and the second and third year after application (Year 2-3). Do this calculation for the current year and each of
the last 2 years that manure or compost was applied.
Example:
Current Year Availability(Year 1)
Total N = 240 lb N/A x 0.5= 120 lb N/A available in the year spread (Year 1)
Total N = 5.6 lb N/ 1000 ft2 x 0.5= 2.8 lb N/1000 ft2 available in the year spread (Year 1)
Total N = 0.56 lb N/ 100 ft2 x 0.5= 0.28 lb N/100 ft2 available in the year spread (Year 1)
Previous Year Availability (Year 2 & 3)
Total N = 240 lb N/A x 0.25= 60 lb N/A available each of the previous 2 years (Year 2&3)
Total N = 5.6 lb N/ 1000 ft2 x 0.25= 1.4 lb N/1000 ft2 available each of the previous 2 years (Year 2&3)
Total N = 0.56 lb N/ 100 ft2 x 0.25= 0.14 lb N/100 ft2 available each of the previous 2 years (Year 2&3)

Area adjustment -- Recommendation will most likely be in lb/A, lb/1000 ft2 or lb/100ft2. To adjust for these
areas use the following conversions.
If the application rate is in lb/area ft2 divide the lb N applied by the area ft2 then then multiply this by the
area used in the recommendations.
o If the recommendation is in lb/A, multiply this by 43,560 ft2 = lb Avail. N/A.
o If the recommendation is in lb/1000ft2 multiply this by 1000 ft2 = lb Avail. N/1000 ft2.
o If the recommendation is in lb/100 ft2 multiply this by 100 ft2 = lb Avail. N/100 ft2.
If the application rate is in lb/A but the recommendation is in some other units, divide the lb N applied by
the area in an acre 43,560 ft2 then then multiply this by the area used in the recommendations.
o If the recommendation is in lb/1000ft2 multiply this by 1000 ft2 = lb Avail. N/1000 ft2.
o If the recommendation is in lb/100 ft2 multiply this by 100 ft2 = lb Avail. N/100 ft2.
The sum of the values calculated above for the previous 2 years will be entered into table 1 as the Manure
Credit

The amount of available N for year 1 will be used to determine an appropriate application rate in Table 2.
d

From the Penn State Agronomy Guide Table 1.2-13 [4].

Note that at this rate, very large amount of N is applied. This could exceed crop requirements which
should be avoided. Even if the available N calculations show these very high rates to be acceptable,
there is concern with the total N loading and future consequences.

Introduction to Soils Start Farming Fact 3

Determining Nutrient Applications for Organic Vegetables Basic Calculations

Table 1.2 Available Phosphorus and Potassium from Compost and Manure the Year after
Application (Year 2)
Sources

Nutrients
P2O5

%
Composta,c
0.5-1
Mushroom
5.7Composta,c
6.2
Horse Manureb,c, g
.25
Cattle Manureb,c
0.2
Sheep Manureb,c
0.4
Poultry Broilerb,c,h
3.1
Poultry Layerb,c,h
2.8
Compost/manure
tested

lb/ton
10-20
114124
5
4
8
62
55

Available Nutrients lb/A

K 2O
2,000 lbs
5 ton/A
(1 ton
80 tons
pickup)/A
(1"/ A)f
% lb/ton P2O5 K2O P2O5 K2O P2O5 K2O
50 1175 2300
1-2 20-40
0d,e
0d,e
50
0.51.5 10-30
94
0d,e 570 0d,e 9495 1500
.45
9
0d,e
0d,e 0d,e 0d,e 375 620
.25
5
0d,e
0d,e 0d,e 0d,e 295 300
1
20 0 d,e 0d,e
15 0d,e 615 1500
2.1
42
37
0d,e 285 110 4935 3260
55 4375 2380
1.6
30
31
0d,e 250

From Using Organic Nutrient Sources Table 3 [3].

From the Penn State Agronomy Guide Table 1.2-13 [4].

