Babcock, Bruce A.; Blackmer, A. M.

Review of Agricultural Economics Vol. 16 (1994): 441-450.

This article tests whether "ex post" optimal nitrogen rates increase with better growing conditions. Results of the tests indicate whether there is statistical support for the rule-of-thumb that farmers should increase their "ex ante" fertilizer rates to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients if the growing season turns out to be favorable. In addition, the test results indicate if yield goals have a role in a system of fertilizer recommendations. Results indicate: (1) there is scant statistical support for the hypothesis that better growing conditions on a given site increase optimal nitrogen rates; and (2) better site-specific growing conditions seem to increase optimal nitrogen rates.