For more information , call our Agronomy Team at ( 952 ) 466-3730
Agronomy
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Doug Kraska Agronomy Sales ( 952 ) 466-3730
dougk @ midcountycoop . com
Boron is essential for a healthy alfalfa crop , and a new product from The Mosaic Company can help distribute this micronutrient evenly into the soil .
It ’ s called Aspire TM , and every granule of this homogenized product contains 58 percent potash and . 5 percent boron . Because the boron is in each particle , the chance of all alfalfa plants in the field receiving an adequate amount is much higher than with older
FOR A BETTER ALFALFA CROP
methods .
The Mosaic Company recommends an application rate of 200 pounds of Aspire TM per acre of alfalfa . Application can take place in spring , and it goes well with other fertilizer applications .
When you ’ re fertilizing your fields , it ’ s best to seek recommendations from a crop advisor , because excessive application could be harmful . The amount that ’ s appropriate for your field is unique , based on soil type , crop sensitivity , and other factors .
Contact Mid-County Agronomy today if you ’ d like to learn more about Aspire TM or any of the other products we offer .
SHOULD I APPLY NITROGEN TO MY SOYBEAN FIELD ?
A soybean plant with good nodulation can fix enough nitrogen for 55 to 60 bushels per acre , but the question of if – and when – to apply extra nitrogen to a soybean field isn ’ t always easy to answer .
In a situation with optimal soil , moisture , and temperature , the application of supplemental nitrogen probably isn ’ t necessary .
But , if the field gets too much rain , not enough rain , or the weather is too cold , an extra dose of nitrogen might be a way to boost your yields . The need for nitrogen is also higher in fields with sandy soil , or low organic matter in the soil . When applying nitrogen , timing is important . If it ’ s done too early , the soybean plant
might not produce enough of its own nitrogen . In general , the best time to apply nitrogen is between the flowering stage and pod set .
People who ’ ve applied nitrogen to their soybean fields have had mixed results , and it ’ s not a cure-all for low yields . Every year is different , and every crop is different . What works in one field might not work in another .
If you have a question about applying nitrogen to soybean fields , contact Mid-County Agronomy at ( 952 ) 466-3730 . We ’ d be happy to help you out !
Get your Seed !
Spring planting season will be here before we know it . Avoid the rush and order your seed from Mid-County Agronomy as soon as possible . You ’ re welcome to pick it up , or we can deliver it to you .
There ’ s no need to schedule an appointment when picking up seed , but if you call ahead of time , we can have your order ready to go when you arrive .
Contact Mid-County Agronomy today at ( 952 ) 466-3730 !
www . midcountycoop . com
CONTROLLING CORN ROOT- WORM
If you ’ ve had problems with corn rootworm in your fields , you ’ re not alone .
The insect is known as the most devastating corn production pest in the US , resulting in an estimated $ 1 billion loss to corn growers annually .
When corn rootworms first hatch , they feed on the tips of the corn plant root . They then burrow deeper into the roots , making it difficult for the plant to take in water and nutrients .
In our area , the most prevalent type of rootworm is the Northern corn rootworm . Other pests include the Western corn rootworm .
What can be done to control this prevalent pest ?
One way to prevent rapid expansion of corn rootworm populations is crop rotation . Alternating between corn and soybeans can help give you a clean start to your field each year .
Another tool is Capture LFR in conjunction with a corn rootworm trait , an insecticide that ’ s mixed with liquid fertilizer . It ’ s applied directly over the seed in the spring , in furrow .
The product is formulated to protect the seedlings from damage , and control pests like rootworm , wireworm , cutworm , grubs , and seedcorn maggots .
According to FMC Corporation , 50 independent studies from 2006 to 2011 showed that the use of Capture LFR increased corn yields by an average of 11 bushels per acre .
To learn more about using Capture LFR on your fields , contact Mid-County Agronomy at ( 320 ) 466-3730 .
For more information , call our Agronomy Team at ( 952 ) 466-3730