BALANCED CROP NUTRITION

Building a Foundation for

Better Performance

PRODUCED BY THE MOSAIC COMPANY

Supplement to
 A

FOR
HIGHER YIELDS.
TUNE IN TO K-MAG.

• Ask for K-Mag® in your next fertilizer blend

• Potassium, magnesium and sulfur — three nutrients in one
• All nutrients are readily available to the crop
• Visit www.kmag.com to view the new informational video

©2010. The Mosaic Company. All rights reserved. K-Mag is a registered trademark of The Mosaic Company. KMAG-0060
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Nutrition for
Next Generation Seed .......................................... 2

The Basics of Balanced Fertility

N and K Work Together
for Higher Yields ...................................................... 4
Brush up on Soil Fertility ........................... 13

The recent accomplishments of North America’s farmers are truly N, P, K —

noteworthy. Record harvests have produced more food, fuel, feed the Foundation of Production
and fiber than at any time in our history. Optimism in agriculture Rescue Nitrogen Application
abounds — and with good reason. Often Boosts Corn Yields................................... 6
But with success comes the challenge to accomplish more. Even Optimizing Potassium Critical
with bin-busting production records in 2008 and 2009, supply for Top Yields........................................................... 5
merely kept pace with surging demand. Last November, the U.N. Managing P Soil Test Values ............................ 18
Secretary General reported one billion people are hungry, and by
Production Management Profiles
2050, the world will have two billion more mouths to feed — about
nine billion in total — meaning we’ll have to produce 70 percent Prairie Pothole Production
Challenges
more than we do today just to keep up. Water, land, energy and fer- Denny Friest, Garden City, Iowa ..................... 10
tilizer are finite resources, and agriculture must develop sustainable Little Is “Typical” About
solutions to provide the critically needed increase in food supply. Approach to Crop Production
Meeting this challenge will require new technologies, new crop Fairholme Farms, Lewisville, Ind. ................... 17
management strategies and a commitment to innovation. As the An “Edge” That Leaves
philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, we must not just “go Nothing to Chance
Kriss Schroeder, Colby, Kan. .......................... 20
where the path may lead, [but] go instead where there is no path
and leave a trail.” Planning Pays
It’s with this pioneering spirit and quest for better information that Fertilizer Offers Performance With Return .... 5
The Mosaic Company brings you the “Balanced Crop Nutrition”
Are You Ready for
supplement to Successful Farming. Technology continues to evolve Higher Yields? .................................. Back Cover
and promises higher levels of crop performance, but to maximize
this potential, fertility strategies also must move forward. Fertilizer is Unlocking the Secrets to Higher Yields ...... 8
the foundation on which all high-yield crop systems must be based.
Inside, you’ll find new thinking on building a well-balanced fertility The Need for MicroNutrients
program, highlights from the latest research uncovering the nutrient Magnesium—Often Forgotten,
but Most Essential................................................21
requirements of today’s new hybrids, real experiences of producers
implementing innovative best management practices, and facts on Changes Creating Need for Sulfur ................. 14
the latest advancements in fertilizer. Understanding Zinc Deficiency ...................... 22
Mosaic is committed to helping the world grow the food it needs.
The Production Challenge —
We’re confident you will find information in this supplement to help Meeting Tomorrow’s
you grow more as well. Growing Demand .................................................. 24

Sincerely,
To view these articles online or for
more balanced-nutrition information,
visit www.Back-to-Basics.net.
Richard N. McLellan
Sr. Vice President, Commercial
The Mosaic Company

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company. 1

 BALANCED CROP NUTRITION

Next-Generation Seed Requires

New Approach to Fertility
BY TOM FRY
The Mosaic Company
Seed industry leaders Dow
AgroSciences, Monsanto, Pioneer
Hi-Bred and Syngenta have all set
aggressive goals to increase corn
yields. Doubling yields by 2030 is an
admirable and daunting goal that plant
breeding and biotechnology are sure to
play a huge role in achieving. However,
in addition to these new technologies,
new management practices also will be
required to optimize yields.
This season, 47 percent of U.S. corn
acres were planted to stacked-trait,
insect-resistant hybrids, but little is
known about the effect of technology
on corn nutrient uptake and the exact
nutrition needed to optimize yields.
That’s why researchers at the University
of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign are
comparing the nutritional needs of
these hybrids to their non-resistant
counterparts. Preliminary research
results show the nutrient uptake of
resistant hybrids is significantly greater
than their non-resistant counterparts.
Intact roots absorb nutrients
more efficiently
“CRW-resistant hybrids change every-
thing,” says Dr. Fred Below, professor
of Plant Physiology, University of Illinois.
“Because rootworm larval feeding is
suppressed, and therefore the root
system protected from damage, the
corn plant absorbs nutrients more
efficiently and ultimately realizes a
higher yield potential.”
More efficient nutrient uptake
suggests higher levels of nutrients are
needed to achieve that added yield
potential. In the University of Illinois
trials, CRW-resistant hybrids yielded
205 bu /acre, while the non-resistant
hybrids yielded 179 bu /acre, a
14 percent difference.
“Results of our initial trials show
that the per-acre removal rates of
nutrients [N, P, K, S, Zn] are from 14 to
27 percent greater for hybrids with the
rootworm-resistant gene,” adds Below.
“In fact, both the yield and the concen-
tration of nutrients in the grain were
higher for the transgenic hybrids.”
“As we look at these results, we see
very large increases of zinc (Zn) and P
removal, in particular, which means soil
test levels of these nutrients may rapidly
This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company.
decrease,” Below points out. “As Innovation in Fertilizer
corn rootworm-resistant hybrids Technology
become increasingly popular and are The Mosaic Company is working
planted every year, it will be important to bring farmers innovative fertilizer
to take these trends into account as products and information to provide
nutrient management plans and fertilizer better understanding of balanced crop
recommendations are formulated.” nutrition. To this end, the company
With nearly half of U.S. corn acres surveyed farmers, fertilizer dealers and
planted to transgenic hybrids costing as university soil scientists across Asia,
much as $100 to $140 per acre for seed, South America and North America,
it is important growers apply the nutrition investigating their needs and wants for
needed to optimize yields and generate fertilizers and plant nutrition services.
a good return on these genetics. “Overwhelmingly, the results
showed farmers wanted to go beyond
Table A. existing N, P and K fertilizers to
Increased Yield of Rootworm- products that offer balanced nutri-
Resistant Hybrids Removes More
tion,” says Dean Fairchild, assistant
Soil Nutrients
vice president of Agronomy for The
CRW-RESISTANT
DIFFERENCE % Mosaic Company. “Their priorities
vs. NON-RESISTANT
Yield increase 14 % were products to help manage needs
for nutrients such as sulfur, zinc and
N removal 14 %
also boron,” relates Fairchild.
P removal 24 % After intensive research, Mosaic
K removal 19 % scientists and engineers developed
a patented process to manufacture
S removal 17 %
a fertilizer granule that incorporates
Zn removal 27 % nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and zinc.
Champaign, IL 2008; average of two hybrid pairs The product is MicroEssentials® SZ,™
and it is a major breakthrough in
dry-fertilizer technology. The unique
chemistry of this phosphorus-based
product delivers a balanced ratio
of essential nutrients for better nutri-
ent uptake by plants. In addition,
by including all nutrients in one
granule, distribution is uniform, so
every plant receives the correct
amount of each nutrient.
The MicroEssentials family of prod-
ucts delivers sulfur and phosphorus
in the proper ratio for most crops, so
these two nutrients are more available
and easier for plants to use. Nitrogen
is provided in the readily available
ammonium form to help get young
plants off to an early start. Finally,
MicroEssentials includes sulfur in both
the elemental and sulfate forms for
season-long availability.
Studies show MicroEssentials
fertilizer enhances plant uptake of
phosphorus up to 30 percent and
improves zinc uptake by up to
45 percent as compared to a typical
blend. These improvements in nutrient
utilization mean a better return on the
investment in fertilizer. For more de-
tails, visit www.microessentials.com.
3
 BALANCED CROP NUTRITION

