Micronutrients are a small ingredient in the crop nutrition recipe but farmers need to pay attention because deficiencies can produce a yield and profit hit.
What’s the best strategy for managing micros like boron, zinc, iron and manganese? Agronomy Advantage agronomist Deb Campbell says micronutrient management can be complex and confusing, but with the right strategy, good agronomic insights and effective tools, growers can address problems and have a positive impact on yield.
At the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association’s MicroSmart Deep Dive meeting in Kingston, Ont., Campbell discussed the challenges of micronutrient management. She emphasized the importance of having boots on the ground for targeted scouting, spatial management, and using tools like soil maps to identify and address deficiencies.
Campbell says one of the challenges of micro management is identification. She stresses the importance of accurate diagnosis to differentiate between micronutrient deficiencies and other issues like insect damage or water-logging.
In this interview with RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin, Campbell highlights manganese as a common deficiency, particularly in cereals, soybeans, and dry beans, often linked to specific soil types and environmental conditions. She emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and foliar treatments for manganese.
Campbell also underlines the value of using tissue testing to diagnose micro deficiencies. Interpreting tissue test results, however, can be tricky and it’s important to seek out agronomic advice when building a strategy to address problems.
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