Another day, another chance to grow!

Bill Spiegel hosted agronomic experts Stephanie Zelinko of AgroLiquid and Layne Miles of XtremeAg. They discussed how to look at your own operation through the lens of its collected data and adapt your crop nutrition plan to your fields’ exact needs.

Of course – every farmer is looking at every other farmers’ field. While it’s tempting to adopt practices on neighboring farms, the reality is that each field is different. Testing and data help growers make the best decisions, yield, and profit.

How can growers use data in crop nutrition management? Let’s explore:

Specific land qualities

Stephanie and Layne emphasized that what works for one farm might not work for another due to variations in historical management practices, soil types, and environmental conditions. Stephanie gave a specific example of a farmer who purchased land adjacent to his, which he thought would have similar qualities. However, the soil test results were dramatically different due to past management.

“Again, you don’t know those management practices of all your neighbors, and so if you don’t know what they’re doing, it’s really hard …you need to make sure you know what’s working and test it yourself before you make those decisions,” Stephanie said.

Soil testing

Stephanie emphasized that a current and complete soil test is the best starting point for any crop nutrition program. It provides a baseline understanding of what nutrients are present and what might be needed for the best crop performance.

On-farm research

Both experts suggest that conducting on-farm trials lets growers see for themselves how different approaches perform under their specific conditions. Layne shared his practice of testing new ideas on a limited acreage using replicated strips to account for field variations.

“If it’s something new, I don’t like to go out and do 200 or 300 acres without knowing what I’m spending,” he said. He explained that you can understand your standard practice costs and returns, know what you spend on the new practice, and therefore can calculate your actual ROI.

Stephanie agreed, suggesting that new practices be tried on 20 acres – enough to get a good yield reading, but not devastating if it doesn’t perform as well as the grower wants.

ROI

The most important measure of a successful nutrition program is its return on investment. Stephanie pointed out that while a practice might increase yield, growers need to determine if the added cost justifies the gain.

“When you farm you know it’s going to come down to that return on investment,” Stephanie said. “So fertility programs are a big portion of a grower’s budget – anywhere between 16 and 22 percent of the anticipated income typically goes to a fertility program. Growers have to manage a lot of things in their operation, and fertility is just one piece of that.”

Yield maps and other data

Yield maps provide valuable end-of-season data, but they should be considered alongside other information like soil tests and tissue samples. Stephanie warned that a single year’s yield data might be influenced by unusual weather patterns and suggested growers gather several seasons of data collection. Layne explained how he overlays application maps with yield maps to analyze how specific treatments perform.

Win rates

Stephanie explained win rates, which involves creating a database of research data across different environments to determine the likelihood of a positive yield and economic return from specific nutrient applications or practices. This helps growers make more confident decisions about what to test on their own farms.

“This allows a grower to help make better decisions for his operation, so when looking at a specific nutrient or variable, you can take all those data points you collected across the country and figure out when you’re going to see a return,” she said.

Information sharing

Layne highlighted the value of communication between farmers on XtremeAg, encouraging farmers to ask questions and share their experiences. Stephanie offered AgroLiquid’s website and contact information for anyone looking for farming resources.

What works for the farm next door might not work for you, so what really makes a difference in crop nutrition is using data that’s specific to your operation. When growers perform soil tests, track results through on-farm trials, and calculate ROI, they’re making decisions based on solid facts. Combining that data with even more tools – like yield maps and win rate trends – helps build a nutrition plan that fits the land. This plan leads to better yields, higher profits, and more success each season.

See the discussion for yourself: Data that works for you

Visit XtremeAg.farm

Contact AgroLiquid crop experts

For many growers, well water is a reliable source for irrigation and fertilizer application. But what if it’s affecting your crop’s potential and profits? Understanding the chemistry of your well water is important for fertilizer efficiency and maintaining soil health over time.

Reid Abbott is the field agronomy manager in the Great Plains region for AgroLiquid.

“Not everyone is aware that there’s a lot more in water than just water,” Reid said. Well water carries a variety of minerals, or cations, that accumulate as water interacts with the soil. The concentration and balance of these minerals are important, since they can impact the way you farm.

Binding, sludge, and inefficiency – oh my!

One of the first reasons to test your well water, particularly if you’re applying fertilizer through irrigation, is to prevent reactions.

“Those mineral elements can provide benefits, but they can also be antagonistic,” Reid said.

