It’s both incredibly challenging and rewarding that no two seasons are alike. Growers have to account for different weather patterns, soil changes, disease, pests, and a variety of factors over which they have no control.
On the bright side, humans have only improved the way we grow crops. Through technology, practice, and education, we’ve managed to get more output with less input.
But this year, of course, was different than the ones before it.
We sat down with some of the AgroLiquid agronomy team to analyze what separated the record-breaking yields from the disappointments. Here is what we learned in 2025:
Efficiency
When input costs rise, the knee-jerk reaction is often to cut costs across the board. According to Reid Abbott, regional agronomist in the Great Plains region, that was a mistake in 2025.
“Regarding fertility, growers that made cutbacks across their entire program cost themselves yield that ate into their profits,” he said.
For many, there was a better strategy available.
He continued, “In contrast, growers that made strategic reductions and improved the efficiency of their program through the 4R’s approach (the right product, timing, amount, placement) maintained strong yields and improved their profitability.”
Nutrition
Agronomist John Leif focused on the weather volatility of the past year, and what that meant to growers.
“Weather extremes during the 2025 season highlighted the need for diligent crop nutrition practices,” he said. “The cold, wet soils during the spring showed the value of proper crop nutrition at planting, especially phosphorus and micronutrients.”
Thankfully, although it’s not perfect, careful planning can help with wild swings.
“A good potassium nutrition program moderated the effects of the hot and dry growing conditions we experienced in July and August,” he said. “Although a good crop nutrition program cannot eliminate the effects of difficult weather conditions, it can help a crop tolerate extreme weather conditions better than if it did not have a good program.”
Water quality
Abe Isaak, agronomist in the west, focused on mastering the basics.
“The largest and most needed nutrient that plants need is water,” he said. “Its quality determines how easy or hard it is for the plant to take it up, and how it helps or hinders the availability of applied nutrients.”
This is especially important in Isaak’s region, which is largely reliant on irrigation. Of course, this has a substantial effect on the soil. He warned that ignoring water pH can have lasting effects.
“Soils reflect the quality of the water that is being applied to it – high pH soil is most likely being irrigated with high pH water,” he said.
Budget
Agronomist Stephanie Zelinko noted how carefully we have to consider the budget when planning through the entire season.
“2025 showed us again how extreme weather plays a role in crop yield,” she explained. “With this, we learned that it is wise – especially in economically challenging times – to leave some of your fertilizer budget for late season applications.”
Instead, she suggests a flexible approach that allows growers to react to changing conditions.
“Then if Mother Nature cooperates, applications can be made to help improve yield,” she said. “Or on the flip side, if yield potential is decreased, you can still maintain a good ROI by saving that last application expense.”
Bottom line
The 2025 season reinforced the fact that there’s no substitute for good management. This year, people found success in managing their fertility rather than just cutting costs, and understanding that proper nutrition is the best defense against extreme weather.
From water quality to late-season flexibility, the data is in. By prioritizing the 4R’s and maintaining nutritional balance, you can help give your crop the strength to finish strong.
Turn this year’s challenges into a plan for 2026. Connect with an AgroLiquid agronomist today to discuss how the 4R’s can improve your ROI next season.
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Reid Abbott is AgroLiquid’s field agronomy manager in the Great Plains region. He has been with AgroLiquid for 16 years and lives in College Station, TX.
