Nutrient Interaction

When we apply fertilizer for crop production, we should be focused on getting our soil in balance. The biggest problem that I see is that growers think that if there is a problem, they need to apply a large dose of a nutrient. This is usually nitrogen, but it could also be phosphate or potassium.

The danger here is that when you over apply one nutrient, you either block the uptake of something or increase the plants need for a nutrient. Just remember that there are more nutrients than just N, P and K.

One grower that I work with puts it this way, “I have a doctorate from Moron University, if a little is good, just put more on.”

Always try to get your soil in balance and don’t try for that doctorate from Moron University.