Growing Interest in Micronutrients
For many years, growers and researchers have worked to optimize macronutrients to achieve maximum performance. Resulting NPK management practices and applications have helped protect against loss so the right nutrients are available when crops need them most. But if you step back and look at a cropping system holistically, your field can still be at a disadvantage.
If key micronutrients aren’t being used efficiently or aren’t available altogether, the resulting deficiencies can compromise yield and quality. Now, growers and researchers are becoming more attune to other inputs to help address this potential limiting factor. They’re finding that micronutrients—when addressing deficiencies—can help a crop function properly and achieve maximum performance.
The Right Solution For Your Region
While micronutrient deficiencies are generally seen on a localized level, we know that certain deficiencies are more prevalent in specific regions. Zinc deficiencies are common in the Corn Belt, Northern Plains and Southeast. Boron and manganese deficiencies are widespread across the U.S. but are also seen commonly in the eastern Corn Belt and in the Southeast. Iron, though abundant in many soils, is generally found in insoluble forms and unavailable for crop uptake—making it another deficiency in calcareous soils.
Micronutrients are a good growth opportunity for growers in the Corn Belt with high yields. Crop output is continually increasing due to genetic improvements, meaning more micronutrients are removed from the soil with each harvest. Because of this, growers need to look at crop removal strategies to replenish what was taken up and achieve a balanced, healthy soil profile.
From Recommendations to Results
When you’re ready for help determining what your field needs, turn to your retailer. Much like nitrogen stabilizers, retailers play a pivotal role in finding the right recommendation to help your crop succeed. Regardless if you’re focusing on corn, soybean, wheat or other major row crops, your retailer will help you pinpoint deficiencies and understand the beneficial value of using innovative micronutrient solutions like
WOLF TRAX®, and
PROTIVATE™.
With Koch micronutrients, growers have the opportunity to custom-tailor formulations to meet their exact needs. Whether the solution is applied with granular fertilizer, on the seed or foliar, micronutrients can help deliver better, earlier availability to every plant across every growth stage.
Opportunities Within Micronutrient Nutritionals
While applied in small quantities, micronutrients play a large role in crop production and are a big opportunity for growers. Each of the Koch micronutrient lines feature research-proven combinations to support specific needs with targeted nutritional benefits.
- PROTIVATE is a seed nutritional that serves as an alternative for talc and graphite while also providing a complete nutritional package to help fuel early growth. A flexible, highly concentrated nutrient source reduces cold and water stress, ensuring better availability of nutrients from the start of the plant’s life cycle.
- WOLF TRAX features dry dispersible powder (DDP®) technology and can be coated onto dry fertilizer blends to provide uniform distribution across fields. This uniform distribution of patented DDP technology promotes better root interception and increased potential for nutrient uptake. Each WOLF TRAX formulation is specifically designed to simplify management, set crops up for success and maximize farmers’ fertilizer investment.
As you plan for 2022, explore the full potential micronutrients can offer your operation. They’re critical for a balanced nutrient management program and are another tool in the toolbox to help you overcome cropping system challenges to better meet yield goals. Ask your local retailer how you can optimize potential with Koch micronutrients or get in touch with your Koch representative today.