Agronomic Crops Medallion Crop Recommendation and Observation Network by the Agronomic Crops Team
black.gif
Search
Advanced Search
clear.gif
Crop Info

*Corn
*Soybean
*Wheat
*Forages
*Weeds
*Diseases
*Insects
*Crop Injury
*Fertility
*Equipment / Tillage
*Precision Agric.
*Soil & Water Mgt.
*Environment
*Identity Preserved
*Weather
*Ag Markets

Services
clear.gif
nbottom.gif

C.O.R.N Newsletter 2004-18
     June 15, 2004 -


Back to main issue

black.gif


Foliar Fertilizers on Soybeans
by Robert Mullen

Newsletter Options
lorange.gif clear.gif
  Print image 
Print this story
  Email image Email this story clear.gif
  Pda image  Handheld devices
clear.gif
lorange.gif
optionsbottom.gif
Foliar fertilization on soybeans was initially researched back in the mid 1970s. Researchers in Iowa showed that foliar application of a solution containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur between R2 and R7 could increase soybean yields 7 to 8 bu/A. Subsequent work conducted by the Tennessee Valley Authority evaluated foliar fertilization on 200 fields and showed yield increases to be negligible (less than 1 bu/A), and that yield could actually be suppressed with a late application of foliar fertilizer. Research conducted in Minnesota in the late 1990s showed no increase in yield due to application of foliar fertilizer at pod fill. Recent work out of Iowa evaluated application of foliar fertilizer between V3 and V5 growth stages. Of the 48 field trials, only 7 locations showed an increase in yield due to application of foliar fertilizer and 2 locations showed a decrease in yield. The average yield increase across all 48 locations was less than a bushel per acre. No consistent reason for the response at the seven locations could be identified. Generally speaking, fields that have P and K levels short of 100% sufficiency may show a response, but this is not absolute. Poor early season availability may also lead to positive responses. Due to the lack of evidence showing consistent increases in soybean yield with foliar fertilization, it is not promoted at this time. Considering the evidence that has been collected to date, the likelihood of an application of foliar fertilizer paying for itself is small and probably not worth the risk.

Readers can subscribe electronically to this newsletter by signing up at http://agcrops.osu.edu/services/email.html. E-mail labarge.1@osu.edu if you have problems subscribing or no longer wish to receive this newsletter.

C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.


Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868

dgreen.gif
Home | Newsletter | Calendar | Education | Research | Resources | Decision Tools | Photo Library | About [top]
black.gif
clear.gif
Agriculture and Natural Resources. Our Teams will make you a winner
clear.gif
Copyright by The Ohio State University 2003
Agriculture and Natural Resources
, OSU Extension, ATI, OARDC, College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences
Link to the Ohio State University Link to Help Section Link to Contact Information