Agronomics
Ideas, information and insights from real farmers on effective crop nutrient management strategies.
Why did K levels go down in Fall 2016 when farmers were maintaining or building soil levels?
You’re not the only one who has reported this phenomenon. I’ve heard this question several times in the last couple of years. While I would struggle to give you a clear reason for your particular scenario, I can share some potential causes of decreased soil… Read More
I’ve heard a lot of discussion about 2X2X2 placement of fertilizer in bands. Is there anything I should know if I try this approach?
Banding is a good nutrient application method for two reasons: usually it means that fertilizer applications are made below the soil surface (not always the case though – surface banding of nitrogen as an example) decreasing the potential for loss via surface transport, and creating… Read More
What are things I should watch for applying potassium with a planter?
A: If you are considering the application of potassium with your planter make sure it is accounted for when determining your “safe” rate of fertilization. For 2×2 applications, keep your total salt (nitrogen plus potassium) rate around 80 to 100 pounds per acre. For in-furrow… Read More
Are cover crops beneficial for yields?
This is an often asked question that has mixed results in scientific literature. There is geographic specificity to this answer. In the southeastern U.S., there is some good work that shows growing cover crops in rotation can provide yield increases (especially if you are rotating… Read More
What time of year is best to apply K?
There is not really a best time of the year to apply K. The goal of fertilization is to ensure that adequate K is available within the soil to supply plant nutrient demand, so timing is not especially critical. There are, however, a few exceptions… Read More
My soil test shows adequate K levels. Is there still a benefit to apply any this year?
A. There are a couple of good reasons to consider applying K if your soil test level is considered adequate. 1) There is value in maintaining your current soil test level, so applying a maintenance rate of potassium fertilizer will allow you to do that.… Read More
Can I apply K with other fertilizer or do I lose the benefit provided?
From a crop nutritional standpoint, no. Mixing K with other fertilizer materials will not impact the benefit of K fertilization for a crop, as we do this all the time with dry fertilizer blends. From a blending standpoint, there are certain compatibility issues to be… Read More
My soil test shows I am low in both P and K and I only have money to fertilize with one. Which do you suggest would be most beneficial to my crops (corn / beans)?
While, ideally, you should apply both nutrients if they are limiting production based upon soil test, there is some research to suggest that just applying K can be more beneficial than just applying P if both are limiting. Also, check out our Nutrient ROI Calculator… Read More