Let’s look at this from a performance perspective. We’ll assign roles, set the stage, and put on a real show. For growers, that means planning the planter fertilizer strategy, concentrating on the importance of micronutrients, and looking at how AgroLiquid products and knowledge can help you meet your goals.

Assigning roles – where do micronutrients fit?

Micronutrients, though needed in smaller quantities, are needed for certain plant functions. As we all know, deficiencies can impact yield and quality. However, identifying the exact deficiencies can be challenging because their symptoms can look similar.

Planting time is the best time to apply micronutrients. Addressing deficiencies ahead of time is more effective than trying to correct them after they exist. By placing nutrients directly in the root zone at planting, you can make sure crops have access to nutrients from the start.

Since 1994, the North Central Research Station has been experimenting with planter fertilizer opportunities. This research has helped us come up with plans to improve fertilizer use during planting time, as well as replace macronutrients as well as primary nutrients.

Setting the stage – planting time

Research has demonstrated that meeting all plant nutrient needs, as shown by soil tests, leads to improved results.

For example, in fields deficient in potassium, adding potassium fertilizer to the nitrogen and phosphorus starter resulted in higher yields compared to phosphorus alone.

AgroLiquid offers a range of products to meet your specific needs:
• Pro-Germinator: A dual-form phosphate fertilizer with multi-form nitrogen.
• Sure-K: A chloride and hydroxide-free potassium fertilizer.
• Micro 500: A micronutrient blend containing zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and boron.

Performance – putting on a show

Let’s see how it performs.

This field was low in potassium, and the addition of K to the nitrogen and phosphorus starter saw an increased yield over that with phosphorus alone. Here, we compared outcomes based on the use of NPK fertilizer alone (which is Pro-Germinator) and an NPK fertilizer combined with a potassium fertilizer (Sure-K).

In a second field with soil with high P and low K, a much higher yield occurred when the 10 gallons per acre fertilizer mix was heavier on the K side.

Trials show that AgroLiquid micronutrients perform better than dry micros, since they can be placed in a root zone band. Our products also have better yield results compared with other options.

For more info on this research, visit Micronutrients at Planter Time.

AgroLiquid is here to help you work through your entire crop performance, from beginning to a successful end. Making the most of planting time will give your crops the best chance for a good showing. Need someone to help? Our experts are always standing by to give you a hand.

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To increase corn silage yield and feed quality, AgroLiquid conducted a three-year research project in central New York.

Of course, corn silage is an important forage for many high-producing dairy herds. With its high energy content, corn silage is also used for finishing cattle. Because this forage is often the base for total feed rations, it’s important to produce a high-quality silage.

AgroLiquid and Dairy One, a dairy consulting group associated with Dairy Farmers of America, collaborated on these trials. Dairy One laboratories conducted forage analysis for this project, and forage quality values were entered into the milk production model “Milk 2006” developed by the University of Wisconsin.

The New York fields used in this project had adequate phosphorus levels, modest potassium levels, and low to modest sulfur and micronutrient levels. The AgroLiquid program was developed to address the nutrient needs of 30 ton/acre corn silage while using the crop nutrition present in the soil. The AgroLiquid program was compared to the commercial standard for the area as well as a reduced rate AgroLiquid fertilizer planter treatment using the same mix as in the full program.

Benefits of proper crop nutrition for corn silage:

1. Increased corn silage yield

Increased corn silage yield means more available feed, or fewer acres required to feed a herd. Using the results from this project, it would require 140 acres of corn silage treated with the AgroLiquid program to fill a 50’ x 200’ x 20’ bunker, compared to 194 acres of corn silage treated with the commercial standard program. That’s a difference of 54 acres!

Produc­tion from the remaining acres could be sold as a cash crop, or the land could be planted to other forages.

2. Increased forage quality increases milk production and profitability

Increased forage quality, in addition to increased yield, means more milk per acre of silage. Results from this project showed an average estimated increase of 8400 lb of milk/acre of silage treated with the full AgroLiquid program.

