AgroInsights- It's Time for Start2Finish®

It’s time to be more efficient. It’s time to be more strategic.

Keith Flaniken, Sales Agronomist US South

Much attention is being given to nutrient management efficiencies and nutrient deficiencies these days and rightfully so. The volatility of the commodity market has forced all of us to review, analyze, review again, debate, seek counsel, and struggle with budgeting, deciding on which crop to plant, crop protection needs, and a manageable nutrient program to go along with it. With the current state of affairs in our country and around the world, the economic environment and the unique weather patterns of late, why not consider tackling fertility efficiencies and deficiencies all-the-while targeting our crops for maximum yield potential? 

It’s time to be more efficient. It’s time to be more strategic. It’s time to be attentive to the rhizosphere and the root zone, along with interpreting what the plant itself is telling us. Many years ago, our plant and soil science professor instilled in us that: “Plants never lie and soil is NOT dirt!” In a similar context, he also taught soil and plant nutrient requirements are vastly different and rarely parallel each other during the growing season. That is why it is wise to monitor both soil and plant tissues to get a fair appraisal and honest look at what is going on with a specific crop. It’s time to invest wisely in our nutrient management program, along with our entire input budget.

A few years ago, NACHURS launched its Start2Finish® initiative. The purpose was to exploit the importance of timing in the nutrient demand cycle of plants from start to finish. During the growing season, plants require certain nutrients at different growth stages and different rates for optimum use and efficiency thus maximizing the opportunity to produce high performing crops. By acknowledging and recognizing timely applications of NPKs and micronutrients, when they are in high demand, plants will have an enhanced opportunity for peak performance, improved plant health, and superior plant development.

Start2Finish emphasizes the importance of managing fertility and nutrient inputs from planting through grain fill. It fits hand-in-glove with the 4R Nutrient Stewardship partnership NACHURS has had for years with the International Plant Nutrient Institute (IPNI). IPNI promotes optimum plant nutrient treatments by focusing on using the Right Source of fertility, at the Right Rates, in the Right Places and at the Right Time.

As plans and budgets are developed over the winter months, consider researching the benefits of applying small amounts of plant nutrients throughout the growing season. Reallocating budget dollars to include in season applications of NACHURS liquid fertilizer could very well improve the end results you seek. Begin with a clean, seed safe, high quality in furrow NPK and micros followed with timely foliar applications from Start2Finish.

For more information contact your local NACHURS sales manager or sales agronomist.