4 Questions to Boost Corn Yield Without Fertilizer

Farmers often focus on adding more fertilizer to boost corn yield, but this may not be the most effective approach. According to University of Wisconsin-Madison agronomists, the best way to improve yields is to identify and address underlying issues in each field.

The first step is to ask four key questions: What is limiting yield in your field? Are you managing for a realistic yield goal? How much yield are you losing before the crop emerges? And, are you collecting the right data for yield?

By answering these questions, farmers can identify issues such as poor drainage, compaction, inadequate tile spacing, or extreme soil pH. They can then take steps to address these problems and improve soil health.