Other

For P & K we assume that 100% of the nutrient is available the year it is applied. However each crop may not
use all of the P & K you apply. If you took a soil test after your last crop the remaining P & K will be reflected in
your soil test. Use the numbers from your soil test. If you did not you may use the numbers above or calculate a
more specific value below.
d

For P multiply %P by the amount you applied (ie for poultry manure broiler at 3.1% P multiply .031 x 2000 lb =
62 lb P) and then subtract the amount of P your last crop used. On average vegetables use 25 lbs of P per year. IE.
(62 lb of P applied 25 lb used by the vegetable crop = 37 lb of P available for the next crop. P removal rates
vary by crop. In some cases, the P applied will be less than removal as indicated by the 0 in the table. For more
specific values see Nutrient Removal Rates for Vegetables [5].
e

For K multiply K by the amount you applied (ie for poultry manure broiler at 2.1% K multiply 0.021 x 2000 lb =
42 lb P applied). Then subtract the amount of K your last crop used. On average vegetables use 100 lbs of K per
year. IE. (42 lb K applied 100 lb K used = -58 lb K) you most likely dont have any K left in this scenario as
indicated by the 0 in the table. K removal rates vary by crop. For more specific values see Nutrient Removal
Rates for Vegetables [5].
f

Note that at this rate, very large excesses of P and K are applied. For example, one application of
mushroom compost at the 1 /A rate would supply enough P for 380 years of typical vegetable crop
removal (9495 / 25 = 380 yrs)! A large excess, such as this, can saturate the ability of the soil to hold
phosphorus and result in significant potential for soluble P loss to the environment.
g
h

No bedding included in this number.

Includes litter in analysis figure.

Table 1.3 Available Nitrogen from a Previous Legume Cover Crop a

Legume Cover
Crop
Berseem Clover
Cowpeas
Crimson Clover
Field Pea
Hairy Vetch
Medics
Red Clover
Subterranean
Clover
Sweet Clover
White Clover
Wooly Pod Vetch

Dry Matter
(lb/A/yr)

Total N
(lb/A)

Available N
Available (lb/1,000
N (lb/A)b
sq ft) b

6,000-10,000
2,500-4,500
3,500-5,500
4,000-5,000
2,300-5,000
1,500-4,000
2,000-5,000

low high low high low high

75 220 30
88 0.7
2.0
100 150 40
60 0.9
1.4
70 130 28
52 0.6
1.2
90 150 36
60 0.8
1.4
90 200 36
80 0.8
1.8
50 120 20
48 0.5
1.1
70 150 28
60 0.6
1.4

3,000-8,500
3,000-5,000
2,000-6,000
4,000-8,000

75
90
80
100

200
170
200
250

30
36
32
40

80
68
80
100

0.7
0.8
0.7
0.9

Summarized from Managing Cover Crops Profitably [6].

We are assuming that 40% of the nitrogen in the cover crop is available.

1.8
1.6
1.8
2.3

The amount of nitrogen depends on the amount of cover crop that you grow. If you have a poor stand or the
cover crop only grows to half its potential height then use the low range numbers. If you are plowing your cover
crop in late in the spring or there is a lot of biomass there use the high range. Remember, really poor stands mean
no contribution at all.

Introduction to Soils Start Farming Fact 3

Determining Nutrient Applications for Organic Vegetables Basic Calculations

Table 1.4 Available Nitrogen Contributed from Previous Leguminous Cropa
High
Moderate Low
productivity productivity productivity
Previous cropb Percent Stand fields
fields
fields
Nitrogen Credit (lbs/A)
First year after >50%
120
110
80
alfalfa
25-49%
80
70
60
<25%
40
40
40
Nitrogen Credit (lbs/A)
First year after
>50%
90
80
60
clover or trefoil
25-49%
60
60
50
hay
<25%
40
40
40
First year after
soybeans
1 lb N/bu soybeans - avg yield in PA = 46 bu/A 2009
harvested for
grain
a

From the Penn State Agronomy Guide Table 1.2-7 [4].

