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This summary focuses on understanding soil fertility management strategies, nutrient removal economics, and approaches for reducing fertilizer inputs.

The current agricultural economy, specifically in regions of corn and soybean production, has experienced market volatility, low crop prices, and high fertilizer prices. This scenario has created uncertainty at the farm gate and led farmers to consider input reduction management strategies focused on fertilizer cutbacks.

Below are tables for corn and soybean illustrating yield required to break even to make a profit based on yield level and price (orange=loss, green=profit, white=break-even). Cost of production were obtained from the 2026 Iowa State University Extension Cost of Production publication.

2025 Corn: Iowa 210 bu/acre; U.S. 186.5 bu/acre

2025 Soybean: Iowa 63.5 bu/acre; U.S. 53 bu/acre

Understanding Soil Fertility Management

Soil fertility management can be complex and accomplished through numerous strategies. Cost variation is dependent on which strategy a farmer selects and current costs of fertilizer inputs. The US corn and soybean yield for the past several years been several of the highest on record, combined with global volatility in fertilizer supply has created a scenario of low commodity prices and high fertilizer input costs. To combat the current situation, farmers have started considering reducing the total amount of fertilizer being applied—specifically phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)—anytime a farmer is considering reductions in applied fertilizer several factors should be considered including:

• pH: impacts nutrient uptake and defines lime requirements
• Organic Matter: pool of soil available nutrition
• Macro- and Micro- nutrient levels: defines applied fertilizer amounts
• CEC: soils nutrient holding capacity

Primary management approaches for soil fertilizer can be broken down into four approaches:

• Flat rate spreads: This practice is becoming less common as it is most common for farmers to ask for 80 lbs of P and 80lbs of K. Though this approach can appear to result in lower costs through reduced rates, this practices will lead to faster nutrient deficiencies and are costly to resolve.

• Yield removal replacement: Based on a yield map and applied variable rate or average yield removed. The approach replaces the total soil nutrition removed in the grain. Greater cost savings if applied through VR. It can become costly as grain yield increases.

• Yield removal replacement + build/maintenance: Replaces soil nutrition removed in the grain by yield map and VR application or field average with the addition of maintenance rate of fertilizer as a percentage of yield removed or provided soil test level. Will be the costliest.

• Soil test replacement: A fertility program that is developed based from soil test levels and will likely include removal applications after year 1 of soil testing. Rates are normally taken from state or lab recommendations. See Iowa State University Extension: A General Guide for Crop Nutrient and Limestone Recommendations in Iowa.

Fertility Cost Comparison Example

270 bushel farm average across 244 acres

The above examples illustrate several different approaches that can be implemented for managing dry fertilizer applications. The three examples show a comparison of the total tons applied and costs per acre. The adjusted DAP spread was developed by using a yield replacement application but spreading no DAP where phosphorus scores were at or above 28 PPM (Mehlich-3). Developing or hybridizing fertilizer management approaches field-by-field can help reduce fertility costs while minimizing the potential for future soil nutrient deficiencies.

The Role of AcreEdge® Performance Products in Soil Nutrient Management

Reducing or eliminating P & K applications may lower input costs in the short term, with little impact for one to two seasons; however, the nutrients removed by the crop must eventually be replaced and is often more costly than expected. To help offset the potential for nutrient deficiencies farmers should consider using products to help minimize potential risk when possible. AcreEdge products like SoilNXT can help make nutrients more available while CropLiftTM can help reduce stress in the growing crop allowing for improved nutrient use efficiency.

• Supports nutrient cycling by enhancing microbial populations
• Help in making macro- and micro- nutrients more available
• ~$8.50/acre
• Estimated 3–10% improvement in nutrient release

• Reduces abiotic stress in the plant
• Enhance plant function and plant nutrient cycling
• ~$8.00/acre
• Helps protect grain yield at key growth stages

Key Takeaways

• High yields significantly increase nutrient removal and fertilizer cost exposure.
• Variable‑rate strategies offer meaningful savings versus flat‑rate applications.

• Soil testing is still critical for long‑term fertility management and risk reduction.
• Consider all available tools to help offset reduced fertilizer inputs and protect yield.

Contact your Landus Representative today to create a plan for your acres.