Higher Corn Yields

The fastest route to high corn yields is a finely tuned nutrient management plan that addresses nutrient use efficiency, low commodity prices, return on investment and environmental stewardship. Cole DeLong, an agronomist with First Farmers Coop in Lexington, Tennessee, explains:"Our objective is to let the return on investment drive our customers nutrient management programs. We also want to proactively address environmental stewardship by minimizing nutrient runoff. We don't apply anymore nitrogen and phosphorus than what is needed for plant uptake. We lower the farmer's production costs but keep yields high.

DeLong says many of his customers have been able to reduce their rates of applied nitrogen and phosphorus in an effort to lower production costs while not sacrificing yield. The lower fertilizer rates do not limit yield potential because fertilizer managers and enhancers are used to boost nutrient use efficiency.

DeLong says some of his customers have been able to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus rates by 10 to 15 percent when using NutriSphere-N and AVAIL.