The average cost of the AgroLiquid program was about $100/ acre higher than the commercial standard 6-24-6 + 32% UAN. Using a milk price of $0.15/lb, the extra milk provided an additional $1260/acre of silage fed, for a 12.6:1 return on investment. That’s a substantial ROI – 12.6:1.

3. Increased forage quality reduces total feed cost for the herd

Using high quality corn silage to increase milk production reduces the cost of cornmeal and other feed inputs. The corn silage receiving the full AgroLiquid program provided over 2600 Mcal of energy that is required by cows to produce the additional 8400 lbs. of milk/acre compared to the commercial standard. The energy supplied by silage replaces about 2900 lbs. of cornmeal with a value of $270.

This means that on a 1000 cow dairy there is the equivalent energy to replace over 8 lbs. of ground corn per cow per day by feeding the higher energy silage produced on the AgroLiquid program.

Benefits

Being able to feed more forages and less grain for the same milk production saves money on feed, keeps cows healthier on a higher forage diet, reduces metabolic issues, and decreases foot issues in the herd. This reduces stress on the cows and improves the overall productivity of a dairy operation.

First, it’s a financial win. Forage is generally less expensive than grain, so being able to achieve the same milk production with less grain translates to direct savings on feed costs. This is particularly important in times of volatile commodity prices, providing a buffer against market fluctuations.

It’s not just about the bottom line. A higher forage diet promotes better rumen health, which leads to improved digestion and nutrient absorption. This reduces the risk of metabolic disorders like acidosis and ketosis, which can be costly and detrimental to health.

Also, a forage-rich diet has been linked to a decrease in foot problems. This might seem surprising, but the connection lies in the rumen. When cows consume too much grain, it can disrupt the rumen environment, leading to the production of elements that can negatively impact hoof health. By prioritizing forage, we support a healthier rumen and healthier hooves.

Beyond the physical benefits, a higher forage diet also contributes to reduced stress levels in the herd. Cows on a forage-based diet spend more time ruminating, a natural and stress-free activity for them. This overall improvement also contributes to the productivity and longevity of the herd.

Quality crop nutrition for corn silage production produces healthier, more productive plants with higher forage quality, improving milk production and profitability of a dairy operation. It is important for dairy producers to test their corn silage for forage quality and balance the feed ration to meet the needs of the herd.

Consult an animal nutrition specialist to assist with balancing rations if necessary. For questions regarding crop nutrition planning, contact your local AgroLiquid retail partner or AgroLiquid representative.

Products used

Kalibrate

Kalibrate is a clean, chloride- and hydroxide-free potassium solution that also contains sulfur. The unique formulation improves crop utilization, allowing lower total product application volume to produce the same results as other conventional potassium fertility products when applied at typical rates.

Pro-Germinator

Pro-Germinator is used primarily for the application of phosphorus, but is partnered with nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients for maximum performance. Phosphorus is a nutrient that is critical for early plant development in a crop as well as in the reproductive stages. Phosphorus is the key nutrient in getting a pasture stand established, and in forages, the primary task of phosphorus is transforming protein, fat, and carbohydrates into energy.

accesS

accesS is a high-efficiency sulfur fertilizer. Our formula allows plants to more efficiently absorb sulfur and keeps more plant-usable sulfur in the soil. At the same time, accesS uses a lower concentration of sulfur at lower rates, but provides the same or better results compared to commodity fertilizers. This makes it an economical and environmentally responsible choice.

Microlink

Most farmers focus on macronutrients to improve yields and crop quality. However, micronutrients also play a pivotal role in crop development. If micronutrient deficiencies persist year after year, they will continue to damage crops regardless of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applied. That’s where our microLink family of products can come in. From boron to molybdenum, we have a full line of micronutrients.

*Top image: Mid-season measurements in the full program plots showed corn plants were 30% larger in diameter and 12″ taller than corn plants in the commercial standard plots. Root development was also better in full program plots.

