Unless you are in one of the very few "garden spots" this year, you and your crop are experiencing yet another challenging growing season — too dry, too wet, too cold, late planting, not planted, hail damage… The list goes on and on!
Crop nutrient status throughout the entire growing season, especially at critical times of crop growth, plays a big role in determining the yield of your crop. An early sidedress application that is balanced and buffered can set your crop up for success, while reducing nitrogen inputs and increasing protection.
Over the past several decades, AgriEnergy has observed the substantial benefits to apply biologicals, carbons, and nutrients in addition to nitrogen in their sidedress applications; many growers have implemented these practices and observed the same. A complex sidedress program that is balanced and buffered plays a critical role in your crop health and yield potential.
Many nutrients are critical, but today we will review just a few mobile nutrients that are often deficient in your soil at this pivotal growth period: Potassium, Sulfur, and Boron.
What else can I add in addition to nitrogen?
Biology is a critical component to crop health and nutrient use efficiency. It will inoculate the root system and help anchor nutrients and lower nitrogen input rates.
Carbon is food for microbes and helps anchor nutrients. It will greatly enhance nutrient use efficiency and can help weatherproof your crops.
Potassium is needed to efficiently uptake other nutrients. It helps increase disease resistance and water stress tolerance. A potassium deficient crop has a tendency to wilt on dry sunny days.
Boron is needed to move sugar and nutrients within the plant. It also plays a key role in the pollination process to promote pollen development and flowering. In corn, it supports reproductive growth in tassels and ears.
Sulfur plays a key role in protein synthesis and is required for many plant functions such as photosynthesis, chlorophyll formation, and nitrogen fixation. It also breaks free and allows uptake of other essential micro-nutrients.
There are numerous product options available to fit your specific crop's needs. It is worth reiterating that sidedressing is not just for corn! Numerous crops respond when implementing AES mixes during the growing season. No matter the crop, make sure it has a complex mix that is balanced and buffered to reach its yield potential!
Consult your AgriEnergy representative about your sidedress program. Let us help you determine which sidedress products best fit your yield goals, budget, and particularly your specific crops' needs!
