In Illinois, it’s more common for farmers to focus fertilizer management on their corn crop with the belief some fertilizer will remain for their soybean crop. However, this approach may result in yield being left in the field. In addition, little is known about the impact of N and S on soybean yield in no-till, strip-till and cover cropping systems, as well as when to time applications to optimize nutrient uptake for soybean growth and yield.

This on-farm research project, funded by the Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program, aims to better understand how strategic nutrient management can impact soybean yield across northern and central Illinois. It evaluates different nutrient strategies under no-till, strip-till, 15” rows, 30” rows, with cover crops, and without cover crops. Data will be used to inform future year trials and ultimately provide farmers with best management practices for nutrient management in soybean crops.

To learn more about this project, visit the ILSoyAdvisor Research Hub – https://fieldadvisor.org/controlled-release-npk-mgmt/. 

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About the Author: Kelsey Litchfield

Kelsey Litchfield is the Agronomic Outreach Specialist for the Illinois Soybean Association. In her role, she manages Field Advisor's media platforms and assists the agronomy team with events and field days. A native of Rio, IL, Kelsey earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2017 where she double majored in Agricultural Communications and Broadcast Journalism.

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