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Producers already know good crop nutrition impacts the quality and yield of forage crops, particularly corn silage. But when it comes to creating a nutritional plan and deciding what to purchase, it’s nice to have science on your side.

Why forage quality matters
Forage crops, especially grasses, alfalfa, and corn silage, are important for ruminant livestock nutrition. They provide essential nutrients like energy, protein, and fiber. The specific amount and type of forage animals need depend on the species of livestock and growth stage. However, high-quality, nutrient-dense forage benefits most, if not all, ruminant animals.

Characteristics of high-quality forage
What makes forage high quality for livestock? Simply put, high-quality forage is highly digestible and contains high levels of starch and protein. These characteristics translate to nutrient-dense forage that meets the needs of your livestock. While many factors determine forage quality, a few key metrics are helpful to analyze:

• Starch
• Crude protein
• NDF digestibility (NDFD)

These characteristics represent the portion of the forage that livestock can use, and the higher value of these components are the ones that are more desired.

The link between crop nutrition and forage quality
Liebig’s Law of the Minimum states that if even one essential plant nutrient is deficient, plant growth will be limited, even if all other essential nutrients are abundant. This principle applies not only to plant growth but also to forage quality. Proper crop nutrition directly influences the quality of forages, which in turn, influences milk production.

Study: how crop nutrition boosts milk production

This table shows the results of a corn silage project conducted in New York where a basic program of a 6246 planter fertilizer plus 32 percent UAN liquid nitrogen was compared to a complete AgroLiquid crop nutrition program that included phosphorus potassium, sulfur, micronutrients, high energy sources, and nitrogen. All of the other parts of the silage production system were the same for both treatments.

The data shows that a complete crop nutrition program improved through protein, starch, and NDF digestibility, compared to the basic 6246 program.

Those quality factors were entered into a milk production model called Milk 2006 from the University of Wisconsin. The estimated milk production for a ton of silage receiving the complete program was 50 pounds higher than silage receiving the basic program.

The higher milk production per ton of forage, along with the increased silage yield, caused an estimated milk production per acre to increase over 6250 pounds of milk per acre with the complete nutrition program, compared to the basic program.
This demonstrates how a comprehensive crop nutrition program can significantly improve both forage yield and quality.

Benefits of a balanced feed ration with high-quality silage
A balanced feed ration that incorporates high-quality silage leads to several advantages:

• Increased milk production per ton of feed
• Reduced need for additional grain or purchased inputs
• Healthier livestock
• More cost-effective milk production
• Higher overall milk production profitability

Additional resources
For more information, visit our research resources:

Alfalfa and milk yield study
Potassium and forage quality
Agronomic Advisor Focus: Forage Crop Nutrition – Watch as John Leif, Regional Sales Agronomist, discusses forage crops and its effect on ruminants.

Embrace the science! Explore what AgroLiquid products have to offer for you, your business, and your livestock.

Contact Us
If you have any questions about crop nutrition or how it can improve your forage quality, please contact an AgroLiquid representative or visit agroliquid.com.

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You know there are certainties in life. Death and taxes are the normal answer, but what about positives? The sun rises, the ocean is pulled by the tides, and plants are going to need fertilizer to reach their maximum potential. Let’s look at how Sure-K works.

Sure-K
Sure-K is a soluble potash that gives plants the nutrients they need during key reproductive stages. Potash, or potassium or a potassium compound, has been used in agriculture for ages, as well as during the infancy of our country. In fact, in 1790, George Washington signed the first patent issued in the United States – and it was to Samuel Hopkins for making potash.
However, there’s always room for improvement.

Why AgroLiquid Sure-K?
Sure-K plays an important role in a variety of ways:

• Yield
The right potassium levels contribute to increased crop yields. Sure-K supports the development of fruits, seeds, and tubers, helping plants achieve their full yield potential.

• Stress tolerance
Potassium helps plants cope with various environmental stresses, like drought, disease, and temperature fluctuations. It also helps the plant’s ability to resist and recover from stress conditions.

