Many farmers apply all of their fertilizer before the corn crop. The concern with this practice is that nutrients such as potassium or potash can be tied up via the corn fodder or cover crop residue in the field. It can take up to two to three years before mineralization takes place within this residue and this could be yield limiting to the soybean crop.
To obtain high soybean yields, we need to provide adequate, available potash to the crop. At the very least, make a potash application before the soybean crop to manage for high yielding soybeans. It is recommended to plan at least a year in advance and plant soybeans into a good environment that is monitored and managed for a high return on investment.
About the Author: Kelly Robertson
Kelly Robertson has been a soil fertility agronomist and precision agriculture consultant since 1989 and also spends time in farm/agronomy management roles for farms in Southern Illinois.
In 2012, Kelly and his wife Lori started Precision Crop Services in Benton where they provide agronomic services for their customers including soil testing, crop scouting, data analysis, GPS/GIS services including variable rate seeding and fertility recommendations as well as farm and agronomy management for their customers.
He is a Certified Professional Agronomist, Certified Crop Advisor, Certified 4R Nutrient Management Specialist, 2015 Illinois Soybean Association Double-Crop Specialist, 2016 Illinois CCA of the Year and the 2021 Illinois Soybean Assoc. Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting Award winner.
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