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/.