Soybean Fertility Management

Nutrients are required for water transport and photosynthesis processes, and protein and oil production in the plant.  Nutrient deficiencies are one of the causes of leaf discoloration and/or chlorosis that might be observed in a soybean field and can decrease plant growth and reduce yield potential.  It is beneficial to understand the function of a nutrient and identify deficiency symptoms to know when to apply corrective steps.  Diagnoses from visible symptoms should be confirmed with results from soil tests and plant tissue analysis in some cases.

Soybean Fertility: Functions, Deficiency, Management

Corn Starter Fertilizer with Sulfur or Zinc

Higher corn yields mean more minor nutrients are removed from the soil; thus, minor nutrient deficiencies may occur. Starter fertilizer is one way to help ensure nutrient availability to the crop early in the season. While sulfur (S) and zinc (Zn) are needed in smaller quantities than nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), it is important to acknowledge their contribution to corn development. Including S or Zn with starter fertilizer is being examined as a way to improve yield potential.

Agronomic Spotlight – Corn Starter Fertilizer with Sulfur or Zinc

Possible Causes of Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms in Corn

Several fields are showing what is believed to be nutrient deficiency. Several causes including weather, soil conditions, and nutrient availability may contribute to this symptom. Questions regarding whether the deficiency is due to processes within the plant, problems with root uptake, or an actual soil deficiency should be answered before making additional fertilizer applications this season.  Agronomic ALERT- Possible Causes of Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms in Corn

Maximizing Soybean Yield Potential

Achieving maximum soybean yield potential will likely depend on increases in stress tolerance, efficient use of all plant growth resources, and increased biomass production. A variety of agronomic practices have shown benefit to increasing soybean yield potential. Selecting what works best on your farm requires careful consideration and implementation.  Agronomic Spotlight – Maximizing Soybean Yield Potential

Soil Testing

Whether it is with site specific grid sampling, or more traditional methods, soil testing is the most useful means of determining what inventories of nutrients are available for crop production. In a period of rising fertilizer prices, soil testing allows a grower to prioritize fertilizer applications, and focus on inputs that will provide the greatest return in crop production.  AGRONOMIC Spotlight – Soil Testing