There are 16 essential elements that are important for healthy growth and development of soybeans.  These include the non-mineral elements – carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, and mineral elements which include macronutrients found in most fertilizers -nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (potash); secondary macronutrients – calcium, magnesium and sulfur; and micronutrients – boron, chloride, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.

Micronutrients haven’t been given a lot of attention until recently because they are needed in such small amounts.  However, with the demand for high analysis N-P-K fertilizer, there has been a reduction of micronutrients in these blends.   Soybeans were once thought to be able to survive off of the residual levels of micronutrients left behind in the soil, but the demand for higher-yielding crops is removing more micronutrients than ever before, leaving soils lacking or deficient in one or more key micronutrients.

Even though only small amounts are needed, micronutrients are key in many physiological processes in the plant including enzyme production, cell wall structure, and metabolic pathways such as photosynthesis, flowering, seed development and root growth.  Shortages of any of the micronutrients can have a dramatic impact on yields.

Environmental conditions and soil characteristics also affect micronutrient deficiencies and availability including soil pH, organic matter content, drainage, manure applications and previous crops grown on that acre.

Foliar applications are the most effective method of delivering micronutrients to soybeans, and are more economical and effective than soil amendments.  With foliar applications, more uniform coverage is obtained, and the response will be much quicker, correcting the deficiency during that growing season.  That being said, it is always better to apply micronutrients as a preventative treatment before deficiency symptoms show up.  The potential yield loss has already occurred by the time symptoms are visible.

Coastal AgroBusiness provides two lines of micronutrient products to help prevent or alleviate micronutrient deficiencies.

Our NutriSol products are designed to be flexible applications that deliver the needed nutrients to your soybeans.  All can be applied as foliar or soil treatments, and are compatible with other crop protection materials.

NutriSol Micro 581 is a micronutrient package containing Boron (B), 0.20% Iron (Fe) 0.30%, Manganese (Mn) 3.20%, Zinc (Zn) 2.10% and Molybdenum (Mo) 0.01% with penetrants and translocation aids that enable the nutrients to move more easily into the plant.

Coastal also offers these nutrient products for crops requiring specific nutrients:

Our newest product, MaxxGro for Soybeans, is a foliar spray application that can be mixed with foliar fertilizers without mixing issues. MaxxGro for Soybeans is compatible with herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide combinations. This product is immediately available for plant uptake.

Click here for detailed information on the important functions of each micronutrient and symptoms of deficiency.

For assistance in using either the NutriSol or MaxxGro line of micronutrient products for a healthy start to a high-yielding soybean crop, contact your local Coastal AgroBusiness representative.

Information provided by Coastal AgroBusiness, Inc.

NutriSol family of products and MaxxGro are brands of Coastal AgroBusiness, Greenville, NC.