TFI co-hosted a series of webinars with the American Society of Agronomy and Certified Crop Advisors to discuss 4R strategies in micronutrient application. The webinars are available for for purchase from the American Society of Agronomy website.
Boron in Agriculture: Principles and Use – This webinar will present an up-to-date summary of what is known about the biology of boron in plants and the use of boron in agriculture. Aspects of boron uptake, function, and mobility in plants will be discussed as they relate to the management of boron in agriculture.
Copper Nutrition and Management in Crop Plants – Different crops exhibit different sensitivity to copper (Cu) deficiency. Thus, criteria for the assessment of Cu deficiency vary by crop. Assessment of the Cu status of a soil can present challenges due to the spatial variability of Cu as well as interactions with other nutrients (e.g., manganese, boron, phosphorus). Furthermore, interpretation of Cu deficiency differs from that of macronutrients. Each of these aspects of Cu presents challenges for effective Cu management in crop production systems. This webinar will provide a brief description of the role of Cu in crop plants and will describe environments where Cu deficiencies can be common. The effectiveness of different fertilizer product types will be discussed.
Taking a 4R Approach when Applying Iron to Crops – Many soils contain ample amounts of iron for crop production. Iron deficiency and a resultant decrease in crop yield therefore often result from the inability of a crop to take up iron rather than a lack of iron in the soil. Knowing which crops can benefit from iron application is important, as is understanding when to apply fertilizer and what fertilizer source to use. This webinar will discuss current research focused on understanding which sources of iron are most effective in maintaining iron availability to the plant. The webinar will also delve into where, when, and how sources of iron should be applied to ensure money invested in fertilizer provides a solid return on investment. For soils and crops prone to iron deficiency, a 4R approach is critical for maintaining iron sufficiency and growing productive crops.
Managing Zinc in Agriculture by the 4R Principles – This webinar will present an up-to-date summary of what is known about the biology of zinc in plants, the use of zinc in agriculture, and managing zinc fertilizer sources for crop nutrition through the 4R nutrient stewardship framework. