Corn hybrid selection and fertility planning are key in alkaline, or high pH, soils. High-pH soils reduce the availability of plant nutrients, including zinc, iron and phosphorus. Interveinal yellow stripes on middle to upper leaves are signs of iron deficiency, while white stripes on young leaves are characteristic of zinc deficiency. Dark green or purple coloring of lower leaves indicates phosphorus deficiencies.

As corn’s fifth micronutrient, boron is often an afterthought. Boron’s impact is most felt when it’s not available. Deficiencies or a complete absence of boron can cause stalks to become barren, ears to twist and yield to suffer. Monitor your crop for these symptoms and take action if a deficiency is determined to be present.

Cover crops planted after harvest can improve and maintain soil quality in today’s intensive corn-soybean rotations. Understand how different types of cover crops recover unused nutrients, retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and break up compaction.

Utilizing winter cover crops for hay and silage production allows you to realize soil conservation benefits while increasing dry matter production per acre. Proper cover crop management in the spring can ensure the subsequent corn crop is successful, as well.