There is untapped potential lurking just below the surface — the potential to maximize yields, enhance soil health, increase plant health and support on-farm sustainability. Combining knowledge, farming practices, fertilizer technologies and biological innovations brings power to that potential — as Advanced Crop Nutrition.
Advanced Crop Nutrition puts promise into practice at the intersection of plant, soil and microbiome. Biologicals and nutrients work together to protect and enhance the plant, while the plant feeds the microbials in the soil. Both are supporting improved soil health, which in turn provides the plant with what it needs to optimize its yields. The result? Greater production while maintaining soil health.
“There are valuable synergies happening right beneath our feet, and it’s an exciting time to be in agriculture. At Mosaic, we are focused on learning more about this interaction and how we can support the naturally occurring microbiome as we also focus on crop health and nutrition,” says Anne Runkel, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Development for Mosaic.
There are 17 key nutrients that are essential for plant health. When all these nutrients are in proper supply, it unlocks the potential for optimal yields. If even just one nutrient is lacking in the soil, crop yields can be stunted from reaching their full potential.
Macronutrients, like phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, are critical to help crops metabolize energy and synthesize proteins. Micronutrients like boron, chlorine, manganese, iron, nickel, copper and zinc may be found in smaller quantities but are just as critical to metabolism, growth and yield potential. Secondary nutrients like magnesium, sulfur and calcium, are also needed by growing plants, but in smaller quantities than macronutrients and in larger quantities than micronutrients.
Providing both macro and micronutrients in available forms for the crop to maximize its potential is bolstered with a portfolio of biological technologies from Mosaic Biosciences™ that provides the balanced crop nutrition that Mosaic performance fertilizers — like MicroEssentials®, Aspire® and K-Mag® — are known for.
“Since soils have a long-term impact on the viability of farms, farmers interested in passing down their land to the next generation are prioritizing soil health. Luckily, soil health can be improved with various practices, including the use of cover crops and conservation tillage. But it requires a long-term commitment to maintain healthy soil,” says Runkel.
It is important to continually monitor soil nutrient levels and replenish them to account for the nutrient removal of each crop. Aim to deliver the right balance of nutrients and the right material consistency to maximize soil health.
Advancing a crop nutrition program for higher yields necessitates feeding the soil that feeds the plant. This starts with understanding how nutrients interact with each other and their movement within the soil and plant. By understanding exactly which nutrients are needed for optimum growth and healthy soils, growers can create a sustainable production system for future generations.
Mosaic is committed to helping the agriculture industry drive soil health forward. By implementing sustainable practices on the farm now, there is greater opportunity to ensure environmental stewardship for the future while continuing to achieve greater yields and profitability.
