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Be cautious when making soil fertility decisions

An agronomist at Superior Ag says the current state of the ag economy has some growers already considering nutrient management cuts in 2026.

Jesse Uebelhor says taking regular soil tests can help growers make the best decision for their operation.

“We need to know the fertility levels of the soils before we choose to make a decision not to put fertilizer on,” he says. “You have to look at your primary nutrients first and then you look at your secondary nutrients. That could be magnesium or sulfur in your secondary. Then you really have to look down into your micronutrients.”

He tells Brownfield maintaining adequate macronutrient levels, like potassium, can benefit overall corn development. 

“We’re seeing some very positive results in that V1 stage all the way up to about V5,” he says. “It’s pretty close to a one to one ratio between nitrogen and potassium up to V5 and V6. Making that application every year, we are able to maintain some yields.”

Uebelhor says monitoring micronutrients and soil pH can also help growers make better fertility decisions in the future. 

Brownfield interviewed Uebelhor during the 2025 Superior Ag Agronomic Knowledge Field Day.

AUDIO: Jesse Uebelhor