Bigger Yields May Demand More Micronutrients

Among crop producers, harvesting a high-yielding crop is a benchmark for success. Various practices and tools are evaluated based on whether they maximize yields and improve profitability potential.

At BigYield.us^®, we view supplementing micronutrient levels as one – in many cases, untapped – strategy to increase yields. The Yield BoosterTM product from BigYield.us blends the three macronutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – with seven vital micronutrients: boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, sodium molybate and zinc. Producers can apply Yield Booster as a foliar treatment to support plant health and achieve high yields.

To appreciate the role of micronutrients involves understanding the limiting factor concept. In other words, a crop will only yield as well as provided by the nutrient or other factor in lowest supply relative to needs. Purdue University further describes that principle.

Growing high-yielding corn increases N-P-K needs, and producers are typically aware of this relationship. Micronutrient needs may increase, too, especially if yields maintain an upward trajectory and too little micronutrient supply is available. Corn crops tend to remove significant zinc, according to research in highly plant-dense areas that were fertilized at high nitrogen rates.

Zinc is one micronutrient provided by the Yield Booster product from BigYield.us. This guide sheet from the University of Minnesota Extension provides more background about zinc’s importance as a micronutrient. Because some enzymes include zinc as a component, the micronutrient is thought to support crop metabolic processes, growth and development. As a result, corn with a zinc deficiency may have stunted growth. During the growing season, deficiency symptoms are usually noticeable early.

For best results in corn, BigYield.us recommends applying 1 pint to 1 quart of Yield Booster during the V3-V4 growth stage.

For more information about applying Yield Booster to supply micronutrients like zinc and maximize yields on your farm, please let us know. In the next several weeks, look for more information about the other micronutrients blended in our Yield Booster product.