Consider:

  • Nutrient binding: Certain minerals in well water can bind with the fertilizer you apply, making them inactive or less available to your crops. This means you’re investing in fertilizer that your plants can’t fully use.
  • Physical blocking: In severe cases, these minerals can lead to sludge on a screen or plugged nozzles in drip irrigation systems.
  • Reduced efficiency: Even without binding or clogging, an imbalanced mineral profile in well water can make your fertilizers less effective. You might be applying the correct amount of nutrients, but if the water chemistry isn’t right, your crops won’t be able to absorb them as well.

“From a fertilizer application view, it’s wise to test your water, see what’s in there, and understand how that will affect the efficiency of the products we are applying.” Reid said.

Long-term effects

After years of irrigation with well water, an accumulation of cations can affect the soil. For growers, this can have a long-term impact on soil health.

“Calcium and sodium, in particular, over time, can create a cation exchange imbalance in the soil,” Reid said. This imbalance can affect the stability of certain nutrients in the soil and the crops’ overall ability to absorb nutrients efficiently. Basically, since the soil’s natural holding capacity for nutrients is altered, nutrient absorption becomes limited making it harder for crops to get what they need.

Regional

Well water quality is more of a concern in regions like the Great Plains, where growers use aquifer-based water sources.  That said, problems can also arise in surface water irrigation systems as well.

“If you have a slush and you drink it down, the less liquid you have, the more concentrated the ice gets,” he said. “It’s the same with water and minerals.”

The real-world effect can be substantial.

“If you do a soil test inside an irrigation pivot versus outside a pivot, it’s dramatically different due to cations,” Reid said. “It can be that close and that different.”

Sodium can also accumulate over time. Growers can accumulate significant amounts of salt on their land year after year.

In areas with higher rainfall, this is less of a problem, since rain will push the cations out of the root zone.  This regular flushing helps prevent cation buildup. However, in drier climates where there’s less rainfall, the cations stay in the soil.

“That’s where the problems start to become even bigger, and testing the well water can help find what the soil needs,” Reid said.

Talk to the experts

Overall, testing your water source can help you be more efficient with fertilizer use, maintain soil health, and ultimately help with a better crop.

Want to talk it over? Contact the AgroLiquid crop experts.

 

 

It’s difficult to keep everything in balance, especially when you’re dealing with so many variables. The soil, the weather, the rainfall – everything adds to or detracts from a healthy product. So what can you do to help?

Balanced soils deliver fertility more efficiently to your crops, and one of the best ways to measure this balance is to look at the base saturation percentage of the cations in your soil.

Base saturation

Think of your soil’s cation exchange capacity as a parking lot for nutrients. Every parking spot represents a site where cations – like potassium, calcium, magnesium, hydrogen, and sodium – can attach. While a high CEC shows many available parking spots, it’s the percent base saturation that tells us who is actually parked in those spots, and in what proportions.

Percent base saturation allows us to compare apples to apples, providing a view of your soil’s nutrient status that goes beyond parts per million. Many soil tests provide nutrient values in pounds per acre or parts per million, which are certainly important. However, without base saturation, you’re missing a piece – the amount and balance of these key players. This information helps you see exactly what your crops need.

Ideal nutrient ratios

A balanced soil needs specific ratios of these cations to thrive. These are the recommended percentages for optimal soil balance:

  • Potassium: 3-8%
  • Magnesium: 13-18%
  • Calcium: 65-75%
  • Hydrogen: Below 10%
  • Sodium: Below 2%

Why is this balance so important? Because if one nutrient is present in excess, it can negatively impact the availability of others. For instance, elevated magnesium can affect nitrogen uptake and mobility, making it less available to your crops. Similarly, high levels of calcium or magnesium, being strong ions, can tie up phosphorus and reduce effectiveness.

Maintaining the correct base saturation ratios helps make sure that all nutrients remain available and accessible for crops.

Base saturation and pH

Besides impacting nutrient availability, percent base saturation also correlates to your soil pH. If your base saturation analysis shows a higher percentage of hydrogen, it’s a clear indicator of a lower, more acidic soil pH. On the opposite side, a significant amount of calcium often means a higher, more alkaline pH. This relationship makes base saturation a tool for assessing your soil pH without even looking at a separate pH reading.

Ask AgroLiquid

Percent base saturation in our soil analysis is more than just a number. By looking at it, you can address nutrient imbalances, optimize pH, and make sure every bit of fertilizer is contributing to your crop potential. If you need more information on percent base saturation, visit us at AgroLiquid.com.

