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When every fertilizer dollar counts, knowing where to invest matters most. Explore how crop preferences, regional soil variations and weather patterns influence nutrient availability to make smarter fertility decisions that maximize your return on investment.
Fast Facts
1. Everything is essential in moderation.
Most growers use about 20% of their input budget on crop nutrition. When budgets are tight, micronutrients are often the first to go, says Stephanie Zelinko. She encourages growers to make trade-offs based on the needs identified in their soil test.
Read Get Ready, Get Set, Get Micronutrients
2. Use nutrient interactions to your advantage.
Understanding nutrient interactions is crucial for optimizing uptake. Maintain Calcium base saturation between 60-75% to prevent nutrient crowding. Be strategic with phosphorus application, as it is highly reactive with Calcium. It can also displace zinc, iron, manganese and copper.
“Just like a magnet, positives and negatives can get fixed together, ” explains Zelinko. “We need to make sure that we’re applying it close to the season and in the seed zone so it doesn’t have time to attract positively charged nutrients. This keeps it available when the plant needs it.”
Read Nutrient Interactions in the Soil: A Firm Foundation
3. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
2025 is the year to look for efficiencies, says Reid Abbott.
“If you’ve been broadcasting urea all your life, look at doing a liquid application, spoon-fed throughout the season,” he suggests. “You may be able to cut back total pounds and still be more efficient with what you are applying.”
Start with small-scale testing of new inputs or methods to minimize financial risk. An agronomist can help you determine the best approach to maximize your ROI.
Watch Changes and Adjustments Kelly Is Making for the 2025 Crop Season
Event Videos
Check out other video resources to help you elevate your crop nutrition plan.