When a previous legume crop is checked on the Penn State soil test information sheet, the residual nitrogen for
the following year is calculated and given on the report. This credit should be deducted from the N
recommendation given on the soil test report.

STEP 2: Use Table 2.0 to Calculate Your Nutrient Applications based on Tables 2.12.4
Line 1. This is from Table 1.0 line 5.
Line 2. Choose possible sources from Tables 2.1 2.3. The first choice will generally be to utilize
materials already on the farm e.g. manures or composts or other readily available nearby sources.
Many organic sources are multiple nutrient sources. An important consideration with these sources is
that the relative amounts of the different nutrients in these materials may not match up with the nutrient
requirements of crops. For example, if most manures or composts are applied to meet the available N
requirements of a crop, excess P and K will usually be applied. If possible, the best approach is to apply
these multi-nutrient sources at a rate that does not apply a significant excess of any nutrient. Realize
that this will result in less than adequate amounts of the other nutrients. In order to avoid over
application of P & K, choose your planned rate for manure or manure based compost on
PHOSPHORUS needed.
Line 3-5. Select single nutrient sources or sources with a high proportion of the needed nutrient to
supplement manure or compost to meet the crop requirements. It is a good idea to write down the rates
for several sources and figure out the cost per pound or per application of nutrient. Circle the source(s)
you plan to use and cross out more expensive or unavailable options.
The necessary calculations follow:
a
Calculate the rate per acre or per 1000 sq ft of each source to meet the nutrient need. To do this
divide the nutrient need by the available N, P2O5, or K2O in the material from the actual analysis
and calculated availability as shown with table 1.1 or if you do not have an analysis, use table 1.1.
for N or the total P or K from table 1.2 Alternatively, find the amount of nutrient required at the
top of tables 2.1-2.3 for N, P, and K respectively and then read the rate of the desired material from
the table.
b
Select a practical planned rate per acre or 1000 sq ft for this material that is less than or equal to
the calculated rate.
c
Multiply the available N, P2O5, or K2O in the material calculated from your analysis or from table
1.1 and Table 1.2 times this planned rate to determine the amount of N, P2O5, or K2O applied per
acre or 1000 sq ft at the planned rate.
d
Calculate the balance after the planned application of each source by subtracting the nutrient
applied in previous step from the Nutrients Needed or the balance from the previous application.
e
Ideally the balance after the last material is applied should be 0, indicating that the nutrient needs
have been met exactly. When using organic sources, this is rarely the case because they contain
multiple nutrients in a variety of ratios that do not always match the ratio of nutrient required by
crops. In general, it is highly recommended that N not be significantly over applied. Over
application of P can represent an environmental threat. If P is significantly over applied you
should assess the possibility that P could be transported from the site to nearby water primarily by
erosion or runoff. If this is likely, excess P should not be applied. The Pennsylvania P Index
(http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/UC180.pdf) is a tool that can help make this assessment. If
P transport from the field is not a concern, excess P applied in one year can be used in following
years. However, this build up should be considered in the long term planning and repeated
applications of excess P should be avoided. Excess K is not an environmental concern but can be a
crop quality concern that should be considered.

10

Introduction to Soils Start Farming Fact 3

Determining Nutrient Applications for Organic Vegetables Basic Calculations

Table 2.0 Calculating Nutrient Applications

Nutrients Needed
Nitrogen
(N)

Phosphate
(P205)

Potash
(K2O)

1. Additional Needed Nutrients - lbs/A

(Table 1.0 line 5)
OR
1. Additional Needed Nutrients - lbs/1000 sq ft
(Table 1.0 line 5 43.5)

Nutrients to Apply
b
Nutrien aCalc.
Planned
t
rate/Acre rate/Acre
Source or 1000 sq or 1000
ft.
sq ft.

Nitrogen d Phosphate
(N) lbs/A
(P205) lbs/A
or 1000 sq or 1000 sq
ft.
ft.

Potash
(K2O)
lbs/A or
1000 sq
ft.