• Nutrient uptake
Potassium plays a role in regulating nutrient uptake by plant roots. It can improve the plant’s ability to absorb and utilize other essential nutrients, promoting balanced nutrition.

• Water management
Sure-K helps regulate water uptake and loss in plants, contributing to better water use efficiency. This can be particularly beneficial when rainfall doesn’t keep up with demand.

• Quality
The right potassium levels can improve the quality of harvested crops. This may include attributes such as color, taste, and nutritional content.

• Balanced nutrient ratios
Maintaining proper potassium levels contributes to balanced nutrient ratios in the soil, preventing nutrient deficiencies or imbalances that can negatively impact plant growth.

• Improved disease resistance
Potassium has been linked to improved disease resistance in plants. Strengthening cell walls and promoting overall plant vigor can make plants more resistant to certain diseases.

In addition, the Sure-K formula provides for the best use at lower concentrations, and it has no chlorides or hydroxides. As a result, it preserves soil health long-term and makes it a safe potassium solution for any cropping system. Sure-K makes it easy to maintain the right potassium levels or correct potassium deficiencies. It can be applied in many different ways and safely combined with other nutrients or crop protection products, so growers can make fewer trips across the field. As with many AgroLiquid offerings, Sure-K also takes advantage of Nutriq Technology, which provides slow-release nutrient delivery exactly when plants need it.

Research
AgroLiquid has been performing trials testing the effectiveness of Sure-K for many years on different crops, in various parts of the county, on a variety of crops. Check out our records on:

• Soybeans – For 24 years, Sure-K has proven to provide a yield and economic benefit when foliar applied on soybeans.
• Ryegrass seed
• Corn
• Navy beans

“The biggest benefit of Sure-K is it’s a very flexible product,” said AgroLiquid national agronomist Stephanie Zelinko. “There are a number of different ways you can apply it, including in-furrow, foliar, and side dress. It works well on a number of different application processes. Plus, it also has years of research to back it up – our first data point with it is in 1998.”

Conclusion
The benefits and the research are clear: Sure-K gets essential nutrients to plants when they need it, resulting in better yields. It’s effective in improving growth and productivity across a wide range of crops and regions. If you’re not getting the results you want…it’s time to look into a product with a little more certainty. Find out more!

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AgroLiquid has looked extensively at permanent plot trials at the North Central Research Station, where the same fertilizer programs are used on the same plots over a series of seasons. With this methodology, researchers can determine year over year changes. The question: Will AgroLiquid perform over time? The answer: Yes, and we’ve got the research to prove it.

Finding out the exact science of what works through trials helps our researchers, agronomists, and sales team make the best decisions for you and your crops. Other advantages of permanent plot research include:

• Long-term impact assessment

One of the strengths of permanent plot research is the ability to assess the long-term impacts. AgroLiquid research provides a reliable and consistent nutrient supply over the duration of these studies, so researchers can not only observe immediate effects, but also monitor nutrient management and results for a series of years.

• Soil health monitoring

Soil health is always a focus, and the precise application of liquid fertilizers helps maintain a balanced nutrient profile in the soil to help with a healthy microbial makeup. Over time, this contributes to improved soil structure, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health in permanent plots.

• Adaptability to crops and practices

In permanent plot research, where the goal is to understand the impact of changes on different crops, this adaptability matters. Researchers can customize nutrient management strategies based on the needs of each crop, allowing for a better understanding of agronomic practices.

• Data-driven use

The precision application of fertilizer minimizes runoff and leaching, which helps with the responsible farming practices that permanent plot research supports. AgroLiquid also helps with data-driven decision making. The consistent and precise application of fertilizers generates reliable data on the response of crops to specific nutrient use. This helps everyone involved make better decisions about resource use, to help with the best productivity.

What results did the data give?