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This article was written from the information provided in this video: Productive potential: Base Saturation.

The entire video series is Back 2 Basics. The Back-to-Basics video series that takes an in-depth look at the nutrients that may make a difference in your crop. Each video explains the role each nutrient plays in the plant, how it interacts with other nutrients in the soil, and more. Each video is between three and six minutes long, and focuses on a specific category on a soil test analysis. The topics currently available include:

 

Side dress is a way to apply inputs between the rows of already-growing crops. Instead of broadcasting the application over the entire field, a side dress places nutrients close to the roots.

As growers, what do we need to know about side dress? Consider these three points:

  1. Timing is everything

Like so many things in life, the timing of the side dress matters! Side dressing works for nutrient adjustment during the growing season, so crops can get what they need in the times they need it. This is particularly important for nitrogen, which can often be lost through leaching, volatilization, and runoff.

By watching the growth and performing soil tests, growers can find the right timing and rate of application. By doing it carefully, this approach reduces waste and maximizes nutrient uptake by the crop. At AgroLiquid, we’re happy to help you look at your soil test results and see what products would work best for your specific needs.

Check out our study Fertilizer Programs for Corn Silage. This trial evaluated a corn silage nutrition program developed based on soil test reports and grower yield goals, compared to a grower standard program.

2. Placement matters

Side dressing places nutrients close to the active root zone, which helps with absorption and reduces loss. This is always important, but it’s even more important during periods of fast growth when the nutrient demand is high. Though broadcasting sometimes doesn’t cause problems, side dress applications puts nutrients in a localized area, making them completely available to the crop. Picture spraying a hose over a garden vs. watering each plant at the base. It’s a specific, precise application. AgroLiquid products work well with side dress applications, since the liquid can provide a uniform nutrient distribution.

See our research: Nitrogen Product and Enhancement Comparison. This study evaluated the effectiveness of AgroLiquid’s High NRG-N compared to 28% UAN, and also examined the impact of adding accesS to UAN in corn.

3. Get flexible

Weather and market conditions are always changing…and so can farming practices. Side dress application provides the flexibility to adjust nutrient inputs based on your current needs. Maybe you’re looking at nitrogen deficiencies after a heavy rain, or you’re supplementing potassium during a growth stage – in many situations, side dress application lets you quickly respond. Plus, when side dress application is paired with soil testing, it is an even more precise way to manage nutrients. nutrient management.

In our High Management Corn Nutritional study, we evaluated the yield and economic impact of a corn liquid starter fertilizer and foliar
nutritional program in an irrigated environment.

Side dress application is an approach that uses timing, strategic placement, and management that can adapt to variable conditions. By tailoring nutrient application to crop needs, growers can deliver inputs directly to the root – while still remaining flexible in response to changing conditions. Backed by AgroLiquid’s research and support, these three points help growers improve their crop performance.

For more resources, see:

AgroLiquid wants growers to get more juice for the squeeze. Comparing different programs and the varying results is the best way to see what works for citrus farmers.

Let’s look at comparing different aspects of citrus programs.

AgroLiquid Citrus Trial Brix, Yield, and Size of Fruit
This study compared two fertilizer programs:
• Grower standard: Nitrogen (180 lbs), 10-34-0 (140 lbs), Potassium (160 lbs), and Thiosulfate.
• AgroLiquid: Nitrogen (154 lbs), PrG (90 lbs), and Kalibrate (140 lbs).

Findings
• Brix: The AgroLiquid program resulted in a significantly higher Brix level (5.9) compared to the grower standard program (5.6). This shows the fruit from the AgroLiquid program had a higher sugar content, which is important for fruit quality and taste.
• Fruit size: The AgroLiquid program produced larger fruit. The combined percentage of large and jumbo-sized fruit was 65% in the AgroLiquid program, compared to 60% in the Grower standard program. Larger fruit can have an economic advantage for growers, since larger sizes usually get higher prices.
• Yield: The overall yield difference between the two programs was reported as “very small,” suggesting that both programs were comparable in terms of total fruit production.

Conclusions
The AgroLiquid program’s ability to increase Brix levels indicates improved fruit quality. Plus, the higher percentage of large and jumbo size fruit in the AgroLiquid program is an economic advantage.

The AgroLiquid program demonstrated a clear advantage in improving both the Brix level and the size of fruit. While the overall yield was similar to the grower’s standard, the improved fruit quality and the larger fruit shows the AgroLiquid program could offer growers an opportunity to increase their profits.

