Micronutrients Fertilization for Corn and Soybean: A Research Update
This research update summarized micronutrient fertilization trials for corn and soybean across the north-central U.S. Micronutrients studied included B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn. Deficiencies were uncommon but occurred mainly in sandy, high-pH, calcareous soils. Field studies in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin showed limited yield response to Mn, Zn, and other micronutrients except under deficiency conditions. Foliar Mn application improved soybean yield in a few cases, but overall responses were inconsistent. The report stresses that routine micronutrient applications are generally unnecessary without confirmed deficiency.
Summary of resource
This research update summarized micronutrient fertilization trials for corn and soybean across the north-central U.S. Micronutrients studied included B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn. Deficiencies were uncommon but occurred mainly in sandy, high-pH, calcareous soils. Field studies in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin showed limited yield response to Mn, Zn, and other micronutrients except under deficiency conditions. Foliar Mn application improved soybean yield in a few cases, but overall responses were inconsistent. The report stresses that routine micronutrient applications are generally unnecessary without confirmed deficiency.