Nitrogen and Potassium Work

Together for Higher Yields
BY DALE LEIKAM, Ph.D.
Leikam AgroMax

By understanding how nutrients

Table B.
work together, farmers can optimize
Higher Nutrient Levels Required for Plant Population Response
production and investment in fertilizer Kansas State University
while minimizing the opportunity for CORN YIELDS BU/ACRE
excess nutrients to negatively impact TRADITIONAL1 ENHANCED2 FERTILITY
the environment. Potassium (K) and PLANT POPULATION FERTILITY FERTILITY RESPONSE
nitrogen (N) are two vital nutrients that 28,000 202 225 23
create greater benefits working together
than alone. 42,000 196 262 66
Research studies from the University
Population Response –6 37
of Illinois illustrate how potassium
1 230 lbs N /acre, 30 lbs P2O5 /acre P and K Soil Tests = High
nutrition and fertilizer N interact to 2 230 lbs N /acre, 100 lbs P2O5 /acre, 80 lbs K2O /acre and 40 lbs S /acre
markedly increase yields, response to
Source: Kansas State University
fertilizer N and N use efficiency (Figure
1). It is important to keep in mind that
these same types of P and K interac- What do these interactions yields (Table B). With traditional
tions will also occur with other nutrients mean for the future? university nutrient recommendations,
and non-nutrient crop inputs. With technology and production the higher plant populations yielded
Illinois changes, U.S. corn yields have slightly less than the traditional, lower
200 increased from about 100 bu /acre in populations. However, when the fertility
1985 to approximately 160 bu /acre program included additional P, K and
Corn Grain Yield (bu/acre)

in 2009. Many farmers are growing sulfur (S), the higher plant population
150
corn yielding more than 200 bu /acre. yielded 37 bu /acre more than the tradi-
But can traditional nutrient recom- tional, lower plant population. Likewise,
100 corn response to the enhanced fertility
mendations meet the demands of
tomorrow’s high corn yields? Evidence program was only 23 bu /acre at the
50 0 lb K 20/acre
suggests the levels of inputs and lower plant population, but swelled to
96 lbs K 20/acre 66 bu /acre at the higher population!
management necessary for corn yields
144 lbs K 20/acre Balanced and fully adequate fertility
0 in the 150 bu /acre range may not be
0 80 120 180 240
enough for modern yield levels of programs will be fundamental com-
Application Rate (lbs N/acre) ponents of optimizing return from
250+ bu /acre.
Figure 1. Potassium improves yield response to A Kansas study combined higher improved genetics and new tech-
N fertilizer and N efficiency. nologies/practices in the future while
University of Illinois plant populations and an enhanced fer-
tility program to maximize irrigated-corn protecting the environment.
Adapted from Better Crops, Vol. 82 (1998, No. 3)

4 This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company.

Optimizing Potassium Critical for Top Yields
Soil test trends coupled with environ-
mental factors indicate applying
potassium (K) fertilizer may be more
important than ever for optimum crop
yields. According to studies from the
International Plant Nutrition Institute
(IPNI), soil test K levels continue to de-
crease, and as a result, the percentage
of soils across North America in nega-
tive balance for K continues to rise.
“Research at Ohio State shows
that yields increased as soil test K
increased above critical soil levels,”
explains Dan Froehlich, agronomist
with The Mosaic Company. “A standard
benchmark is that potassium uptake for
a 180-bushel corn yield is 240 pounds
more important to optimize yields.
“Cool, wet years set up agronomic
challenges for crops that exacerbate
the impact of limited soil nutrients,”
says Steve Phillips, Southeast U.S.
region director with IPNI, a not-for-
profit, science-based organization
with a focus on agronomic education
and research support. “Season-long
excess soil moisture and resulting
compaction from planting, spraying
and harvest cause poor soil aeration.
“Oxygen is required for root nutri-
ent uptake; damp, compacted soils
are lower in soil oxygen, thus limiting
plants’ ability to uptake K. Continued
wet conditions make the situation more
50 days. Compaction and wet soils
also may limit K uptake shortly before
pollination when corn plants remove
more than 15 pounds of K2O per acre
per day.
“Over time, continued removal of K
without annual fertilizer application will
lower soil test levels, and yield loss will
occur because K removal is a direct
contributor to crop yield,” says Phillips.
Visit www.Back-to-Basics.net for
more information about the importance
of K in a balanced fertility program.
Ohio
250

Corn Grain Yield (bu/acre)

of potassium per acre. The critical level complex,” Phillips explains. 200
of potassium in the soil for optimum Insufficient K may lead to reduced
performance is approximately 165 ppm. nitrogen uptake, less developed roots, 150
“The Ohio State results show yields lower protein content, greater suscep-
increased as K increased to 200 ppm tibility to water loss and wilting, as well 100
and 278 ppm. Nitrogen use also was as weaker stalks that are more prone 160 ppm K Soil Test
enhanced as soil K levels increased,” to lodging. 50
200 ppm K Soil Test
Froehlich adds. Prolonged cool temperatures plus 278 ppm K Soil Test
Agronomic and environmental condi- wet, compacted soils can cause 0
0 80 160 240 320
tions also play a role in the availability irreparable damage to yield potential
Application Rate (lbs N/acre)
of nutrients for plant uptake. These since more than 50 percent of the total
factors make supplemental K even K is taken up by corn plants in the first Figure 2.

Fertilizer Offers Performance That Pays

Few investments offer this level of return
Survival in today’s competitive Table C.
economic environment depends FERTILIZER NEW BUSHELS DOLLAR
INVESTMENT/ ESTIMATED FERTILIZER CROP NEEDED TO RETURN
upon each investment ultimately ACRE YIELD COST PRICES PAY FOR PER DOLLAR
providing a positive return. In corn YEAR ($ /acre) (bu /acre) ($ /bu) ($ /bu) FERTILIZER SPENT

production, fertility is responsible 2008 $140.27 180 0.78 3.82 36.7 $1.96
for about 40 percent* of the crop’s 2009 $145.63 180 0.81 4.09 35.6 $2.02
yield—and fertilizer is proven to
2010 (estimated) $ 96.94 180 0.54 4.29 22.6 $3.19
provide a positive return on invest-
2011 (projected) $113.77 180 0.63 4.04 28.2 $2.56
ment (ROI). Use the formulas below
As of Oct. 1, 2010
the table to calculate the return from
fertilizing your own corn crop. Corn—180 bu /acre corn following soybeans; N-P-K = 140–70–55
Fertilizer cost assumptions—N = $0.39 /lb, P2O5 = $0.68 /lb, K 2O = $0.40 /lb
Fertilizer cost per bushel = fertilizer cost /yield
Bushels needed to pay for investment in fertilizer = fertilizer cost per acre/new crop price per bushel
For updated info, visit *ROI assumes 40 percent of yield comes from fertilizer (based on university studies)
www.Back-to-Basics.net. Dollar return per dollar invested = (0.40 x yield x new crop price)/cost of fertilizer

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company. 5

 BALANCED CROP NUTRITION

Rescue Nitrogen Application

Often Boosts Corn Yields
BY RICH FEE
C r o p s a n d S o i l s E d i t o r, S u c c e s s f u l F a r m i n g

In really wet years, a lot of
preplant nitrogen is lost.
Wet weather causes nitrogen losses
somewhere virtually every year. In 2008
and 2009, very wet weather caused
major nitrogen losses in a huge chunk
of the Corn Belt.
“My rule of thumb is that more than
16 inches of rain from April through
June – or more than a foot in May and
June – will lead to nitrogen deficiency
problems in a substantial number of
cornfields,” says University of Missouri
agronomist Peter Scharf.
According to Scharf, last year nearly
all of Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky,
and Tennessee, plus most of Illinois,
southern Indiana, and eastern Kansas
all had over 16 inches of rain from April
through June. In 2008, nearly all of Iowa
and Missouri, plus southern Illinois,
southern Indiana, southern Wisconsin,
eastern Nebraska, eastern Kansas, and
southeastern Minnesota received over
16 inches of rain during those three
crucial months.
“The level of risk depends on nitro-
gen fertilizer management and soil
properties as well as rainfall,” says Scharf cites the experience of Wayne
Scharf. “Among preplant applica- Flanary, a University of Missouri agron-
tion strategies, spring application of omy specialist in northwest Missouri.
anhydrous ammonia has the lowest risk Flanary applied 180 pounds of N as
of nitrogen loss. But any nitrogen-man- anhydrous ammonia in late-November
agement strategy can be overwhelmed 2008. Nevertheless, corn in a low area
by weather.” appeared to lack N early in the 2009
Scharf developed a Nitrogen growing season. Where Flanary applied
Loss Scoresheet to help growers an additional 60 pounds of N as dry
identify fields apt to respond to rescue urea in June, the corn yielded 200 bu /
nitrogen based on nitrogen source, acre. Where he applied an additional
date applied, soil type and degree of
wetness. It’s online at http://ppp.mis-
souri.edu/newsletters/ipcm/archives/
v17n10/ipmltr9.htm.
Farmers who went through back-to-
back wet years have been concerned
that the wet fall and winter of 2009-10
was setting the stage for another year
of nitrogen (N) losses and yield losses.
“My firm belief after the last two years
is that every producer and every retail
organization need to have a plan for Ryan Britt used a high-clearance
making rescue N applications in place applicator to apply rescue nitrogen
before the season starts,” says Scharf. for neighbors last year.
“Rescue applications of nitrogen fertil-
izer can be highly profitable when earlier
nitrogen applications have been lost
due to wet weather.”