AgroLiquid Citrus Trial Comparing ROI GS vs AgroLiquid
This compared AgroLiquid to a grower’s standard program, specifically focusing on the ROI in a mandarin crop.
• Grower standard: This program consisted of Nitrogen (180 lbs), 10-34-0 (140 lbs), Potassium (160 lbs), and Thiosulfate.
• AgroLiquid: The AgroLiquid program used Nitrogen (154 lbs), PrG (90 lbs), and Kalibrate (140 lbs).

The goal was to evaluate the impact of each program on the profitability for the grower.

Findings:
– ROI: The AgroLiquid program generated an impressive $720 more profit per acre compared to the grower standard program.
– Savings: The AgroLiquid program saved $74.25 per acre for the grower compared to the traditional approach. This lower input cost directly contributes to a higher profit.
– Value per pound: The AgroLiquid program yielded $0.02 more per pound compared to the grower standard.
– Size: AgroLiquid produced 5% more large and jumbo fruit compared to the grower standard.

Conclusions
The results of this trial show a strong economic advantage for mandarin growers using AgroLiquid. The combination of reduced input costs and increased revenue – driven by improved fruit size and quality – can lead to an increase in profit.

AgroLiquid Citrus Trial Comparing Yield and Gross Income
This compared a grower standard fertilizer program to an AgroLiquid program where phosphorus and potassium sources were replaced with AgroLiquid’s PrG and Kalibrate in a mandarin crop. The study focused on the impact on yield and gross income per acre.

• Grower standard (GS): Nitrogen (180 lbs), 10-34-0 (140 lbs), Potassium (160 lbs), and Thiosulfate.
• AgroLiquid (AL): Nitrogen (154 lbs), PrG (90 lbs), and Kalibrate (140 lbs).

Findings
• Yield: The grower standard produced 34,762 lbs/acre, and the AgroLiquid program yielded 34,879 lbs/acre, which is very similar.
• Gross income: Despite the comparable yields, compared to the grower standard, the AgroLiquid treatment significantly increased the gross income per acre by $646. The AgroLiquid program generated a gross income of $9,578.21 per acre, and the grower standard was $8,932.12 per acre.
• Fruit size: The difference in gross income was due to the AgroLiquid program producing bigger fruit size and a greater quantity of fruit. This suggests that while the total weight of harvested fruit was similar, the AgroLiquid program yielded more valuable, larger fruit.
• Performance: The trial showed AgroLiquid PrG and Kalibrate provided better yield quality and sizing compared to the grower standard.

Conclusions
This shows that focusing only on total yield might not fully capture the financial benefits of a fertilizer program. While both programs produced a similar amount of fruit by weight, the AgroLiquid program’s fruit size added to the gross income. The $646 per acre increase is a financial advantage for growers using AgroLiquid. This trail shows that using AgroLiquid products like PrG and Kalibrate can lead to a more valuable harvest, even without a significant increase in yield.

Across this study, there’s a common theme: AgroLiquid programs offer benefits that can lead to increased profits. While the overall yield may be similar to traditional programs, AgroLiquid consistently demonstrates advantages in fruit quality, fruit size, and ROI per acre. And what does ROI translate into? A juicer squeeze.

Get started on improving your citrus crop today:

See the research

Contact AgroLiquid agronomists

The concentration of protein in wheat is one of the biggest determinants of baking quality, since it affects the strength of gluten, elasticity of the dough, water absorption, mixing properties, and the volume of the loaf.

As a result, wheat that hits a specific protein threshold receives a premium price on the market. This is an obvious economic incentive for growers to manage crops to get the highest protein levels possible.

How can nutrient management best increase protein levels in wheat, and how can AgroLiquid help? Let’s explore.

Wheat characteristics
Genetic selection and agronomic practices play important roles in protein content, but there is also a direct impact from nutrients, particularly nitrogen and sulfur.

For nitrogen, growers have a few options for helping wheat reach its full potential:

  • Base nitrogen applications
    First, growers can begin with soil testing to understand existing nutrient levels. While considering the region and economics, it’s helpful to set realistic yield goals and protein targets. Then, use the nitrogen application that works best with these targets.
  • Split applications
    With split applications, growers can divide nitrogen applications to match the crop’s needs throughout the growing season. An initial amount supports early growth and establishment, while later applications can be timed to improve the accumulation of protein in the grain.
  • Late-season nitrogen
    Also, consider late-season nitrogen application. Foliar nitrogen applications around flag leaf, anthesis (flowering), or post-anthesis can be effective for increasing grain protein. Also, make sure that the foundational nitrogen needs for yield have already been met, and carefully manage foliar applications to prevent leaf burn.