The first plot trials ran from 1996 to 2005 on corn, comparing AgroLiquid Pro-Germinator, Sure-K, Micro 500, and High NRG-N use with conventional liquid, and conventional dry. The results: The AgroLiquid program had a higher average yield despite lower pounds per acre of actual nutrients applied, and did not have extra application trips of dry fertilizer.

Researchers performed tests over ten years of corn yields and ten years of soybean yields, all with four replications of treatments. Here are the results for the permanent plot corn yields 2011-2020.

What do you notice?

Yields were much higher than the 170 bu/A yield goal, even for the nitrogen only. The highest average yield was with AgroLiquid. The AgroLiquid yield was statistically higher than the conventional dry treatment, and the AgroLiquid yield was significantly higher than that of the “pound for pound” rate of conventional fertilizers.

That’s not all…this table shows the extra corn produced over 10 years compared to using only nitrogen. By using Pro-Germinator, Sure-K and Micro 500, an extra 219.3 bu/A was produced, which is like producing an entire extra year of corn.

With permanent plot research, AgroLiquid can help understand the effects with continuing monitoring and analysis, helping us refine our products and practices over time. Our goal is to give growers the best, evidence-based solutions for increased yields, better soil health, and a more positive agricultural future.

Our trials provide evidence that AgroLiquid not only performs consistently over time, but also beat conventional fertilizers in both yield and efficiency. The long-term impact assessments, soil health monitoring, adaptability to crops, and data-driven precision application highlight the advantages of this approach.

For all of our research, visit our site.

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Can you have it all? It’s difficult to have a good work-life balance. It’s hard to go on vacation and take care of everything at home. It’s hard to eat a lot and not gain weight.

But…sometimes it is possible to have it all. Sometimes, the timing is just right and everything blends perfectly.

One of those times is with Micro 500, which contains the essential micronutrients zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and boron.

Benefits
Micro 500 covers several nutrient requirements plants need. The micronutrients in Micro 500 work together to stimulate healthy growth, and improve chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. It also helps to prevent micronutrient deficiencies, which can stunt growth.

Additionally, Micro 500 supports:
– protein synthesis and enzyme production
– nitrogen fixation
– lignin formation
– strong cell growth

Application options
With a variety of application methods available, it’s easy to find the most efficient way to reach your crop. Plus, it’s easy and safe to apply with many other nutrition and crop protection products. By doing it as a combination, you reduce soil compaction and land use since you don’t have to make an extra trip just to apply a zinc, manganese, iron, copper and boron fertilizer. It’s all in one.

The Micro 500 formulation technology makes it easy for nutrients to enter two ways – through the roots or leaves of the plant. This also makes it an ideal micronutrient product for soil or foliar applications.

Nutrient uptake
Micro 500 supports long term nutrient uptake. AgroLiquid’s Nutriq Technology contained in Micro 500 helps fight deficiency and stimulate long-lasting growth.

How does it work? Nutriq Technology uses plant-derived chelates to prevent the micronutrients from binding with other elements in the soil, which can create bonds that plants can’t break, and then can’t use.

The chelates form a protective shell around the micronutrients which plants can still break down. This technology allows the micronutrients to release slowly, allowing the plant to use them throughout its growth cycle.

Deficiencies
Micronutrient deficiencies in soil can occur for a variety of reasons. For instance, it’s possible that higher yields and some technologies may remove some micronutrients from the soil. Any type of land preparation where several inches of topsoil are removed can result in a deficiency. High phosphorus levels can cause micronutrient deficiencies, and some micronutrients are no longer contained in high analysis fertilizers and fertilizer materials. As a result, adding micronutrients becomes important for a good yield.

Better together
Because the micronutrients in Micro 500 work synergistically together, farmers get better uptake and response from a micronutrient in Micro 500 than if they apply an equal volume of that nutrient alone. In addition, this combination is helpful in sections of a field where a grower might not know it is lacking in a particular nutrient.

If you think micronutrient deficiencies are stunting your growth, or your soil simply isn’t supplying enough micronutrients for optimal yield, don’t let it hold you back. Micro 500 helps you solve these issues.