Reprinted from the May – June 2010 issue of Successful Farming magazine. © 2010 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.
120 pounds of N as urea, the corn
yielded 220. Where he didn’t apply any
rescue N, it yielded 170 bu /acre.
Aerial photographs are Scharf’s first
choice for diagnosing N deficiency. “You
can get through all your acres much
more quickly and thoroughly based on
aerial photos than by ground-based
inspection,” he says.
“At fairly early stages (knee high),
aerial photos can help you identify likely
problem areas but should be ground-
truthed. At later stages (waist high or
taller), aerial photos provide reliable
indicators of which areas are experi-
encing N stress and how severe it is,”
Scharf says.
“My research suggests that aerial
photographs can be translated into
yield loss maps that make it easier
to decide how much can be spent
to correct the problem,” says Scharf.
“Aerial photographs can also be trans-
lated into variable-rate N maps that can
be plugged into a variable-rate appli-
cator. Nitrogen loss is nearly always
patchy, resulting in some areas that
need rescue nitrogen and other areas
that don’t.”
In the absence of aerial images, you
can tell a lot about corn’s N situation
simply by inspecting your fields.
“The appearance of the corn crop
is an excellent diagnostic tool,” says
Scharf. “Corn that is light green or
yellow-green is N-deficient nearly 100%
of the time in Missouri. However, corn
growing in waterlogged soil will be
N-deficient even if the N has not been
Nitrogen deficiency is evident on
lower leaves first. Yellowing begins
at the tip of the leaf and proceeds
down the midrib.
Reprinted from the May – June 2010 issue of Successful Farming magazine. © 2010 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved.
Rescue N Application Chart
Between Rows
Ammonium Nitrate, 32% UAN,
or Urea + NBPT (Agrotain)
Urea or Urea + NBPT
Broadcast
Ammonium
Nitrate
32% UAN
1 ft. 2 ft.
Figure 3. University of Missouri research agronomist Kelly Nelson developed this chart to show which
sources of nitrogen can be used at different growth stages of corn.
lost. This makes correct diagnosis more
difficult. Sometimes this yellow corn will
green up when the soil dries out, and
no additional N is needed. By the time
you’ve been able to walk through the
field for a week, the corn should look
substantially better if the N is still in the
soil. If not, a rescue N application is
called for.”
Several different sources of N can
be used for rescue applications. Corn
height and application method must be
considered when determining which N
source to use.
The corn on the left received 40
pounds of rescue nitrogen (32%)
while the row on the right did not.
The extra N was applied 17 days
before this photo was taken on
July 16, 2005. The preplant rate
was 120 pounds of NH3.
Urea
(Agrotain)
3 ft. 4 ft.
University of Missouri research agrono-
mist Kelly Nelson developed the Rescue
N Application Chart (shown above) based
on research by several agronomists.
Scharf says some people are
skeptical about recovering yield once
corn has been substantially stressed
by lack of N.
“My experience and research show
that corn has great capacity to use
rescue N to produce additional yield
until at least silking,” Nelson says.
“Research by others suggests that
this capacity extends at least a week
and probably usually two weeks past
silking.”
High-clearance applicators, which are
becoming increasingly common, enable
growers to dribble or inject liquid N
between the rows of tall corn.
Ryan Britt of Clifton Hills in north-
central Missouri applied rescue N for
several neighbors last year with the
Hagie applicator shown on the opening
page. Britt farms with his father, Randy,
and grandfather, Wayne.
Concerned about the risk of losing
preplant N, they switched to split appli-
cations of N in 2008. Last year, they
applied 60 pounds of N preplant then
sidedressed in June using N sensors to
adjust the rate on-the-go.
 BALANCED CROP NUTRITION

Unlocking the Secrets

to Higher Yields
A N I N T E R V I E W W I T H F R E D B E L O W, P h . D.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Below’s Five Management Factors for a High-Yield Corn System
Fertility – 100 lbs of P2O5 as MicroEssentials® SZ™ even though the soil test
1 suggested no additional P was necessary.

2 Nitrogen – 100 lbs of extra N as a controlled-release source for a total of

280 lbs of nitrogen

3 Hybrid Selection – Triple-stack hybrid, locally adapted for specific

environment

4 Population – 45,000 plants/acre planted in 7.5-inch diamond-patterned twin rows

5 Fungicide – Single application of a well-timed fungicide

Photo courtesy of Cargill.

World demand for food, feed, fiber and
fuel is increasing. Dr. Fred Below and
researchers at the University of Illinois—
Urbana-Champaign are assessing new
technologies and designing manage-
ment practices to unlock the secret to
higher yields. Here he shares details of
this effort.
You have spent your entire career
looking at corn physiology and factors
that impact yield. What are you focus-
ing on in your current research? There
are many new technologies available to
growers that are changing the face of
crop production and have the potential
to drive higher crop yields. For example,
today’s genetics are more tolerant of
the stresses of higher plant populations.
Corn rootworm (CRW) protection now
gives us a larger, more intact root system
so the corn plant can absorb nutrients
more efficiently. Fungicides protect
plants from yield-robbing diseases to
maintain plant health longer.
In our research, we’ve seen beneficial
synergies from combining these manage-
ment tools. To move to the 300-bushel
level and beyond, we have to identify
the most efficient ways of combining
Table D.
Interaction of Technologies/Practices
on Corn Yield
University of Illinois and The Mosaic Company
TECHNOLOGY/PRACTICE
ADDED TO TRADITIONAL PROGRAM OR
REMOVED FROM ENHANCED PROGRAM
Additional P, S, Zn (MicroEssentials® SZ™)
Additional sidedress N
Higher plant population
Fungicide application
Genetics – CRW-resistant (triple-stack)
* Traditional program — Typical university recommendations without any enhanced inputs
** Enhanced program — Typical university recommendations plus all enhanced inputs
these tools. In that effort, our research
is contrasting standard management
practices and planting populations with
a high-yield management approach
that pushes CRW-resistant hybrids
to 45,000 plants per acre, planted in
7½-inch twin rows on a 30-inch center.
It also incorporates 100 pounds of extra
sidedress N as a controlled-release
source as well as 100 pounds of P2O5
as MicroEssentials,® even though the
soil test suggested no additional P
was necessary.
As part of your high-management
system, you have ranked seven factors
that impact corn yield, and you refer
to them as the “Seven Wonders.”
Why are they important to success in
high-yield management systems? The
Seven Wonders are weather, nitrogen,
hybrid selection, previous crop, tillage,
plant population and a “catchall” I call
growth regulators that is represented by
the plant-health or performance aspect
of fungicides.
However, before we can uncover the
full potential of the Seven Wonders, there
are base prerequisites that must be
met. They are proper drainage, P and K
TRADITIONAL ENHANCED
PROGRAM* PROGRAM**
208 BU /ACRE 274 BU /ACRE
YIELD INCREASE ATTRIBUTED TO
INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE
BU /ACRE
7 18
16 24
–15 14
–4 12
8 27
Table E.
Seven Wonders
of the Corn Yield World
FACTOR BU/ACRE IMPACT
Weather 70+
Nitrogen 70
Hybrid Selection 50
Previous Crop 25
Plant Population 20
Tillage 15
Growth Regulators 10
Total = 260 bu/A*
*Represents the maximum yield level possible
when each of these factors is optimized using
standard crop management systems today and
typical planting rates of 30,000 to 36,000 plants
per acre.
levels based on higher yield goals and soil
test values, plus effective weed control.
Your research shows that nitrogen
management has the second-biggest
impact on yield, right behind weather,
but what does your current research
suggest about the importance of man-
aging for P and K levels? There is no
doubt in my mind that to achieve high
yields, you have to meet base fertil-
ity levels in order to get the rest of the
Seven Wonders to reach their greatest
potential. Nitrogen, the Second Wonder,
is a major driver in corn yields, but we
are seeing that a balanced nutrition
approach is critical to helping nitrogen
achieve its full value, particularly toward
the 300-bushel level. We are seeing a
lot more cases impacted by the classic
law of the minimum. If the limiting nutri-
ent is P, K, S or Zn, that one deficiency
can prevent the corn from getting the
full value of nitrogen applied. This is why
balanced fertility is an important man-
agement component of the high-yield
system I am evaluating.