The role of sulfur
While nitrogen gets the most attention for protein improvement, Sulfur also plays a large role. In fact, sulfur is increasingly recognized as a support for both wheat yield and quality, including protein content.

An adequate supply of sulfur is needed for the plant to synthesize complete proteins, and it’s also important for the formation of chlorophyll and photosynthetic processes.

Plus, sufficient sulfur is needed for the plant to effectively convert nitrogen into protein. It’s helpful to watch for signs of sulfur deficiency, like the yellowing of new leaves. Soil tests can determine the need for sulfur fertilization, especially when using high nitrogen rates or in soils known to be sulfur-deficient.

Products that can help
Focusing on nitrogen and sulfur helps elevate protein levels in wheat, and AgroLiquid offers two products that can be integrated into nutrient management plans to achieve these goals: NResponse and Micro 500.

NResponse
NResponse is designed to address the nutrient needs for protein development. It delivers a balanced supply of nitrogen and sulfur, the two drivers of protein accumulation.

  • Nitrogen – The nitrogen in NResponse fuels the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein in the wheat kernel. By providing available nitrogen, especially when applied through split or late-season applications, NResponse contributes to higher grain protein concentrations.
  • Sulfur – The sulfur component in NResponse plays a role in helping the plant efficiently use the applied nitrogen. Sulfur is needed for the formation of certain amino acids that are components of gluten proteins. Ensuring adequate sulfur availability through NResponse allows the wheat plant to convert nitrogen into protein more effectively.

Growers can use NResponse as part of their nitrogen management program. For instance, incorporating NResponse into a late-season foliar application can provide the readily available nitrogen and sulfur needed to push protein levels higher during grain fill, when protein accumulation is most active.

Micro 500
Micro 500 offers a blend of micronutrients – zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and boron – that play a supporting role in achieving high protein wheat.

  • Plant health – These micronutrients help with enzyme activation, chlorophyll production, and nutrient uptake. Making sure these micronutrients are not limiting allows the wheat plant to function at its best and use the applied nitrogen and sulfur for protein synthesis.
  • Nitrogen metabolism – Adequate levels of zinc and manganese help plants convert absorbed nitrogen into protein.

Micro 500 can be integrated into the nutrient management plan through soil or foliar applications, depending on soil test results and plant tissue analysis. By helping with a balanced supply of all essential micronutrients, Micro 500 helps create an environment where the wheat plant can maximize its genetic potential for protein production in response to nitrogen and sulfur applications.

AgroLiquid support
By strategically using NResponse and Micro 500, growers can create a comprehensive nutrient management program that directly targets the nutritional requirements for high protein wheat. The crop, the yield, and the economic benefits will follow. Or in other words, more bread for your bread.

Ready to get started? We’d love to talk. Contact us at AgroLiquid today.

Like all oilseed crops, canola relies on adequate and available crop nutrients. Getting the plant up and out of the ground and off to the best possible start builds the foundation for a successful season.

By giving canola plants a good nutritional start, growers are increasing the chances of them thriving even when faced with less than optimal circumstances.

Then – there’s always the weather. A healthy plant with adequate available nutrition will be best prepared to respond to stress factors like bad weather – including drought, excessive rain, or sudden temperature fluctuations. Also, plants with the right nutrition are also better able to resist disease and pest pressure.

Foliar treatments in canola
Currently, there’s more interest in feeding nutrition through foliar treatments in canola. This research trial demonstrates the benefits of providing crop nutrients in season when crop demand is at its peak.

The results clearly indicate that providing a blend of nutrients at this peak demand period results in yield improvements.

Applying a rate of 2 gallons per acre of NResponse, 0.75 gallons per acre of fertiRain, and 0.25 gallons per acre of Micro 600 resulted in a yield of 39.1 bushels per acre. This outcome far outperforms the untreated crop, which yielded only 30.6 bushels per acre. The data shows that this combination of foliar nutrients produced a significant 8.5 bushels per acre advantage over the crop that received no foliar feeding.

The trial also explored other foliar application strategies. A combination of 2 gallons per acre of NResponse and 1 gallon per acre of fertiRain also showed a positive result, achieving a yield of 36.5 bushels per acre. Even a higher rate of NResponse alone, at 3 gallons per acre, resulted in 35.9 bushels per acre. While these inputs also outperformed the untreated crop, the combination of NResponse, fertiRain, and Micro 600 clearly was the most effective approach in this trial.

