2020 Winter RVC Insights - Flipbook - Page 15
Focus on Fertility
Small changes in plant nutrition can have a large influence on yield
Dustin Hoeft, Agronomy Business Manager
Matt Boeckmann, Crop Protection Execution Lead
Why focus on micronutrients?
The yield gap (difference between
high yields achieved in NCGA contest and national average yields) has
been between 300 and 366 bushels
over the last six years.
There are many factors that make
these high yields possible, but plant
nutrition is a key driver.
N-P-K are table stakes. We all know
these have to be managed properly
to build the base to have a chance
at a successful crop, but how do we
achieve even more?
Tissue sampling reveals that several key micronutrients are potentially
limiting to yields.
According to Dr. Jason Haegele,
WinField United Agronomist, Zn, Mn,
and B were the three nutrients most
commonly deficient early in the
growing season, and Mn and B were
frequently deficient as the corn crop
moved into reproductive stages.
These deficiencies are also true on a
national scale.
Although micronutrients are required in small amounts, even small
changes in plant nutrition status can
have a large influence on yield:
V5-V7: +2 rows = +25.7 bu/A
V12: +1 kernel length = +5.0 bu/A
Estimated yield increases are
based on 36,000 plants per acre,
85,000 kernels per bushel, and a
baseline ear size of 16 rows by 30
kernels long.
When should micronutrients be
applied to a developing crop?
Regardless of the source used,
micronutrient applications should
ensure that nutrients are not
limited during key developmental
stages.
Zinc is needed early in development for auxin synthesis, root
growth, and enzyme activity.
Boron is needed early in development for root development, cell
division, cell wall strength, and nutrient movement. Boron is needed
again at reproduction for pollen
viability and nutrient movement.
Manganese is needed throughout
crop development for enzyme activity and processes directly related to
photosynthesis.
In reality, micronutrients are needed throughout the entire life cycle of
a crop. Foliar nutrition is an effective
way to supply zinc, manganese, and
boron, but foliar applications are
usually limited to several opportuni-
ties per season.
Soil applied micronutrients have
the potential to supply needed
nutrition throughout the season and
support subsequent in-season foliar
applications.
Micronutrients are needed in
smaller quantities compared to
macronutrients, but their importance in plant nutrition for your corn
and soybean crops cannot be
overstated.
Speak with your local River Valley
Cooperative Account Manager
to learn more about managing
micronutrients to maintain yield
potential, and develop a plan to
achieve your goals for the 2020
growing season.
FERTILITY
RVC / 15