It’s Not Easy, but One Thing is True

It’s not an easy business, but as farming goes through economically challenging periods, one thing remains true: bushels matter.
 
No matter the cost of seed and other crop inputs, it’s the number bushels per acre that make the difference year after year.
 
Craig Loen, Federated ag sales rep in Osceola, offered some key reminders about how to maximize bushels per acre in this tough economy:
 
First off, remember that the best seed – not necessarily the cheapest seed – positioned on the correct soil type is a great starting point. Soil testing is “a very good way to know what your soil nutrient levels are.” 

• Look at pH levels. Corn soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa don’t like extremes in pH. “They thrive best in neutral soil pH, 6.6 to 6.9,” said Loen. Soils that are either too acidic or too alkalineo affect the availability of nutrients in the soil, and the pH affects crop protection chemical effectiveness, too.

 
Secondly, remember that nitrogen (N) is critical to maximizing the yield potential of seed. “Consider your nitrogen source,” said Loen, whether that be urea or UAN. Reducing N applications in the interest of “saving money” can be devasting to yields (i.e., profit).
 
Then, think about potassium (K), another “critical nutrient in all crops,” said Loen, adding that “N and K are ‘married,’ they work together to move the N in the soil to the plant.” 

• K has a lower response to yield in crop than N; it helps with water management, standability, and disease resistance. “Add more later season N to your corn crop and add potash too, to get the full benefit of N,” he said.

 
Remember, too, that soils with lower organic matter need higher sulfur (S) levels. Maintain S levels with applications in one or more of the various forms: AMS, elemental, Am-Thio, or SO4.
 
Finally, remember that phosphorous is taken up in the plant in early season growth, but it uses phosphorous throughout the season. 

• Apply DAP to the soil with the planter or broadcast, noting that a band of phosphorous through the planter in a 2 x 2 placement is twice as effective as the same amount in a broadcast application.

 
Putting these key factors into play can help maximize yield potential. Using soil test results – especially with precision ag technologies – can help you apply fertilizer where it’s needed most and avoid overapplying nutrients where they aren’t needed.
 
From the start, and in the end, it comes down to one thing: bushels. Talk to your Federated Agronomist to weigh your bushel-improving options.