Planter applications
If there’s one thing we know for sure in farming, it’s that we can’t control the weather. Since the nutritional level of an individual plant can affect its response to stress, poor nutrition could mean the difference between profit and loss. That’s why we have studied the effect of providing crop nutrition in-furrow, streamed on at flowering, and as a foliar application. Because we can’t control the weather, having application options can mean risk mitigation options.

In field trial testing, all of the in-furrow and streaming combinations resulted in significant yield increases over the dry fertilizer alone. This trial demonstrates the value of AgroLiquid in-furrow and streamed-on treatments replacing part of a dry fertilizer program.

This data from the canola trial on planter methods shows a yield advantage with liquid applications. All combinations involving AgroLiquid in-furrow and stream-on treatments resulted in an increase in canola yield compared to the dry band treatment (30.5 bu/A) and the untreated check (26 bu/A). The data shows using liquid fertilizer at planting benefits yield.

The in-furrow applications, particularly the 3 gal/A Pro-Germinator treatment, achieved the highest yield at 35.5 bu/A. The combination of 3 gal/A Pro-Germinator, 2 gal/A Kalibrate, 0.25 gal/A Micro 600 also performed very well, yielding 34.8 bu/A. This shows that placing specific nutrients directly with the seed at planting can be effective in supporting early growth and increasing yield.

The stream-on applications, when liquid fertilizer is applied in a band near the seed row during planting, also had a positive impact on yield. The 8 gal/A NResponse, 1 gal/A Pro-Germinator, 0.5 gal/A Kalibrate, 1 gal/A access treatment yielded 35 bu/A, and the similar combination without access yielded 34.4 bu/A. This shows that applying liquid nutrients near the seed row is another helpful method for improving nutrient availability and uptake during early growth stages.

The trial was designed to show the value of AgroLiquid treatments replacing part of a dry fertilizer program. The yield increases found with the liquid combinations, even when compared to dry fertilizer alone, support the idea that integrating liquid starters can increase nutrient delivery and potentially allow for adjustments in the overall dry fertilizer program.

Overall, this trial shows that incorporating AgroLiquid in-furrow and stream-on liquid fertilizer applications at planting can improve canola yields compared to relying solely on a dry-banded fertilizer program.

Planning for future harvests
These trials show the impact of different nutrient applications, at planting through in-furrow and stream-on methods, and during peak demand periods with foliar treatments at flowering. Supplementing or even partially replacing traditional dry fertilizer programs with liquid nutrient solutions offer growers the benefit of increased yields and better stress tolerance – even giving hope to fighting unpredictable weather.

See more canola research.

AgroLiquid is excited to introduce microLink Iron HPH, designed to help with the issue of Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) in high pH or alkaline soils. For growers facing the frustration of yellowing leaves and stunted growth due to iron unavailability, microLink Iron HPH is the answer.

IDC causes yield reductions in a variety of crops, though most of the research is focused on soybeans, where there is significant loss. For instance, a U.S. 2019 soybean IDC report resulted in yield losses totaling $260 million annually.

High pH soils often make iron insoluble, preventing crops from absorbing this nutrient. This leads to IDC, which impacts yield and crop quality. In response to this challenge, AgroLiquid developed microLink Iron HPH, a specialized iron nutrient product. With it, iron is delivered in a readily available form, allowing crops to efficiently absorb and use it – even in alkaline conditions.

What sets microLink Iron HPH apart from the rest is Nutriq technology. With AgroLiquid’s Nutriq technology, microLink Iron HPH is highly compatible with other crop nutrients and crop protection products, which allows for flexibility in application.

microLink Iron HPH benefits include:

• Improves iron uptake in high pH soils
High pH soils create an environment where iron readily converts into forms that plants cannot absorb. Our product is designed to deliver iron in a form that remains available, even in high pH soil. Improved iron uptake helps combat IDC, improves chlorophyll production, and helps with overall crop health and yield potential.

• Highly compatible formulation
AgroLiquid’s Nutriq technology allows microLink Iron HPH to work with a wide range of other agricultural inputs. As a result, growers can simplify their tank mixing process, plus have more flexible application options

• Can be applied with other nutrients or crop protection*
Because of the high compatibility, growers can co-applicate with macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and other micronutrients. Also, growers can apply with other inputs to save time, money, and trips across the field. Note – Due to the your own unique circumstances, always follow label instructions and perform a jar test before mixing or applying any agricultural input product.