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company. 9

 MANAGEMENT PROFILE
Prairie
ie Pothole Poses Production Challenges
Cha
Denny Friest
Garden City, Iowa
Participant, Iowa Soybean Association
On-Farm Network
• Corn
• Soybeans
• Swine farrow-to-finish
While most farmers are anxiously awaiting
long-promised drought-tolerant corn hybrids,
Denny Friest would welcome moisture-
tolerant hybrids on his north-central Iowa
farm. Too much moisture is often the
biggest challenge of farming the dense,
poorly drained Clarion-Nicolette-Webster
soils, which are typical of North America’s
vast Prairie Pothole region.
“It’s hard to complain about too much
moisture, but Mother Nature almost always
gives us more than what we’d like to have,”
relates Friest. “Our soil here is heavy, dense
and prone to ponding. I lose far more yield
to too much moisture than to not enough.
Moisture creates issues from planting
through the production season.” He has
installed 4-inch tile every 70 feet in several
fields. Though tiling is not a total solution
to improving crop performance, it has
decreased yield variability across fields.
TILLAGE IS A “MUST DO”
Friest also has learned getting the crop off
to a good start requires managing fall crop
residue using a disk ripper to help soils
warm up and dry out the following spring.
The goal of this mulch-till approach is to
open up the soil but leave 70 percent of the
corn residue on the soil surface. His planter
is equipped with trash whippers to manage
the remaining residue and further warm
the seedbed. A 20/20 AirForce™ system on
the planter is used to optimize seed-to-soil
contact for better germination.
Mulch tillage has proved particularly
essential to maintain yields in corn
following corn. Replicated strip trials
conducted through Friest’s participation
in the Iowa Soybean Association’s On-Farm
Network verified the advantages of
10 This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company.
mulch-till compared to moldboard plowing
and no-till.
As one of the original On-Farm Network
participants, he fully utilizes this manage-
ment tool to evaluate the yield benefit of new
products and crop production practices.
“There are certain requirements partici-
pants must meet, but we can test anything
we’d like as long as there are three
replicated strips across the field,” Friest
explains. “Through the years, I’ve looked at
hog manure, fungicides, soil insecticides,
tillage, different plant populations and
various fertilizers. With all the new traits
available in seed, we are always looking at
new hybrids to see what will work best.”
MOISTURE COMPLICATES
NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
Nutrient management is one of Friest’s
greatest challenges.
“We’ve been working very hard on
nutrient management over the last six
or seven years, and something is always
changing. It is frustrating,” he says.
For example, Friest has seen a
significant drop in his normally high P soil
test levels, which he attributes to nutrient
draw-down from 200 bu /acre corn yields.
He also has found the use of phytase in
swine feeds has lowered P available from
manure, which is a source of N, P and K
for a portion of his acres.
He explains, “We know hog manure
now will not provide enough P to meet crop
removal rates of P for both corn and the
following soybean crop, so fields receiving
hog manure also receive supplemental P to
provide a base of 120 lbs /acre for our 200
bu /acre yield goal.”
Friest adds, “To meet P needs and the
possibility our soils also need supple-
mental sulfur, we’ve been evaluating
MicroEssentials® SZ.™ We’ve seen good
yield response in strip trials.” In his
2009 comparison, the corn receiving
MicroEssentials produced 10.9 bu /acre
more than the untreated check and
6.8 bu /acre more than that which
received MAP.
Nitrogen management also is a signifi-
cant challenge, according to Friest. “We
monitor our N use very carefully. We’ve
seen evidence of significant leaching of N
from fall-applied manure, so management
of this resource must be done carefully.”
He continues, “We’re not only looking for
economic benefit to our fertility practices,
but also environmental benefits. We need
to be good environmental stewards, and
if we can maintain productivity with less
nitrogen, everyone wins.”
Encouraged by a program from ISA to
cut N use, Friest has decreased N applica-
tion by 25 to 30 percent, or 50 lbs /acre,
and now applies around 150 pounds when
targeting 200-bushel yields on corn
following corn. He prefers to apply N in
the spring to reduce the opportunity of
leaching and has seen yield advantages
to sidedressing in June with 50 lbs /acre.
Friest fully expects nutrient manage-
ment to remain high on his list of factors
to evaluate and closely control.
“We have a lot of good tools in our
arsenal. We just need to continue working
to see what fits best,” he concludes.
20/20 AirForce is a trademark of Precision
Planting, Inc.
 BRUSH UP ON SOIL FERTILITY BASICS

Let www.Back-to-Basics.net be Your Guide

Legendary billionaire Warren Buffett has
inspired legions of followers worldwide
to heed his homespun moneymaking
advice: Invest in what you know.
Over a lifetime of investments,
including the 40-acre farm he purchased
in the 10th grade, Buffet demonstrated
that when investors have an intimate
knowledge about a topic, they naturally
spot more opportunities. The same
is true for farmers who gain deeper
knowledge of crop inputs, like fertilizer.
To help farmers learn about crop
nutrition to gain confidence in their
fertilizer decisions, The Mosaic
Company developed the free educa-
tional soil fertility resources found at
www.Back-to-Basics.net. At this
educational website, farmers can learn:
• When and why N-P-K applications
alone are not always enough to
optimize yields
• The roles of other essential nutrients
such as sulfur, magnesium and zinc
in increasing crop yield and quality
• Why new insect-resistant, multi-
trait hybrids may benefit from a new
approach to fertility
• How to identify yield-robbing nutrient
deficiencies through visual analysis
• How to identify “hidden deficiencies”
not visible to the eye
Visit www.Back-to-Basics.net
Order or bookmark
these valuable tools
and online resources:
“Efficient Fertilizer Use” manual. This
comprehensive guide to proper fertilizer
uses, soil pH, soil sampling and much
more is FREE! Order the CD-ROM, or
access the chapters online.
Regional agronomic updates. Click
on your region of the interactive map
to receive timely updates on local crop,
soil and weather conditions, along with
nutrient management tips, from the
expert staff at the IPNI.
Crop nutrient deficiency photo library.
Nutrient deficiencies in crops reduce
yields, grain/forage quality and profits to
the farmer. Browse this image gallery for
help to identify various nutrient deficiency
symptoms for 19 different crops.
After you visit www.Back-to-Basics.net
to brush up on soil fertility basics, contact
your local fertilizer dealer for help to
formulate the balanced soil fertility
program needed to optimize your crop
production investment. The more you
know about nutrient needs of your
crops, and the needs of your soil, the
greater your opportunities to increase
yields and profits.

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company. 11

 CROP NUTRIENT UPTAKE
lb/A
Crop Yield (A) N P205 K20 Mg S
Alfalfa* 8 ton 408 96 392 43 43
10 ton 510 120 490 54 54
Barley 120 bu. 166 67 182 17 23
Canola 60 bu. 180 90 150 37 30
Corn 150 bu. 135 57 41 14 12
Stalks 68 24 165 21 11
Total 203 81 206 35 23
200 bu. 180 76 54 18 16
Stalks 90 32 220 46 14
Total 270 108 274 64 30
250 bu. 225 95 68 23 20
Stalks 112 40 275 58 18
Total 337 135 343 81 38
Corn Silage 30 ton 291 93 219 60 33
Cotton (lint /seed) 1,500 lbs. 100 44 59 20 17
Stalks 140 28 151 12 19
Total 240 72 210 32 36
Fescue 3.5 ton 130 42 189 13 20
Oats 100 bu. 73 27 18 4 7
Straw 29 15 89 10 10
Total 102 42 107 14 17
Potatoes/ Tubers 500 cwt. 160 60 275 15 15
Plants 100 25 150 20 10
Total 260 85 425 35 25
Rice 7,000 lb. 112 60 168 14 12
Ryegrass 5 ton 215 86 215 40 60
Sorghum (grain) 175 bu. 116 68 47 11 11
Soybeans* (grain) 70 bu. 266 59 91 15 13
Stover 77 17 70 15 12
Total 343 76 161 30 25
Sunflower 1.5 ton 151 45 110 21 18
Wheat 80-bu. Grain 120 48 27 12 8
Straw 56 13 96 8 11
Total 176 61 123 20 19
* Legumes derive most of the N from symbiotic N fixation.
Source: IPNI and Mosaic

Visit Back-to-Basics.net for information on additional crops.

