For corn growers, being profitable is a complex issue. High yields are the goal, but if input costs are too much to achieve them, there’s less of a return. Breaking through yield barriers isn’t about applying more fertilizer, but instead applying fertilizer that actually makes it into the plant.
At AgroLiquid, we’ve spent decades researching how to best optimize nutrient use. Based on our field research and product performance, here are four tips to help you push your corn yields higher while keeping a strong ROI.
- Protect phosphorus from tie-up
Phosphorus helps with early-season growth, since it assists with root development and energy transfer. However, conventional phosphorus fertilizers are inefficient. In many soil types, up to 75% of applied phosphorus can become tied up by calcium, iron, or aluminum shortly after application, making it unavailable to the crop.
The solution: To get higher yields, you need a phosphorus source that is available during the early growth stages. Pro-Germinator is designed to solve this problem. It features both orthophosphate (for immediate uptake) and polyphosphate (for sustained feeding), protected by our proprietary Nutriq Technology. This technology prevents phosphorus from binding with soil cations, keeping it plant-available longer.
Research has shown that Pro-Germinator can consistently outperform conventional fertilizers. In multi-year studies, corn treated with Pro-Germinator showed an average yield increase of 5 bushels per acre compared to conventional programs, largely due to the plant’s ability to access the nutrient when it needed it most.
- Address hidden potassium and sulfur needs
Potassium is needed for stalk strength and water regulation, while sulfur is important for nitrogen efficiency and grain fill. As corn yields increase, the removal rates of these nutrients get faster. Many growers find their standard dry fertilizer programs can’t keep up, or they face issues with seed injury when trying to apply enough in-furrow.
The Solution: Use a liquid potassium program that is safe for the seed and usable. Kalibrate is a great option for planting time. It provides a chloride-free source of potassium and sulfur that resists freezing, so it’s great for early spring applications in cooler climates. Because it’s protected by Nutriq Technology, the potassium doesn’t get tied up, so it’s available for the crop throughout the season.
For growers needing application flexibility later in the season, Sure-K offers an advantage. It can be foliar-applied or sidedressed without the risk of leaf burn associated with other potassium sources, so you can make sure you’re getting the right potassium levels during important growth stages.
- Don’t let micronutrients be the limiting factor
You can have the right nitrogen and phosphorus levels, but if you’re missing zinc, manganese, or boron, your yield potential is capped. In high-yield corn production, micronutrients are often the difference between a good crop and a record-breaking one.
The Solution: Integrate micronutrients directly into your starter program. Micro 500 is formulated to be compatible with Pro-Germinator and Sure-K, so you can address zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and boron deficiencies in a single pass. By placing these micronutrients in the root zone at planting, you help the corn reach its potential.
- Make the most of nitrogen
Nitrogen is often the largest fertilizer expense for corn, and the challenge is keeping it in the root zone and preventing loss.
The Solution: Use a nitrogen source designed for retention. High NRG-N is a multi-form nitrogen product that includes sulfur and trace minerals. Research trials have demonstrated that High NRG-N can often produce comparable or higher yields than 28% UAN while using lower application rates.
Why AgroLiquid
By using products like Pro-Germinator, Kalibrate, and Micro 500, you’re making sure your investment goes into your crop. Let’s have the best season ever! Contact your AgroLiquid representative today to get started.
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John Leif is the field agronomy manager in the northeast region. John has been with AgroLiquid for 11 years, and he lives in St Johns, MI.