Over 20 years of research in multiple US locations shows that Micro 500 bolsters crop fertility programs and supports higher yields. When combined with macronutrient fertilizer programs, Micro 500 supports more flowering, fruiting, seed production, branch, and leaf growth.

So even though sometimes it is difficult to have it all…you really do get it with Micro 500.

See the research for yourself:
Corn:

Measuring Success with Micro 500 on Corn

Micro 500 Win Rate on Corn

Soybeans:

Micro 500 Win Rate Study on Soybeans

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Since I have already lost the theme of this thread (being a tie with the beloved carol, The 12 Days of Christmas), I won’t try to draw a connection between four calling birds and potassium – although I’m sure I could if I tried hard enough.

Potassium in one of the primary plant nutrients. It is essential for the transport of sugars and the formation of starches and oils. Potassium helps to regulate the opening and closing of a leaf’s stoma which are important for the efficient use of water by the crop.

Potassium also promotes root growth, increases a plant’s resistance to disease and cold temperatures. It improves the size and quality of fruits, nuts and grains, and is essential in high-quality forage. Crops that produce large amounts of carbohydrates (sugars) require large amounts of potassium – sometimes even more th an nitrogen! Cotton, almonds, alfalfa, grapes, cherries, and peaches are all especially fond of potassium.

Common symptoms of potassium deficiency:

• Slow growth
• Tip and marginal leaf burning
• Burning of older leaves
• Weak stems and stalks causing lodging
• Low fruit sugar content and shriveled seeds

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Welcome to our second day of the crop nutrients post. Hopefully you caught our first day – where we focused on phosphorus. In the traditional Christmas carol, the second day is two turtle doves. Since I don’t have any clever alliteration ideas for this one, I am going to talk about a secondary nutrient: calcium.

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is a secondary plant nutrient that stimulates root and leaf development, activates several plant enzymes, and is required by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. In the soil, calcium indirectly influences yield by reducing soil acidity. It also helps improve root growth conditions, molybdenum availability, and uptake of other nutrients. In the soil, calcium indirectly influences yield by reducing soil acidity, which in turn lowers the solubility and toxicity of manganese, copper, and aluminum.

Calcium is the third most important element in a plant. And, calcium is the fifth most abundant element on the planet. It makes sense that traditionally, growers don’t apply much calcium, because they assume the plant will get what they need from the soil. But, soil calcium is usually found in a form that is not easily taken up by plants.

As an example, in an apple tree, the leaves, new shoots, and fruit all take calcium. The nutrient will be found in the tissues and the root, but the fruit cannot compete with the other parts of the plant. Hence why the fruit often doesn’t get enough calcium. That is why calcium deficiencies are evidenced on the fruit, rather than the rest of the tree. In apples, a calcium deficiency causes a disorder known as bitter pit. Bitter pit is a physiological breakdown of the cell walls in the fruit that occur below the skin of the fruit. For that reason, when scouting for calcium deficiencies in fruit trees, it is important to test the fruit, rather than relying solely on leaf or soil tests. Signs of calcium deficiency common in all crops include abnormal dark green foliage, premature shedding of blossoms and buds, and weakened stems.

Further problems with the calcium levels in the plant, and therefore in the fruit, are often caused by changes in the weather. In high temperature, low humidity conditions, for example, transpiration will increase dramatically, causing the plant to use more water. In irrigated crops, if watering has not been well scheduled, even soils with good levels of calcium can have problems in the fruit caused by calcium deficiency, such as blossom-end rot in tomatoes. This is the time when we need a fast calcium fertilizer that can be applied by foliar.

Common symptoms of calcium deficiency:

• Death of growing points
• Abnormal dark green foliage

  

• Premature shedding of blossoms and buds
• Weakened stems
• Tip burn of young leaves (primarily in vegetable crops)

  

• Water soaked, discolored areas on fruits

  

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