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Fertilizing rye in Minnesota

Quick facts

  • Rye is a favorite crop used in rotation for sandy soils that are not irrigated.
  • Topdress nitrogen in established stands in early spring.
  • Phosphate and potash should be broadcast and incorporated before planting.

Although the number of acres planted to this crop is not large, it remains a major component of some farm enterprises in Minnesota. This is a favorite crop used in rotation for those who farm sandy soils that are not irrigated. Fertilizer use is a major factor in attaining profitable yields.

Nitrogen guidelines

The majority of this crop is grown on sandy soils. Since the soil test for NO3--N is not suggested for use on sandy soils, guidelines for nitrogen use are based on expected yield, previous crop and soil organic matter content.

Topdress established stands in early spring. There is no need for the use of split applications.

Nitrogen guidelines for rye

Crop grown last year Organic matter level* 40-49 bu/acre 50-59 bu/acre 60-69 bu/acre 70-79 bu/acre 80+ bu/acre
Alfalfa (4+ plants/ft2) Low 0 lb N/acre 0 lb N/acre 0 lb N/acre 0 lb N/acre 0 lb N/acre
Alfalfa (4+ plants/ft2) Medium/High 0 0 0 40 75
Alfalfa (2-3 plants/ft2) Medium/High 0 0 40 65 90
Alfalfa (2-3 plants/ft2) Medium/High 0 0 20 45 70
Soybeans or alfalfa (1 or less plants/ft2) Low 40 65 90 115 140
Soybeans or alfalfa (1 or less plants/ft2) Medium/High 20 45 70 95 120
Edible beans, field peas Low 50 75 100 125 150
Edible beans, field peas Medium/High 30 55 80 105 130
Group 1 Crops Low 0 35 60 85 110
Group 1 Crops Medium/High 0 0 40 65 90
Group 2 Crops Low 60 85 110 135 160
Group 2 Crops Medium/High 40 65 90 115 140

*low = less than 3.0%; medium and high = 3.0% or more. Crops in Group 1: Alsike clover, birdsfoot trefoil, grass/legume hay, grass legume pasture, fallow, red clover. Crops in Group 2: Barley, buckwheat, canola, corn, grass hay, grass pasture, oat, potato, rye, sorghum-sudan, sugar beet, sunflower, sweet corn, triticale, wheat.

Phosphate and potash guidelines

The suggested rates of phosphate and potash should be broadcast and incorporated before planting.

Phosphate fertilizer guidelines*

Expected Yield Bray-P1
Expected Yield Olsen
0-5 ppm
0-3 ppm
6-10 ppm
4-7 ppm
11-15 ppm
8-11 ppm
16-20 ppm
12-15 ppm
21+ ppm
16+ ppm
40-49 bushels/acre 40 lb./acre 30 lb./acre 15 lb./acre 0 lb./acre 0 lb./acre
50-59 bushels/acre 50 35 20 0 0
60-69 bushels/acre 60 45 20 0 0
70-79 bushels/acre 70 50 25 0 0
80+ bushels/acre 80 55 25 0 0

*Pounds of P2O5 suggested to apply per acre for rye production based on either the Bray-P1 or Olsen soil methods test reported in parts per million (ppm).

Use one of the following equations if a phosphate guideline for a specific soil test and a specific expected yield is desired:

  • P2O5rec = [1.071 - (0.054) (Bray P, ppm)] (Expected Yield)
  • P2O5rec = [1.071 - (0.087) (Olsen P, ppm)] (Expected Yield)

Potash fertilizer guidelines *

Expected Yield 0-40 ppm 41-80 ppm 81-120 ppm 121-160 ppm 160+ ppm
40-49 bushels/acre 100 lb./acre 75 lb./acre 45 lb./acre 0 lb./acre 0 lb./acre
50-59 bushels/acre 130 95 55 0 0
60-69 bushels/acre 155 110 65 0 0
70-79 bushels/acre 180 125 75 0 0
80+ bushels/acre 190 135 80 0 0

*Pounds of K2O suggested to apply per acre) for rye production based on the ammonium acetate potassium test reported in parts per million (ppm).

Use the following equation if a potash guideline for a specific soil test and a specific expected yield is desired:

  • K2O rec = [2.710 - (0.017) (Soil Test K, ppm)] (Expected Yield)

Other nutrients

Use of other nutrients in a fertilizer program has not increased rye yields in Minnesota, so other nutrients are not suggested at this time.

Reviewed in 2023

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