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Ohio State University Extension

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Foliar Fertilizer Applications to Soybean

When soybean prices are low, inputs need to be carefully considered. Will I get a return on my investment?

In 2019, Ohio State participated in a national protocol to evaluate foliar fertilizer in soybean. Trials were conducted in 13 states and totaled 20 different growing environments (Figure 1). In 2019, only 1 environment (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin) showed a yield benefit associated with foliar fertilizer application. Ohio-specific results are shown in Figure 2. In Ohio, none of the evaluated foliar fertilizer products resulted in a different yield compared with the non-treated control (no foliar fertilizer application). Our results are consistent with previously conducted trials in Ohio. Historically, yield response to micronutrient foliar fertilizer application is rare. For detailed information, see Corn, Soybean, and Alfalfa Yield Reponses to Micronutrient Fertilization in Ohio FactSheet (https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/agf-519).

Figure 1. Map of locations showing average soybean yield (bu/acre).

Figure 2. Soybean grain yield for the untreated control (no foliar fertilizer application) and foliar fertilizer products. Differences in yield were not statistically significant.

Although, yield response to micronutrient foliar fertilizer application is rare, there are cases where applications are warranted. In Ohio, manganese is the micronutrient that is most likely to be deficient in soybean. In our work, 2 out of 36 trials have shown a statistically significant yield increase with the application of manganese foliar fertilizer. One responsive location was in northern Ohio in a field with high sand content and dry soil conditions. (Manganese is oxidized to an unavailable form under dry conditions.) The second response location was in northwest Ohio in a field with high clay and high pH.

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.