Nutrient Mobility and How to Plan

As we move into Spring, most of our field preparations are completed. Cover Crops were used over winter to help mitigate erosion problems or to sequester unused soil nutrients to be redistributed during the spring and summer as decomposition takes place. Tillage practices have been used to help with reducing compaction or working manure nutrients into the soil profile to aid in the growth of the coming crop. The final steps before planting the crop is determined, the yield goal for the field, what additional nutrients are needed, and what form is best fit to help us maximize both yield and quality.

During a growing season, eighteen different elemental nutrients are essential for crop growth. The 3 primary macronutrients include Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. The nutrients contribute to the function of plant enzymes, biological processes, and the integrity of plant cells. Deficiencies will lead to reduced plant growth, health, and yield.

Nitrogen needs are typically in the highest demand for crops like corn and availability limits the productivity of most cropping systems. It is a component of chlorophyll, so when Nitrogen is insufficient, leaves will turn yellow down the center of the leaf and new growth will be reduced. It is also found in nucleic and amino acids and is a component of proteins and enzymes. Nitrogen is highly mobile within the plant and depending on the form, nitrogen can either be highly mobile or immobile in the soil. Placement and product use of this nutrient is crucial to achieve the highest potential for plant use.

Phosphorus is an essential part of crop DNA and RNA and is involved in cell membrane function. It is also part of the ATP system – the energy of plants. Phosphorus deficient crops will have purple discoloration on the leaf surface. Deficiency will lead to poor growth of both the plant and root system, reduced yields, early fruit drop, and delayed maturities. Although it is mobile within the plant, it is immobile within the soil. Product placement is crucial to ensure the nutrient makes it into the plant structure.

Potassium has functions that involve plant metabolism, regulating water loss, and is necessary for the adaptations to stress such as drought tolerance and improved winter hardiness. Potassium deficient plants may exhibit reductions in yield before symptoms are noticeable. Symptoms include yellowing of the veins typically starting on the outer edges of the leaves, along with crinkling and rolling.

Nutrient needs increase rapidly with vegetative growth and the onset of reproductive development. Crops often require or benefit from sufficient levels of nutrients, but using the incorrect form of a nutrient may limit the plants ability for uptake. Nutrient uptake at early plant development will set the stage for the rest of the season and will affect plant development and yield. Take the time during the fall and winter months to review soil analysis and consult with your local CaroVail location. We can help you understand the proper placement and timing of the correct fertilizer blends and the appropriate rate to achieve optimum yield and quality.