From deficiency to efficiency: Smarter nitrogen use for stronger yields

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Understand the causes, signs and sustainable solutions for nitrogen deficiency in canola, corn and soybeans.

Nitrogen (N) is an essential plant nutrient. It is necessary for synthesizing proteins and a major component of chlorophyll.

Without nitrogen, plants can’t survive because the nutrient is critical to photosynthesis. Too little nitrogen and plants can become stunted as growth slows and leaves yellow. This is known as nitrogen deficiency, a common symptom of abiotic plant stress.

Common causes of nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen deficiency is often caused by weather and abiotic stressors like drought, extreme heat, cold, and soil salinity.When crops face abiotic stress, they struggle to grow, and produce a healthy yield.

Watch for these seven common causes of nitrogen deficiency in canola, corn and soybeans:

Low or high pH soils
Sandy or light soils (nutrient leaching)
Low organic matter
Drought conditions
Poor soil conditions (excessively wet or dry soils)
Compacted soil
High levels of non-decomposed organic matter

Spot nitrogen deficiency

Nitrogen can have an impact on a yield and crop quality. That’s why it’s critical to identify any signs of nitrogen deficiency. Here are some visible symptoms to watch for in canola, corn and soybeans:

Canola

Premature yellowing of leaves at the bottom of the plant
Thin plants with reduced vigor
Smaller leaves

Corn

Pale yellow or yellowish-green leaves
Stunted or spindly growth (especially in younger plants)
Early senescence of older leaves

Soybeans

Stunted plants
Light green colouring (first signs occur on lower, older leaves)
Poor nodulation on roots

Boost nitrogen efficiency

Nitrogen deficiencies can be remedied and even prevented. Farmers can apply nitrogen top ups at key crop growth stages, but traditional nitrogen fertilizers are subject to loss, in fact nitrogen losses commonly reach 25% of the applied nitrogen and can be as high as 50-60% in some situations (Cassman, 2002).

Biological crop solutions, like Utrisha™ N can prevent a nutrient deficiency by harnessing a plant’s nutrient efficiency. This biostimulant can be tank mixed and applied as a foliar to help crops like canola, corn and soybeans maximize available nitrogen when they need it the most to prevent deficiencies and enhance plant productivity.

Utrisha N also compliments and diversifies a conventional nitrogen fertilizer program by providing nitrogen at critical times during the plant’s life cycle.

By increasing nitrogen availability through the use of biostimulants, farmers can promote healthier plants and help maximize crop potential by providing continuous supplemental nitrogen.

How does Utrisha N work?

Utrisha N uses natural bacteria, methylobacterium symbioticum, to fix nitrogen from the air and convert it for plant use.

A diagram of a plant

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By capturing and providing a sustainable, alternative source of nitrogen, Utrisha N reduces a plant’s dependency of nitrogen uptake from the soil and ensures the plant has access to nitrogen all season long.

Ready to prevent nitrogen deficiencies? Reach out to a Biological Innovation Manager today to learn more.

References

Cassman, K.G., Dobermann, Walters, 2002. Agroecosystems, Nitrogen-Use Efficiency, and Nitrogen Management. Agronomy & Horticulture – Faculty Publications. Paper 356.