Overall, microLink Iron HPH is designed to be a user-friendly solution for producers facing the challenges of iron deficiency in high pH soils.

For a comprehensive look at IDC, download our white paper Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) in high pH soils: A guide for the high plains and beyond.

Discover why:

• IDC is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including soil pH, carbonate content, crop type, and management practices.
• Successful IDC management requires combining strategies including variety selection, soil amendments, and the use of specialized iron products.
• Growers can reduce the impact of IDC and produce healthy crops even in high pH soils by understanding the causes and using appropriate strategies.

DOWNLOAD IDC WHITE PAPER

 

Why do we need to look beyond N-P-K when we’re looking for the best for our crops? Let’s consider synergy.

Synergy of crop nutrition is simply nutrients working together. Nutrients can react both positively and negatively with one another, and growers need to understand that having nutrients applied in balance makes them all work better. This, in turn, makes a better plant.

Today, we have an even deeper understanding of plant nutrition. Supporting nutrients, often the secondary and micronutrients, can help the primary nutrients work harder in the plant. For example, sulfur helps the plant metabolize nitrogen. Excess calcium can limit the availability of phosphorus and potassium. But it’s also true of the micronutrients – high manganese levels can make iron less available and supplemental iron may be needed.

This approach saves growers both time and money on applications, plus it increases their return on investment. Ultimately, it helps with more precise nutrient application, preventing over-application and making sure crops receive exactly what they need.

Looking for more than N-P-K

Growers today understand the need for micronutrients better than ever before. They help with photosynthesis, building cell walls, bringing in other nutrients, and setting seeds and fruit on crops. By not looking beyond N-P-K. . . crops will hit a wall for yield and quality.

“Basically, micronutrients break down that wall and help crops reach a higher potential,” said Abe Isaak, AgroLiquid West Region Agronomist.

AgroLiquid Agronomist Stephanie Zelinko agrees, as she points out the important role micronutrients play.

“N-P-K are backbone of most fertility programs, but it’s important not to overlook the secondary and micronutrients,” she said. “Often these are more limiting and can play a larger part in yield response.”

By paying attention to all of the nutrients and micronutrients, growers have the potential of these additional benefits:

  • Increased yields: Micronutrients and other essential nutrients beyond N-P-K can help with a crop’s full yield potential, pushing past the limitations imposed by solely focusing on primary macronutrients.
  • Improved crop quality: A balanced nutrient profile, including micronutrients, leads to healthier plants with improved quality characteristics like better flavor, increased nutritional value, and a more attractive appearance.
  • Better nutrient uptake: A synergistic approach to crop nutrition, where all necessary nutrients are available, improves the plant’s ability to absorb and utilize all nutrients more efficiently, including N-P-K.
  • Reduced input costs: By understanding nutrient synergy, growers can often achieve better results with smaller, more precise applications of a wider range of nutrients, potentially lowering fertilizer costs.
  • Increased ROI: Higher yields and improved quality, coupled with potentially reduced input costs, lead to a greater return on the investment made in crop production.
  • Healthier crops: A complete and balanced nutrient profile strengthens plants, making them more resilient to stress, pests, and disease.
  • Growth stages: Specific micronutrients play roles in various growth stages, and making sure they are available at the right time helps with plant development.

AgroLiquid dedication to nutrition

AgroLiquid carries a complete line of crop nutrients. AgroLiquid not only focuses on N-P-K, but we also focus on the micronutrients and secondary nutrients.

Our Nutriq technology optimizes plant nutrition uptake. That means activating available nutrients when the time’s right, avoiding unwanted issues by using consistent blends and a uniform manufacturing process, and maximizing your crop’s full potential through nutrient synergy.

“Growers can confidently mix AgroLiquid products and they won’t fall out or tie up with each other,” Isaak said. ”They can also use them in their planters with much less danger of seed or root damage than other fertilizers can cause. I’ve seen all this many times during my time with AgroLiquid, and the has demonstrated this.”

While N-P-K fertilizers have played a role in increasing crop production, focusing solely on these macronutrients can limit a crop’s full potential. As our understanding of plant nutrition changes, it’s clear that synergy – the balanced interaction of all essential nutrients – is helpful for maximizing yields, improving crop quality, and improving nutrient uptake.

By looking beyond N-P-K and incorporating micronutrients and other elements into a comprehensive nutrition plan, growers can increase ROI and reduce input costs. AgroLiquid’s dedication to synergistic nutrition, combined with innovative technologies like Nutriq, offers growers a way to improve crop nutrition strategies and get better results.