©2010. The Mosaic Company. All rights reserved. MicroEssentials is a registered trademark of The Mosaic Company. MES-0168
 The Direction of Soil Fertility
in the Corn Belt
B Y PA U L E . F I X E N , P h . D .
International Plant Nutrition Institute

The status of soil fertility levels is an are indeed falling in most of the Corn Belt. soil testing to determine fertility needs
indicator of the sustainability of farming. The two maps show median soil of specific fields and guide fertilizer
Every five years, the staff of IPNI P and K levels (50 percent of samples and manure application needed for
and cooperating private and public are above and below these levels) for sustainable crop yields.
laboratories across the United States the Corn Belt states and Ontario. The
Figure 4.
and Canada summarize soil test levels lower numbers in the maps are the
for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) changes from 2005. 2010 median soil levels and
as well as pH to get an inventory of soil Phosphorus declined in all areas, with change from 2005
fertility levels across North America. Wisconsin and the Northeast showing PHOSPHORUS LEVELS*
With decreased fertilizer use in the largest drops. Soil P levels in the
2009 and the long-term trend of crops Western states were lower initially, so
MN
removing soil nutrients faster than the 3 or 4 ppm reductions seen from 17 ON
they’re being replenished, many are the summary are important to note. SD 13 -1 WI 37
23 MI
-1 38 -10
interested in the 2010 summary. Preliminary data indicates the P level -16
IA 21 -11
decline for Illinois is large. NE 18 -4
Tests confirm that soil test -4 IL IN OH 23
Soil K relative changes were smaller 24 -2
24
levels for P and K are falling in comparison and less consistent. MO -12 -5
KS 17 15 17
Nine of the 13 areas showed reduc- -4 -3
in most of the Corn Belt. KY -1
tions or virtually no change, and four
First, the good news from this showed small increases. All three of POTASSIUM LEVELS**
summary process is that there has the western-most states showed large
been a substantial increase in use of drops in soil K because of highly nega- MN
soil testing since 2005; soil testing has tive nutrient balances, but their median 160 ON
SD 245 +4 WI 99
grown at an average of about 300,000 levels are still well above critical levels. 133 MI
-23 131 -35
samples per year over the last five years. The northeast states and Ontario also +8
IA 161 -18
NE 320 -11
We estimate that about 5.5 million saw large reductions in soil K.
-44 IL IN OH
samples were collected in North The takeaway is that crops have been 181 130 145
MO -14 -23
America for the 2010 crop compared removing more P and K from many of KS 272 +3
149 131
to about four million for the 2005 crop. the soils of the Corn Belt than those -22 -1 KY +3
This is one of the highest growth rates in soils have been receiving as fertilizer *Median Bray P1 equivalent, ppm
Soil samples, millions: 2005=2.0; 2010=3.0
soil testing ever in North America. or manure, and the result is declining
**Median ammonium acetate K equivalent, ppm
Unfortunately, the results of these tests soil fertility. The wide range of soil test Soil samples, millions: 2005=2.0; 2010=2.8
confirm that soil test levels for P and K results reinforces the importance of

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company. 13

 BALANCED CROP NUTRITION

Changes Creating Need for Sulfur

BY DEAN FAIRCHILD
The Mosaic Company

The first occurrences of sulfur (S)
deficiency in corn were reported in the
1960s. At the time, sulfur deficiency
was virtually unheard of. Textbooks
devoted chapters to nitrogen (N), phos-
phorus (P) and potassium (K) and their
roles in crop production. Sulfur received
only short paragraphs.
To sustain optimum crop
yields, the S balance in soils
will need to be maintained
through supplemental S.
Today, the situation is quite different.
Since the late 1980s, university agrono-
mists from New York to Kansas,
Michigan to Alabama, have been
observing sulfur deficiency in crops and
advising growers on the importance of
supplemental sulfur. With this change,
S has become the fourth “essential”
nutrient. It is a component of numer-
ous protein enzymes that regulate
photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation.
In fact, when S is limiting, there is less
chlorophyll production, which makes
the younger leaves of the plant appear
yellow, a symptom sometimes confused
with N deficiency.
Putting S out of balance
What has changed to bring about a
need for supplemental sulfur in crop
production?
• Decreased S deposition from rain/
air (Figure 5). Since the 1970 Clean
Air Act, emissions of sulfur dioxide
have decreased dramatically, resulting
in reduced deposition from rain/air.
• Changing fertilization practices.
A switch away from ammonium sul-
fate as a source of N and decreased
use of single superphosphate, which
contained some S, means we’re
adding less S to soils. Manure use
also has changed.
• Increased crop removal.
An increase in both grain and forage
yields results in more rapid depletion
of S from soils.
- A 180 bu /acre corn crop removes
about 14 pounds S per acre.
- Alfalfa removes approximately
6 pounds S per acre per ton pro-
duced. A 40 bu /acre wheat yield will
remove about 5 pounds S per acre.
• Sulfur is mobile in the soil.
Excessive rainfall or irrigation water
can move SO4-S through the soil,
particularly when soils are sandy.
Assessing the need for sulfur
As more signs of sulfur deficiency are
seen in crops, a growing number of
producers will wonder if they need to
supplement S. To identify where supple-
mental S will be beneficial, it’s important
to understand sulfur’s role as a plant
nutrient.
Identifying areas with S deficiency
often begins with organic matter
content of the soil. Fields with low
organic matter and long histories of
forage/silage production or continuous
corn systems with no manure additions
would be more likely to exhibit S defi-
ciency. Some nutrient deficiencies can
be confirmed with a soil test, but with S
as with N, it is difficult to get a reliable
assessment of available S from soil
 Table F.
testing because of sulfur’s mobility in
the soil and the varying rates of S min- Sulfur content of some common fertilizers
eralization from crop residues. Tissue MATERIAL NAME S CONTENT (%)

testing is considered more reliable, and Ammonium sulfate (21–0–0–24) 24

comparing samples in the same field/ Ammonium thiosulfate (12–0–0–26) 26
hybrid between poor and good areas K-Mag® (0–0–21.5) 22
may be the best strategy.
MicroEssentials® S15™ (13–33–0–15S) 15 (7.5 sulfate; 7.5 elemental)
Visual symptoms also are an indica-
tor, and plants with severe deficiencies MicroEssentials SZ™ (12–40–0–10S-1Zn) 10 (5 sulfate, 5 elemental)
™
have yellow or white streaks along the MicroEssentials S10 (12–40–0–10S) 10 (5 sulfate, 5 elemental)
leaf veins that may stretch the full length Potassium sulfate (0–0–50) 18
of the newer, upper leaves. Probably
the most reliable way to know if a
sulfur application will result in a positive
response is to apply some in strips to see Sulfur deposited by precipitation
if a difference in yield can be measured.
in 1986 compared to 2008
Choosing a source of 1986
supplemental sulfur
Several products are available for cor-
recting or preventing a sulfur deficiency.
When choosing a product, remember
that sulfur forms vary in their availability
for plant growth. Plants can readily take
up sulfate (SO4), so this form is preferred
for corn and small-grain production as it is
immediately available to developing roots,
helping plants get off to a faster start.
Elemental sulfur (S) must be oxidized
into SO4 by soil bacteria before plants
can take it up. This takes time and is
slowed by cool spring temperatures.
Elemental sulfur is more of a slow-
release fertilizer and can be used in a
soil maintenance program or by plants 2008
later in the season. Choosing a fertilizer
source containing elemental sulfur also
helps ensure S is available to plants all
season long because it is not as mobile
as sulfate, which can move out of the
root zone when precipitation is high.

Sources of sulfur for plants

There are several fertilizers available
to supply S when it is needed. The
MicroEssentials® family of products
provides season-long availability of S by
providing both the elemental and sulfate
forms. K-Mag® fertilizer is virtually 100
National Atmospheric Deposition
percent water soluble and provides K, Program/National Trends Network
Mg and S that are immediately available http://nadp.sws.uluc.edu
to plants. Your local agronomist, crop Figure 5. When comparing these maps, it is apparent the 3 –12 pounds per acre of S deposited by
consultant or fertilizer dealer can help precipitation in 2008 is not enough to replenish the amount of S removed by crops.
you assess the right product to optimize
yields in your crop production program.

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company. 15

 :VTLZLLRHUZ^LYZPU[OLZ[HYZ

6[OLYZSVVR[V[OLZLH

Science is a world of
pioneers. Especially the
science of soil. With
more than 40% of crop
yields dependent on
>L»YLÄUKPUNV\YZPU[OLZVPS the soil’s fertility, we’re
developing the balanced
fertility strategies to drive
yields even higher. This
initiative has made us a
leader in conservation,
environmental steward-
ship and sustainability.
And kept us in tireless
pursuit of the next great
answer to help the world
grow the food it needs.