$/acre
or
1000
sq ft.

2. Source 1
4

Balance after
Source 3 is applied

Compare price of
alternatives A,B,C

Compare price of
alternatives A,B,C

Balance after
Source 1 is applied
3. Source 2
(alternative A)
Source 2
(alternative B)
Source 2
(alternative C)
d
Balance after
Source 2 is applied
4. Source 3
(alternative A)
Source 3
(alternative B)
Source 3
(alternative C)

2.1. Available NITROGEN from Organic Fertilizera (per ACRE)

Target lbs of N per acre
Total Nutrients (lb
Sources
nutrient/lb
20
40
60
80
material)b
Provided by lbs of fertilizer below
N-P2O5-K2O
b,c
8889
17780
26667 355530.0050.01Compost
0.015-.03

Fertrell Blue N
5-1-1
0.05
Fish Meal
0.09
McGeary 8-1-1 0.08
McGeary
2-3-4
0.02
Blood Meal
0.13
d
Feather Meal
0.15
Alfalfa Meal
0.025
Horse Manure
(Fresh)e
0.006
Cattle Manure
(Fresh) e
0.003
Poultry
Manure Broilere 0.04
Otherf

100

0.01

0.02

4447

8887

13333

17780

44447 22220

0.01
0.06
0.01

0.01
0
0.01

400
222
250

800
444
500

1200
667
750

1600
889
1000

2000
1111
1250

0.03 0.04
0
0
0.01 0.01
0.02 0.02
0.00
25 0.005
0.00 0.002
15
5

1000
154
133
800

2000
308
267
1600

3000
462
400
2400

4000
615
533
3200

5000
769
667
4000

6667

10000

20000

26667

33334

13000

27000

40000

53000

67000

0.03

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

0.02

Adapted from Using Organic Nutrient Sources and Organic Cole Crop Production calculations of nutrient needs
[1, 3].
b
The percentage of plant available nutrients is highly variable. Averages are used here. Testing for compost and
manures is recommended.
c
For compost, average values for nutrient content are used. First multiply lb nitrogen/ lb material x amount
applied, i.e., for 1.5% N or 0.015 lb N/lb compost (0.015 x 2,000 lbs = 30 lbs N applied). Then multiply by the
percent available. For compost, we assume 15% N available for plant use the year we apply it, i.e. (30 lbs N
applied x 0.15 = 15 lb N available in the year we apply it).
d
Adjusted for slow availability over a year and a half. Mulitiply lbs applied by %N by .75 in the year after
application.
e
50% of nitrogen is available during year of application. Actual nutrients available are highly variable due to
amount of bedding included and animal diet. Testing of your manure source is recommended. Un-composted
manure must be used on fields with crops not to be consumed by humans or incorporated into soil a minimum of
90 days before harvest, provided the product does not touch the soil and 120 days before harvest if the product
does contact the soil for certified organic production.
F
To calculate the application rate for a nutrient source not listed in the table, or based on your
compost/manure test:
Target rate _____lbs of N/A ____lbs N/ lb material x availability factor (0.5 for manure, 0.15 for
compost) = _______lbs of fertilizer/A to apply.

12

Introduction to Soils Start Farming Fact 3

Determining Nutrient Applications for Organic Vegetables Basic Calculations

2.2 Available PHOSPHORUS from Organic Fertilizera (per ACRE)
Sources
Total Nutrients (lb
Target lbs of P2O5 per acre
b
nutrient/ lb material)
20
40
60
80
N-P2O5-K2O
Provided by lbs of fertilizer below
0.0150.005Compost
12000 - 6000
16000 - 8000
.033
0.01
0.01-0.02 4000 -2000 8000 -4000
Bonemeal
0.04
b
Rock Phosphate
0
McGeary Organics 23-4
0.02
Fishmeal
0.09
Horse Manure
(Fresh-no bedding)
0.006
Cattle Manure
Poultry Manure
Broiler
Otherc

