Agronomy Tech Tips: Don't Overlook Micronutrients—Small Inputs, Big Impact
Micronutrients may be needed in tiny amounts, but their role in crop performance is huge.
Corn and soybeans rely on elements like zinc, manganese, boron, iron, copper and molybdenum for critical processes such as photosynthesis, enzyme activation, root development and reproductive growth. Even a slight deficiency can quietly reduce yield potential.
Why Apply Micronutrients
Boost Yield and Quality: Adequate micronutrient levels improve pollination, grain fill, and stress tolerance, leading to higher yields and better crop quality.
Support Plant Health: Zinc drives hormones production and root growth; manganese aids in photosynthesis; boron is vital for tasseling and seed development.
Prevent Hidden Losses: Deficiencies often go unnoticed until yields suffer. Soil and tissue samples test are key to identifying gaps before they cost you bushels.
Optimize ROI: High-input crops can’t reach full potential if micronutrients are limited. Investing in micros ensures nitrogen, phosphorus and water aren’t wasted.
Action Steps
• Test soils to gain a baseline of building a balanced crop nutrient in the soil and tissue samples for micronutrients to find the hidden hunger.
• Apply Procote Zn or BCMC on your dry fertilizer, apply in fall or spring to feed the plants.
• Apply micronutrients in starters fertilizer to have a full nutrient package to help establish and develop young plants.
• AcreEdge® foliar nutritional products feed the plant at critical growth stages V4-V7 and R1-R3. The AcreEdge® foliar nutrition package also offers stress mitigation.
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