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