4VZHPJ*VJVT

©2010. The Mosaic Company. All rights reserved. Mosaic is a registered trademark of The Mosaic Company. MOSC-0072
MANAGEMENT PROFILE

Little Is
s “Typical” About
Abou Approach
oach to Crop Production
P

Kim Drackett
Randy Bales
Lewisville, Indiana
Fairholme Farms Inc.
• Continuous no-till
• Corn, soybeans
• Swine farrow-to-finish

Both Kim Drackett and Randy Bales
describe 1,850-acre Fairholme Farms as
“a typical eastern Corn Belt operation,” but
their management approach is, and long
has been, anything but typical.
For example, the operation began
2.5-acre grid sampling in the 1950s. At the
time, they variable-rate-applied fertilizer by
simply driving a gear slower with the tractor
and fertilizer spreader in areas that needed
more nutrients.
Drackett then worked with other farmers
to form a local Maximum Economic Yield
group, and together the group enlisted
a local retailer to invest in variable-rate
application equipment. In 1992, the farm’s
first yield data was collected. In 1997, after
working with a crop consultant and Purdue
University to complete a statistical evalua-
tion of what size soil test grid captured the
variability in their soils, they switched to
sampling on a 1-acre grid.
VARIABLE-RATE PROGRAM BASED
ON CALCULATED SOIL TEST
Today, the operation soil-samples on
a 1-acre grid every six to eight years.
Fairholme Farms’ zone management–
based variable-rate crop nutrition program
is built using a beginning soil test and
a soil test value calculated between soil
tests by combining the base soil test with
nutrient applications and crop removal
rates from yield data. While sampling on a
1-acre grid is costly, the expense is spread
over more years, and the resulting nutrient
management process has helped eliminate
variability in soil test levels.
“So much of crop risk management is
reducing variability,” says Drackett. “Since
we have the data and have used this
approach for so many years, I believe we’ve
dramatically reduced the variability in our soil
test levels across each field, and as a result,
have reduced the probability that P, K or pH
will be the limiting factors to grain yield.
“For optimum productivity, our goal is to
maintain phosphorus at 25 ppm and potas-
sium at 150 to 200 ppm, depending on
the cation exchange capacity (CEC). When
soil test data indicates nutrient levels need
to be brought up, we work on a four-year
build program for P, K and lime,” Drackett
adds. “Our typical process is to apply
these nutrients at a build rate, plus one
year’s removal for both corn and soybeans.
Application is done every other year, prior
to corn.” After four years, if things appear
to be going well, they switch to a mainte-
nance program, occasionally pulling a few
soil samples to confirm their beliefs.
INVESTING RESOURCES WISELY
PAYS OFF
Drackett and Bales also plant on a
variable-rate basis, with plant population
ranging from 26,000 to 35,000 plants
per acre. This allows these farmers to
invest resources where they will produce
the most bushels. Nitrogen (N) for corn
on 150 high-management acres near the
swine operation is supplied using irriga-
tion water from the two-stage lagoon
system. And while all other acres typically
receive anhydrous ammonia as a sidedress
application, the fortuitous addition of a real-
time kinetics (RTK)-guidance auto-steering
system in early 2010 allowed application of
anhydrous preplant.
“We’ve experienced several years when
it has been wet in the month of June,
making it hard to get sidedressing done,”
says Bales, who oversees crop planning
and operations. “If we hadn’t been able
to apply N prior to planting, we probably
would have been dripping liquid N between
the rows with highboys.” Because the
farm has the equipment and labor to apply
anhydrous, Bales estimates the ability to
complete timely application plus the savings
on application cost may have paid for their
investment in the RTK-guidance technology.
GETTING BETTER AT
EVERYTHING
Since 1981, Fairholme Farms has worked
with its crop consultants, Purdue University
and the University of Illinois, to complete
numerous on-farm trials. This has helped
them achieve a five-year average yield
of 165 bu /acre on corn and 59 bu /ac on
soybeans. While Drackett and Bales are
always game to try something new, they
like to have proof it works.
With their experience in crop production
and from what they’ve seen through previ-
ous on-farm research, the duo is convinced
reaching the industry’s 300-bushel yield
goal will require everything coming together.
“We are going to have to get better at
everything,” says Drackett. “We’ll need
more plants per acre, better soil tilth, more
balanced nutrition, and better hybrids and
varieties. On the nutrient side, we will need
to use fertilizer formulations as well as
technologies that provide nutrition through-
out the entire growing season. Finding what
works is why we’ve been doing on-farm
research so long and why we will continue
to do so.”

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company. 17

 BALANCED CROP NUTRITION

Managing P Soil Test Values

B Y G Y L E S W. R A N D A L L , P h . D .
Unversity of Minnesota — Waseca
Soil testing is the best tool farmers have Table G.
for determining and managing phos- Calculate P and K Removal rates
phorus (P) levels in their fields. Testing To calculate phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) removal rates in corn grain and
can confirm increases in soil test phos- soybean seed, multiply yield by estimated P and K removal constants.
phorus (STP) resulting from application
CORN
of P and also document how much
crop removal has decreased STP. P Removal Rate = corn yield bu. X .35 (P2O5 /bu. removal constant)
Unfortunately, in the last decade or
K Removal Rate = corn yield bu. X .25 (K2O/bu. removal constant)
two, STP has declined in many areas
of the Corn Belt. The steady decline is SOYBEAN
generally due to increasing yields, which
P Removal Rate = soybean yield bu. X .85 (P2O5 /bu. removal constant)
remove greater levels of P from the soil,
coupled with P application rates that K Removal Rate = soybean yield bu. X 1.3 (K2O/bu. removal constant)
often have fallen below crop nutrient
Source: G. Randall, University of Minnesota
removal rates (Table G). This trend is
particularly evident for rented land when
the renter chooses to mine P from the applied for corn each year followed by P to be available in the soil.
soil rather than apply fertilizer or manure no additional P for soybeans the next Maintaining high STP values gives
P at a rate sufficient to maintain STP at year. All other inputs were similar across growers the flexibility to skip P fertiliza-
an optimum level. both STP regimes. tion without sacrificing yield. Moreover,
Table H shows the economic penalty the risk of failing to maximize yield
Building P soil test values (nearly $120 per acre per year) of low- in exceptional years is reduced by
Since nutrients removed by the crop testing compared to very-high-testing maintaining STP at high levels. Less-
need to be replaced by fertilizer or soils even when P fertilizer is applied. than-high STP values can easily be yield
manure P to maintain soil test P values, This illustrates further that managing limiting, resulting in potential yield being
farmers often ask, “How much phos- soil phosphorus levels is critical as left in the field. Finally, high STP gives
phate will it take to raise my STP value farmers attempt to maximize the extra resource value to the land, provid-
to the optimum level?” This is a difficult return on their fertilizer dollar. Knowing ing better return on investment to both
question to answer as the amount of the soil test P status of soils is espe- the landowner and renter.
P required depends on current and tar- cially important on rented or recently Visit www.Back-to-Basics.net for
geted STP levels, subsoil P level, depth acquired acres. Simply said, high yields more information on soil testing and
of P2O5 incorporation and crop yields/ require high P uptake, which requires managing phosphorus.
nutrient removal during the time frame
Table H.
in which the STP is to be increased.
A common rule of thumb developed Soil Test P Impact on Yield, Economic Return
by University of Illinois researchers ECONOMIC
BENEFIT PER
says 18 pounds P2O5 per acre will LOW STP VERY HIGH YIELD ACRE FOR VERY
7 PPM STP 25 PPM DIFFERENCE HIGH STP
increase Bray P1 by 1 ppm. In a 12-year
Minnesota study during the ’70s and P2O5 prior to corn 50 lbs /A 50 lbs /A
’80s, with corn yields averaging 150
bu /acre, Bray P1 STP was maintained $117
Corn yield 3-yr avg. 167 bu 193 bu 26 bu
at 20 ppm with an annual 50-pounds- ($4.50/bu)
P2O5-per-acre rate. STP increased 1 $97.50
ppm per year when an additional 30 Soybean yield 3-yr avg. 39 bu 49 bu 10 bu
($9.75/bu)
pounds P2O5 per acre were applied Source: G. Randall, University of Minnesota
annually. Thus, given the many variables
involved, annual soil testing is an excel-
lent way to monitor changes in STP for
each particular situation.
Recent research indicates high soil
test P values may be necessary for
economically successful corn and
soybean production. A three-year study
in Minnesota compared yields of corn
and soybeans grown on low P-testing
soil and very high P-testing soil. A
50-pounds-P2O5-per-acre rate was

