Fields across Montana may be under-fertilized if fertilizer rates were based on drought conditions, since snow and rain this spring increased potential yields in some areas, according to Clain Jones, a soil fertility specialist with Montana State University Extension.

Jones said that this year, producers may have fertilized less because of very high fertilizer costs combined with early-season drought. But, with recent rains in some areas, there may not now be enough of certain nutrients in the ground for optimum yields. While drought is still a significant concern in much of Montana, precip...