The outlook for fertilizer costs versus commodity prices for next season is a tough one for corn and soybean growers across the country.
With that fact in mind, we have compiled a number of our “best of” nutrient stories from 2025 for your consideration.
Our hope is one or more of the following five articles will help you reduce expenses, reallocate resources and build a solid fertility program for the 2026 that works well for your crops and gives you some peace of mind in the process.
26 Ways To Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Yields
If you made deep cuts to your fertility program this season, are you considering whether you can cut even deeper next year?
If so, be sure to check out this article: 26 Ideas To Cut Fertilizer Costs In 2026. It offers a variety of suggestions from agronomists and other farmers on where you might be able to reduce product use and reallocate resources.
While there are no easy answers to address the cost of fertilizer and other inputs, having conversations with your suppliers and financial providers now can help you leverage your buying power and minimize potential impacts from marketplace uncertainties. For more insights, check out this article: Navigate 2026 Input Costs with A Proactive Strategy.
Reallocate Nutrients And Still Support Yields
Farmers know that nitrogen is the main gas that fuels corn yields. Other macronutrients and micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and manganese also contribute to yield performance. Be sure to check out our article 300-Bu. Corn Has a Big Appetite for N, P and K to learn more.
If you’re looking specifically at how to make phosphorus more efficient, be sure to check out our Farm Journal Test Plot article on the topic: 7 Tips To Make Your Phosphorus Work For You
Every agronomist says to soil test your fields to make sure they are up to the challenge of delivering profitable yields in the most cost-effective way possible. While you’ve probably heard that advice a thousand times, it’s still valuable.That’s where this article comes into play, which features national corn yield champions’ perspective: In This High-Stakes Farming Economy, Some Practices Still Deliver ROI
For even more ideas on how to create a fertility plan best-suited to your needs, check out:
The 4Rs of Fertility
Focus on fertility to prevent pollution and boost profits.
The Challenge of Nitrogen
In your quest for high yields, nothing is more crucial, or more difficult, than managing corn’s most important nutrient.
A Moving Target
Preventing corn from going hungry requires balancing nitrogen and other factors, from year to year and field to field.
The Great Escape
Stabilizers and controlled-release products help keep the Houdini of nutrients where your crop needs it.
In the “Lime” Light
Correct acidity to create diverse microbial populations, which decompose residue and release soil nutrients.
Potassium Insight
Drought emphasizes the value of this vital nutrient.