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company. 19

 MANAGEMENT PROFILE

An “Edge”
Edge” That Leaves
Leave Nothing
othing to Chanc
Chance

Kriss Schroeder
Colby, Kansas
• Corn
• Wheat
• Sorghum
• Sunflower
• Dryland, no-till, intensive management

In 1991, when Kriss Schroeder put away
his veterinary license and came home to
farm near Colby, Kan., he knew he’d need
an edge to make a living in the dryland-
cropping region.
Schroeder adopted an intensive manage-
ment program that took a 180-degree
approach to traditional summer-fallow
wheat production. By switching to continu-
ous no-till, he now raises a crop every year,
on every acre.
“Water is by far our number one limiting
factor to crop production. By switching to
no-till, I felt I would be able to conserve
enough moisture to grow a crop every
year,” relates Schroeder. “We do this by
keeping as much residue on the surface as
possible and not letting anything grow that
doesn’t produce income.”
With 70 percent of his acres in corn, he
follows a two- to three-year cycle of the
same crop, rather than rotating yearly. This
enhances weed control and reduces the
risk that can come from needing to drill
wheat immediately following the combine
in the fall.
Residue preservation involves stripper-
headers during wheat harvest and keeping
the header as high as possible during corn,
sorghum and sunflower harvest so more
residue stands longer. Stubble and stalks
are moisture-management assets providing
shade, snow-holding capacity and protec-
tion from drying winds. Weeds are killed
before they can steal moisture.
Beyond conserving moisture, the north-
west Kansas farmer believes good genetics
and a balanced soil fertility program are the
most important facets of his success. Each
year, he studies seed and fertilizer test
plots and does his own on-farm testing of
new genetics as well as other crop produc-
tion products.
“On-farm research is the fun part of
farming. There are a lot of differences
in soils, and something that might work
200 miles from here may not work here,”
he explains. “On-farm research is risk
management. Before you spend thousands
of dollars on something, you’d better know
it works.”
SOIL TESTING EVERY YEAR
Another risk-management tool Schroeder
employs is annual soil testing of every field.
While he has experimented with 2.5-acre
grid sampling, he currently samples every
8 to 10 acres and combines samples from
like soils within each field.
“Through the years, the greatest variabil-
ity we’ve seen from a nutrition standpoint
is due to mineralization of nutrients from
the previous crop’s residue,” Schroeder
explains. “Some years we have a fair
amount of rain and heat. That mineralizes a
lot of nutrients. If the following year is dry,
we may not have as much mineralization,
so we’ll need to apply more fertilizer.” He
estimates this variability can range from a
nearly insignificant amount to the crop’s
full requirement from the lowest to highest
years; therefore, he is not confident in
building a nutrient program based strictly
on estimated crop removal.
Levels of mobile nutrients, nitrogen (N),
chloride (Cl) and sulfur (S), also are hard to
predict without annual soil tests because of
leaching. Soil samples typically are pulled
from 0 to 6 inches and also 6 to 24 inches.
In years in which nutrient leaching is sus-
pected, N, Cl and S are evaluated at 24- to
48-inch depths.
NUTRIENT PLAN ADJUSTED,
BALANCED EACH YEAR
Using a spreadsheet built following nutri-
ent recommendations from Kansas State
University, Schroeder develops a balanced
nutrient program for each field, each
year, adjusting the rates up or down a bit
depending on expectations for the growing
season. He stresses the importance of
formulating a program every year on every
field and balancing nutrition for his crops.
“If you’re taking vitamins, you don’t load
up on vitamin C and forget about vitamin
A, calcium and other nutrients,” he says.
“Plants are no different. If you load up one
nutrient and another nutrient is limiting,
that will limit your yields. I strive to make
sure nothing I can control limits my yields.”
At planting, granular fertilizer is applied
as a starter with the planter or drill. He uses
MicroEssentials® SZ™ as his source for P,
N, Zn, S and supplements it with additional
K as needed. Liquid nitrogen in the form
of UAN is streamed on in a band every
15 inches in the fall or winter after the
soil temperature drops below 50 degrees.
If moisture conditions are favorable for a
bumper crop, additional N is occasionally
applied in the spring.
Yields are proof Schroeder has found the
“edge” he needs for success. His whole-
farm averages for each crop are well above
average for the area.

20 This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company.

Magnesium—Often Forgotten, but Most Essential
BY NOBLE UNDERWOOD
IPNI — Retired
A g r i - Te c h S e r v i c e s L L C , P r e s i d e n t
Without photosynthesis, plant life would
not exist. And without magnesium (Mg),
there would be no photosynthesis.
Plants could not produce our food, and
hunger would become our number one
concern.
Often the “forgotten nutrient,” Mg is
the most essential of the 17 nutrients
needed for plant growth. It is a vital
team player working with other nutri-
ents and is essential for top-profit crop
production.
Contributions to plant growth
As the central ion in the chlorophyll
molecule, Mg is essential for photosyn-
thesis. It works with phosphorus (P) to
transfer energy needed within the plant
for growth, and it works with nitrogen
(N), sulfur (S) and potassium (K) to build
quality protein. Seed formation requires
both Mg and P.
Crop and soil needs for Mg
are science based
Soil tests are the most reliable way
to determine Mg availability from soil
reserves. The soil’s Mg status should
be updated whenever pH, P and K
levels are checked. Remember, crop
response to fertilizer Mg occurs most
often on acidic, low-exchange-capacity
soils that are low in organic matter and
soil test Mg.
Plant analysis can help to detect a
shortage of Mg. Sample the whole plant
at the seedling stage for corn, small
grains or soybeans. As plants approach
their reproductive stage, specific leaves
become a better measure of the Mg
status. For many crops, a rule of thumb
is to sample the youngest fully mature
leaves. If possible, collect a soil sample
at the same time and from the same
area of the plant sample.
Increasing yields will require
higher Mg levels
• Higher plant populations per acre will
require more nutrients to meet growth
needs.
This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company.
• Increasing rates of needed K fertil-
izers will put greater stress on Mg
absorption. This places more K ions
in the soil solution to compete with
Mg ions for uptake by plant roots.
• Root uptake difficulties brought on
by soil acidity, by soil flooding or
compaction, or by reduced-tillage Time-proven source of Mg
practices. Crop advisors often address the need
• Greater removal of Mg from the for Mg by incorporating potassium
field occurs due to increasing yields magnesium sulfate (K-Mag®) into a
and multiple cropping. (Nutrient balanced fertilization program. Also
uptake values for individual crops known as langbeinite or double sulfate
are presented on page 12.) of potash, K-Mag is sourced from ore
beds deep beneath the earth’s surface.
Higher crop yield and quality Langbeinite, an evaporite mineral, is
Magnesium’s contributions to yield one of the most soluble salts in the
and quality are both crop and site ocean. As a result, K-Mag is virtually
specific. Scientists in Minnesota, for 100 percent water soluble and the Mg,
example, pay special attention to the K and S it provides are immediately
Mg status of forage crops to help avoid available to crops.
an Mg shortage in the diet of ruminant
animals. Magnesium’s contributions to
crop quality are seldom visible since
it works behind the scenes regulating
enzyme systems, producing sugars or
helping with other vital crop activities.
University specialists in the Southeast
United States point out that a shortage
of Mg is most likely for high-yield crops
growing on acidic, sandy soils of the
Coastal Plain.
Vegetable crops are often responsive
to fertilizer Mg. For example, Mg
improved the protein content of potatoes
and reduced internal discoloration while
increasing firmness. Color disorders in
tomatoes were reduced by balancing
Mg and K in the fertilization program.
Yield response has been noted for
different crops growing on low-testing
soils: 1) Mg increased potato yield from
6.7 to 8.7 tons per acre in Michigan;
2) 50 lbs/acre of Mg increased tomato
yield from 16.5 to 20.3 tons/acre; and
3) Mg increased corn grain yield at three
locations on low-Mg coastal plain soils.
To learn more about the role of
magnesium in crop production,
visit www.Back-to-Basics.net.
21
 BALANCED CROP NUTRITION

