There are so many apps and tools at our disposal today, and you may have some favorites that are helpful to you. One such tool I reference is a crop nutrient removal application on my phone. The info can be helpful in many ways including revealing production-limiting factors leading to better product placement and fertilization.
The PlantCalc app displays a guideline based on crop being grown. Enter your yield goal and within seconds you have a list of the primary nutrient removal standards for that specific crop to help build your nutrient plan. We must be mindful that many nutrient removal guidelines focus only on the primary four to five nutrients. However, yield is comprised of a balance of 17 essential nutrients.
The USDA suggests daily food requirements (the food pyramid) for us as humans to keep our body in balance. Similarly, scientists have found that nutrients can impact yield as much as 60%. Yield is a complex matrix of which the delicate balance of the 17 essential plant nutrients is critical. Technology affords us the ability to look deep into the complex world of the living soil microbiome, unfolding long-held secrets about how it interacts with yield and quality. We have active research currently taking place to understand your unique soil microbiome, the interaction with nutrient management, and even more precise product placement to reduce disease and increase yield optimization. It’s very exciting research with more to come in the near future!
It’s no secret that each crop has a unique nutrient demand and those nutrient demands are affected by soil health and the cation-exchange capacity. There are evolving plant and soil management applications to assist in furthering a deeper understanding of this complex world. Latham’s Data ForwardSM certainly has gained a lot of favor in simplifying this. The graph below shows the impact of potassium fertilization on alfalfa. Proper fertilization of potassium and phosphorus fertilization not only adds yield each season, but it also maintains peak yield over the life of the stand.
At the end of the day, the mission should be to strike a balance of nutrient investment while leaving no yield in the field. My hopes are that you consider helpful tools for reminding us of the needed nutrients to fuel plants and forge the best yield and quality results each season.
This morning we are talking about weed control with Phil Long. Start the season with clean fields! #AskTheAgronomist #LathamSeeds
:40 — Start with clean fields
2:30 — Modes of action
8:20 — Additional pest control
9:50 — Final thoughts
Are you getting the biggest bang for your buck from your nitrogen application? #AskTheAgronomist
1:06 — Welcome & topic introduction
2:26 — Nitrogen 4 R’s: right source, right time, right place
5:30 — Right rate
9:36 — On-farm research with Data Forward
Join us live this morning as we discuss how to plan for Soybean Cyst Nematodes and Sudden Death Syndrome this spring. #AskTheAgronomist
0:45 Topic introduction
1:41 SCN economic impact
3:01 SDS economic impact
3:36 Managing SCN & SDS
7:50 Data Forward Program can help
Will you be facing Fallow Syndrome this season? Phil Long talks about the implications of this condition and how to prepare for 2020.
0:40 — Topic introduction
1:23 — Why is Fallow Syndrome important?
3:00 — What makes the Fallow Syndrome worse?
6:15 — How to prepare for 2020?
The cost of achieving uniform emergence is a complicated one as achieving uniform emergence is dependent upon receiving adequate moisture, heat units and proper seed-to-soil contact.
If you’ve struggled with achieving uniform emergence, there are three key areas on which to focus. Start at the front of the planter and work your way back:
1. Look at the row cleaners. Assure the planter is clearing trash as it moves through the field.
2. Next, check the downforce to make sure that seeds are being placed at a consistent seed depth across your field. Take the time to dig in the trench behind the planter, which is important but often overlooked.
3. Maintaining consistent seed-to-soil contact and proper closing of the seed trench is vital.
There are many options to control these aspects at varying levels of cost. Look at your own operation and balance the improvements you desire with the potential return on investment. Below are options to consider for even emergence:
· Tillage Practices– Prepare an optimal seed bed.
· Residue Management– Move residue, not topsoil.
· Planter Row Unit Maintenance– Use an annual planter checklist. (See sidebar below.)
· Planter Downforce– Look at planter upgrades for the best down and lift force option for your operation. In certain cases, lift force versus downforce is more beneficial.
· Seed Settlement– Make sure seed is reaching the bottom of trench for seed-to-soil contact.
· Closing the Trench– Confirm the closing system is doing its job to close the trench; make certain there are no air pockets.
Non-uniform stands result in lower yields because the smaller plants that emerge later cannot capture enough sunlight. Without even emergence, your work to achieve even seed spacing and singulation is in vain. The extra time spent now on planter maintenance will be worth it come spring planting.
Contact your Latham Precision Agronomy Advisor to take a deeper look at your operation now. We’re here to help you achieve better emergence.
Is talc worth it? Phil Long reviews real benefits of our Talc USA line and research from our test at Alexander. #LathamSeeds
0:40 — Topic Introduction
1:30 — The importance of talc
3:10 — Why Talc USA?
4:30 — Talc study at Latham Seeds
7:00 — How to incorporate Talc USA products on you farm
Tune in for 3 corn planning tips for the 2020 season! #AskTheAgronomist
0:18 — Topic Introduction
1:25 — Select full-season maturities
4:10 — Nitrogen Application
7:25 — Sidewall Compaction
For more information, view an article on corn planting tips here: https://lathamseeds.com/2020/02/tips-for-planning-for-the-best-corn-crop-possible-in-2020/