Want to talk crops? Contact us today.

Experts quoted in this blog post Abe Isaak and Stephanie Zelinko.

AgroLiquid understands growers’ challenges and offers solutions to save time, have fewer headaches, and ultimately be more profitable. We spoke with two of our regional agronomists, John Leif and Reid Abbott, to learn how AgroLiquid products are making a difference for growers.

Lower Rates
One of the biggest advantages of AgroLiquid products, according to John Leif, is lower use rates compared to traditional commodity fertilizers.

“This allows the grower to cover more acres in a tank full of fertilizer and potentially do a better job coordinating refilling seed boxes and fertilizer tanks,” he said. “For example, if a grower is using five gallons per acre of 10-34-0 at planting, Pro-Germinator will provide comparable nutritional performance with two gallons per acre, allowing the grower to cover over two times the number of acres with one tankful of Pro-Germinator.”

Leif explained that lower use rates for AgroLiquid products will often lead to lower cost per acre for fertilizer inputs, as many AgroLiquid products have similar cost per acre as compared to commodity fertilizers.

“Using the example of five gallons/acre of 10-34-0 compared to two gallons of Pro-Germinator, the cost per acre is lower with Pro-Germinator using current average retail prices,” he said.

In addition, AgroLiquid nutrients mix well together. Most mixes come directly from the manufacturing facility, so there is no need to measure and mix multiple products in the field.

“Of course, this is a time and headache saving as well,” Leif added.

Save Time
In his work, Reid Abbot has seen growers able to reduce or eliminate a dry application. Instead of fall or early spring spreading and incorporation, they can apply nutrients with their planter, saving significant time. Rate reductions are also common.

“Growers already using planter-applied products can often decrease their program from 20-30 gallons to 10-15 gallons,” he said. “This reduces the amount of product needed, the frequency of refills, and the number of trucks on the farm, allowing them to cover more acres. It saves time, handling, and resources.”

Abbot said that sometimes getting growers to believe in these reductions can be a challenge, as many have followed programs without considering soil tests or carryover nutrients.

“This can lead to over-application of nitrogen or phosphorus,” he said. “Soil testing can show what they really need or don’t need, allowing them to save money and reallocate it to secondary or micronutrients, or other areas of their operation.

Know Your Ground
Abbott suggests that growers don’t just hit the easy button with soil fertility.

“Take soil samples and avoid complacency,” he said. “For large operations, with so many decisions to make, it’s tempting to handle fertilization with a dry spread application. But this prioritizes economy of scale over individual acre needs and leaves potential yield on the table.”

Treating each acre independently, understanding not just the nutrients but also their balance, and matching application methods to specific needs is helpful for the yield.

“Adopting best practices will make a significant difference in a grower’s final yield,” Abbott said, “and AgroLiquid can help.”

Leif points to a crop nutrition plan to help growers achieve their best yields.

“Developing a thorough crop nutrition plan that accounts for crops, yield goals, and soil nutrient levels will provide the best opportunity for a successful growing season,” he said. “A grower can customize AgroLiquid products and use rates to meet their goals.”

Summing it up

AgroLiquid helps you save time: 

  • Lower application rates mean fewer refills and more acres covered per tank
  • Eliminating dry fertilizer applications saves time on spreading and incorporation
  • Pre-mixed nutrients reduce time spent measuring and mixing in the field
  • Reduced number of trucks on the farm streamlines operations

Save headaches: 

  • Pre-mixed nutrients simplify fertilizer management
  • Lower application rates can ease coordination of seed and fertilizer refills
  • Reduced field operations mean fewer things to manage
  • Soil testing and tailored nutrition plans reduce guesswork and potential over-application

and save money:

  • Lower use rates often translate to lower cost per acre compared to traditional fertilizers
  • Eliminating unnecessary dry fertilizer applications saves on product and application costs
  • Specific nutrient application prevents over-spending on fertilizer
  • Reallocating savings to secondary or micronutrients or other areas of the operation maximizes ROI
  • Increased yields through tailored nutrition plans contribute to greater profitability

So many advantages! They range from lower application rates and costs savings to better mixing and reduced field work – and so many in between. With soil testing, crop nutrition plans, and a focus on individual acre needs, growers can get the best yield with the least expense. Ready to get started? We’d love to work with you on your growing needs – contact your AgroLiquid rep today.