Fertilizer and Micronutrients
A micronutrient is an element essential for plant growth but is required in very small amounts. Until recently, farmers have been able to rely on the natural quantities found within the soil for adequate crop production. With yields continuing to increase, micronutrient availability will develop a more important role in complete fertilizer programs for top…
Back to Basics: Fertilizer and Macronutrients
It can be very difficult to keep all of the inputs used for crop production organized. To help keep ourselves straight we often lump fertilizer into one broad category without taking in to account the variation in importance and role that a nutrient has in the plant. In the illustration on the right you can…
Planting Basics to get your corn off to the best start possible
We are all eager for fields to warm up and dry out so we can get to planting but before rushing in, here are some important points to think about to help start the corn off right. Corn Planting Depth – At Jacobsen Seed, we advocate a planter setting of 2.5”. This ensures the seed…
Knowing What Limits Yield Could Help Manage Input Costs
With cash crop prices low and margins tight, it can seem like the words ‘Manage your input costs’ is on repeat and coming from every angle. The problem is this is much easier said than done. To most effectively manage input dollars, it is important to take time (maybe some of the free time we…
2018’s Delayed Fall Will Impact 2019’s N Application
The wet weather of 2018’s harvest season and the host of problems it brought to the corn belt is something many farmers are happy to put behind them. Unfortunately, one of these problems may persist into 2019 – potentially severe impacts on nitrogen applications. Some corn growing areas saw as little as 5% completion of…
Even With Low Crop Prices, Lime is an Important Part of a Fertilizer Program.
“I only have so many dollars to spend on inputs this year, why should I worry about liming?” This is a question that is very common this Fall and a very understandable one. Aglime (Calcium Carbonate) is not as high profile a nutrient at Nitrogen, Phosphorus, or Potassium. However, its job is no less important…
Nitrogen Management Can Help Profitability
Today’s crop prices have many farmers feeling the pinch of tight profit margins. However, each grower and operation will handle this scenario differently. Some may cut seed costs, some chemical costs, and others may manage fertilizer input costs. For those that fall into the third category, ISU and UNL have each created online tools to…
Fertilizer in the Field
As fields begin to empty, fall fertilizer applications will begin. With margins becoming increasingly tight, soil sampling and understanding removal rates are ways to make a small investment now that will make your fertilizer investment all it can be.