A win-win. 

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship method is the framework with which farmers reach their sustainability goals. With a focus on choosing the right nutrient source to apply at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. This occurs through the use of best management practices, including conservation, precision application and nitrogen management. Not only do these practices provide enhanced environmental protection and improved sustainability, but they also increase production and profitability. We value this program and encourage all our customers to participate. 

Crop Nutrient Best Management Practices

There is an immediate connection between applying the right nutrient source, at the right rate, right timing, and right placements, and beneficial impacts on components of the natural capital evidenced through better crop performance, improved soil health, decreased environmental pollution, and the protection of wildlife. Similarly, positive effects are expected on financial capital, as your profits improve, bringing about improvement in your quality of life and increased economic activity in your communities.

Conservation

Conservation practices contribute to positively impacting water quality and soil health. We are focused on working with local growers and people associated with production agriculture, to sustain and grow stewardship practices by implementing cover crops, grower programs and other conservation practices. Optimizing yield and profitability while reducing potential nitrogen loss and environmental impact, varies based on several factors. In order for the use of fertilizer to be sustainable, it must enhance the performance of the plant system. How it interacts with other management practices such as drainage, tillage, cultivator selection, plant protection, weed control, etc. plays an important role in performance of conservation practices.   

Precision Application

Our Gold Star FS precision team is passionate about sustainability. Precision Farming helps to determine what nutrient the field needs and the right rate to apply that nutrient. There is a lot of variation even in the same field. Our team and their equipment can analyze the fields and provide recommendations specific to the needs of each field. We have the ability to change the application rate while moving through the field to meet those varying needs. This process ensures that the plants get the nutrients needed and no excess nutrients are lost to the environment. 

Nitrogen Management 

Nitrogen is a critical nutrient for high yield corn production. We utilize different technologies to determine the right rate of nitrogen based on the plant's needs. Nitrogen available within the soil is tracked and analyzed by soil samples throughout the growing cycle. This helps us determine the right source and the right rate, at the right time in the critical growing cycle.