As growers in the Midwest pulled planters across their acreage, many were calculating what types of yields are needed to give them the return they’re hoping for.
The slumping commodity market has brought about a heightened awareness of crop input selections and price points, but it’s important to remember that delays or missteps with fertilizer decisions may not only cause reduced yield this year, but in years to come.
Balanced crop nutrition is critical every year. However, following a year of record yields, it becomes increasingly important to focus on delivering the right nutrients to the crop. After all, the higher the yield, the more nutrients were removed from the soil to achieve that yield. Skipping a season of P or K may save input costs in the short term, but it can create yield drag this coming season and in future years, making it a long-term liability.
So what is the best way to ensure a successful yield? First, set your yield goal. Then, use a tool (such as Mosaic’s nutrient removal table) to determine how much of each nutrient is needed to achieve those yields. Finally, work with your agronomist to best understand what nutrient levels exist in your soils based on recent soil tests. Giving your crops the right nutrition from the first day they are in the ground can make your yield goals a reality.