Understanding Zinc Deficiency

BY DAN FROEHLICH, Ph.D.
The Mosaic Company
Zinc (Zn) has been put to work on farms
for decades. Fencing wire and nails are
galvanized with zinc to prevent rust.
Metal buckets are coated with zinc to
last longer. However, zinc’s most impor-
tant job is in the field, as one of the 17
essential elements in plant growth.
Zinc deficiency is growing in the
Midwest, and it is more likely to occur
in corn than soybean fields. This is
due in part to earlier planting of corn in
cool and moist soil. Also, more residue
resulting from conservation tillage and
higher grain yields places added stress
on seedlings to absorb Zn from soil.
Zinc is heavily involved in enzyme
systems that regulate the early growth
stages, and is vital for fruit, seed and
root system development, photosynthe-
sis, formation of plant growth regulators
and crop stress protection. In addition,
Zn is a team player with nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
However, Zn is required in very small
amounts compared to N or K. Only
about a half-pound of Zn is needed per
acre for high-yield (180 bu/acre) corn
production. Sixty-bushel wheat needs
about 0.28 pound of Zn per acre. Yet,
lack of Zn can limit plant growth, just
like N or K, if the soil is deficient or crop
uptake is restricted.
Give plants a good start
Crops need readily available Zn,
especially when plants are young and
growing vigorously. Zn does not move
in the soil, so the small seedling’s root
system may have difficulty finding and
taking up Zn reserves. Zinc availability
and uptake also can be limited by other
environmental and crop management
practices, including:
• Liming to reduce soil acidity.
Availability of Zn to plants declines as
soil pH increases. Zinc is usually more
available as soil pH moves to the acid
side of 7.0. Be alert for a Zn shortage
for sensitive crops growing on soils
with pH 6.0 or higher.
• Low soil temperature. The solubility
or availability of Zn in soil is affected
by soil temperature, and solubility
decreases as soil temperature drops.
• Reduced-tillage systems. Crop
residues on the soil surface at plant-
ing time shade the soil, resulting in a
This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company.
lower soil temperature and higher soil
moisture level. These conditions put
stress on a small root system, making
it difficult to uptake required Zn, as
well as P and Mg.
• Low organic matter. Zinc availability
also has been linked to soil organic
matter content. The soil test for Zn
usually increases as the soil organic
matter content increases. So, Zn
deficiency symptoms will usually
appear first on eroded portions of the
landscape where the organic matter
content is low.
• Early crop-planting windows.
Corn and certain vegetables are
being seeded earlier in the spring,
when soils are cool and moist. This
compounds the stress on seed- The photo above illustrates symptoms
lings caused by reduced tillage, and of zinc deficiency in corn.
makes a readily available supply of Zn
and other nutrients even more impor-
tant to ensure early plant growth.
• Soils testing low in Zn and high
in P. Soil-test each field to help
identify where crops will respond to
Zn. Fields that test low in Zn and high
in soil pH and P need attention first.
University scientists report that a low
Zn level, teamed with a high soil pH,
can increase crop uptake of P to an
excessive level. A shortage of Zn
severely impairs the plant’s ability to
regulate P accumulation. This triggers
excess uptake of P and the develop-
ment of Zn deficiency symptoms.
Getting ready for next year’s
crops starts now
Soil and plant analysis labs provide
guidelines for sampling fields, evaluating
crop need for Zn and determining the
amount of fertilizer Zn needed to correct
a deficiency.
Soil-sample fields carefully, and
analyze the lab reports on a field-by-
field, crop-by-crop basis with your
agronomic advisor. Remember, a Zn
deficiency is often not visible at the high-
yield level. Thus, soil and plant analysis
are key detection tools. Knowing the
other conditions that create resis-
tance to root uptake of Zn will help to
determine when Zn should become a
member of the balanced nutrient team.
To learn more about zinc, visit
www.Back-to-Basics.net.
23
 ;OL7YVK\J[PVU*OHSSLUNL
BY MIKE RAHM, Ph.D.
The Mosaic Company
Global demand for the leading grain
and oilseed crops is projected to
increase from about 2.6 billion tonnes
today to 3.1 billion tonnes in 2020 and
to more than 4.5 billion tonnes in 2050.
In fact, demand growth has accelerated
despite the Great Recession and linger-
ing fears about the global economy.
Demand has increased at a 2.2 percent
per-year clip during the last five years
compared to a 1.8 percent per-year pace
during the first half of the last decade.
Grain and oilseed demand is fueled
by three key drivers: 1) steady popula-
tion growth, 2) increases in income and
the upgrading of diets by a swelling
middle class, especially in the populous
and rapidly developing countries of
Asia, and 3) the expansion of grain-
based biofuels production, particularly
the exponential growth of corn-based
ethanol output in the United States.
All of these demand drivers look
positive. Global population is projected
to increase from 6.7 billion today to
7.6 billion by the end of the decade
and to more than 9.0 billion by 2050.
Global population currently increases
about 75 million people per year—the
equivalent of adding another Ethiopia to
the world each year.
Based on IHS Global Insight fore-
casts, global GDP per capita in 2005
dollars is projected to increase from the
Great Recession low of $7,200 to more
than $9,300 in 2020 and to about
$18,700 by 2050. Statistics show
people spend a large percentage of
the increase in income on protein-rich
and more grain-intensive foods such
as meat, eggs and dairy products as
they move from low to moderate levels
of income.
24 This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company.
Grain-based biofuels have both pas-
sionate proponents and opponents,
but political support for these programs
looks solid, particularly if energy prices
trend up as predicted this decade
and grain and oilseed prices remain at
moderate levels due to expected yield
increases. For example, corn used for
ethanol production in the United States
is projected to increase to more than
135 million tonnes, or about 5.4 billion
bushels, in order to meet blending man-
dates by the middle of this decade.
Given this positive demand outlook,
the challenge for farmers around
the world is to produce another
500 million tonnes of grains and
oilseeds per year by the end of
the decade—equal to another U.S.
harvest—and to boost global produc-
tion by more than 70 percent by the
middle of this century. Farmers will
need to harvest record area and reap
ever-increasing yields in order for grain
and oilseed supplies to keep pace with
accelerating demand.
Put another way, the horse race
between grain and oilseed supply and
demand looks like a nearly dead heat.
Supply will inch ahead and stocks will
grow when harvests exceed trend as was
the case in 2008 and 2009. Demand
will inch ahead and stocks will fall
when harvests fall below trend growth
as is the case this year. Nevertheless,
farmers and crop input suppliers
will need to whip the supply horse
in order for it to keep pace with the
demand horse. That is exactly what
futures prices for most agricultural
commodities are signaling today for the
next several crop years: Keep whipping
the supply horse by planting record
area and harvesting record yields year
after year.
Yet, as highlighted throughout this
supplement, achieving the next genera-
tion of yields will require a complete
bundle of high-technology inputs—
including not only promising new seed
varieties but also more sophisticated
crop nutrient products and practices.
For example, feeding 45,000 corn plants
per acre will require innovative products
that uniformly deliver sufficient amounts
of primary as well as secondary nutri-
ents and micronutrients. This also likely
will necessitate more precise placement
or even multiple applications. One thing
we can say with certainty: Meeting
future demand will require finding the
most synergistic combination of innova-
tive production technologies with which
to drive tomorrow’s high-yield systems.
© 2010, The Mosaic Company. All rights reserved. MicroEssentials is a registered trademark of The Mosaic Company. MES-0169
The next generation
neration of fertilizer
for the next generation of farming.
Every MicroEssentials
granule contains nitrogen,
phosphorus and sulfur. This
ensures uniform distribution
and better nutrient uptake.
With every new generation, population continues to grow. This means we need more food.
Today’s farmers are leading the way to meet the increasing food demands of the future.
MicroEssentials® is the next generation of fertilizer designed to meet the needs of your
advanced farming operation. Demand more;
demand MicroEssentials. For more information,
go to MicroEssentials.com.
 Are You Ready
for Higher Yields?
Achieving the next generation of yields will require a complete
package of high-technology inputs, new management practices
and crop fertility. Review the checklist below to see if your crop
production program is ready for the higher yields needed to meet
future demand for food, feed, fiber and fuel.

  I have a fertility plan for every field. Page 20

  I have made management changes to ensure I’m optimizing

the return on my investment in seed. Page 8

  I agree the triple-stack hybrids I’m planting yield more and need
a higher level of fertility to fulfill their yield potential. Page 2

  My fertilizer application rates have increased as my yields

increase. Page 2

  I have a regular, systematic plan to soil-test every field on my

farm to make sure soil nutrient levels have not decreased
below critical levels. Page 13

  I am experimenting with higher plant populations on my farm.

Page 8

  In the past three years, I have seen corn plants on my farm
showing pale striping of the leaves. Page 22

  Sulfur is a nutrient that may be needed on my farm. Page 14

For more information, turn to the page

listed after each statement, visit
www.Back-to-Basics.net

This information produced and presented by The Mosaic Company.