Balanced crop nutrition is critical for optimal corn productivity. Current nutrient recommendations for high corn yields in Georgia are usually based on adjusting primary nutrient application rates. Plants require primary nutrients in greater amounts, followed by secondary nutrients, and then micronutrients. The relative amounts of the essential nutrients required for plant growth are, however, not indicative of their relative importance. The relationship between micronutrient deficiency and yield is just as important as that between macronutrient and yield.
The concept is best illustrated by The Law of the Minimum, which states that growth is dictated not by total resources available, but by the scarcest resource (limiting factor). In other words, growth occurs at the rate permitted by the most limiting factor.
The project seeks to unravel the complex interaction of primary, secondary, and micronutrients and how they affect corn productivity.
We appreciate the Georgia Corn Commission for funding and Georgia Corn Growers Association; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc; and TradeMark Nitrogen, Corp for providing some resources for the project.