0.15
0.3

0
0

0.003

0.03
0.04
0.06
0
0.002
5
0.005
0.001
5
0.0025

0.04

0.03

0.02

100
20000 - 10000

133
270

267
530

400
800

533
1100

667
1300

667
333

1333
667

2000
1000

2667
1333

3333
1667

8000

16000

24000

32000

40000

13333

26667

40000

53333

66667

670

1300

2000

2700

3300

Adapted from Using Organic Nutrient Sources and Organic Cole Crop Production calculations of nutrient needs
[1, 3].
b
Application rate adjusted for very slow release rate (x4).
c
To calculate the application rate for a nutrient source not listed in the table, or based on your
compost/manure test:
Target rate _____lbs of P2O5/A ____lbs P2O5/ lb material = _______lbs of fertilizer/A to apply.

2.3 Available POTASSIUM from Organic Fertilizera (per ACRE)

Sources
Nutrients (lb
Target lbs of K2O per Acre
b
nutrient/lb material)
20
40
60
80
Provided by lbs of fertilizer below
N-P2O5-K2O
0.0150.005Compost
2000 - 1000 4000 - 2000 6000 - 3000 8000 - 4000
.03
0.01
0.01-0.02
Sul-Po-Mag
Wood Ashc
Greensandb
Potassium Sulfate
McGeary 8-1-1
McGeary 2-3-4
Alfalfa Meal
Horse Manure d
(Fresh-no bedding)
Cattle Manure
Poultry Manure d
Broiler
Otherd

100
10000 - 5000

0
0
0.22
0
0
0.05
0
0
0.03
0
0
0.5
0.08 0.01
0.01
0.02 0.03
0.04
0.025 0.02
0.02
0.002
0.006
5
0.005
0.001
0.003
5
0.0025

91
400
8000
40
2000
500
1000

182
800
16000
80
4000
1000
2000

273
1200
24000
120
6000
1500
3000

364
1600
32000
160
8000
2000
4000

455
2000
40000
200
10000
2500
5000

4000

8000

12000

16000

20000

8000

16000

24000

32000

40000

0.04

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

0.03

0.02

Adapted from Using Organic Nutrient Sources and Organic Cole Crop Production calculations of nutrient needs
[1, 3].
b
Application rates for this material are adapted due to their slow release rates. Adapted by Vernon Grubinger
from the University of Maine soil testing lab [1].
c
Also raises pH.
d
From the Penn State Agronomy Guide Table 1.2-13 [4].
e
To calculate the application rate for a nutrient source not listed in the table, or based on your
compost/manure test:
Target rate _____lbs of K2O/A ____lbs K2O/ lb material = _______lbs of fertilizer/A to apply.

14

Introduction to Soils Start Farming Fact 3

Determining Nutrient Applications for Organic Vegetables Basic Calculations

References
1.
Abawi, G.S., et al., 2010 Production Guide for Organic Cole Crops, A. Seaman, Editor. 2010,
Cornell University, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Integrated Pest
Managment.
2.
Orzolek, M.D., et al., Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations 2010, University
Park, PA: Penn State Cooperative Extension.
3.
Sanchez, E. and T.L. Richard, Using Organic Nutrient Sources. 2009, The Pennsylvania State
University: University Park, PA.
4.
Rudisill, A., Penn State Agronomy Guide 2009-1010. 2010, State College, PA: Pennsylvania
College of Agricultural Sciences
5.
Osmond, D.L. and J. Kang, Nutrient Removal by Crops in North Carolina, in North Carolina
Cooperative Extension. 2008, http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/ag-439-16W.pdf.
6.
Clark, A., ed. Managing Cover Crops Profitably. Sustainable Agriculture Network Handbook
Series. 2007, Sustainable Agriculture Network: Beltsville, MD. pg 67.

Prepared by Tianna DuPont, Sustainable Agriculture Educator, Northampton and Lehigh Counties. Edited by Doug Beegle,
PSU Crop and Soil Sciences; Elsa Sanchez, PSU Horticultural Systems Management. Last updated - September 2011.

16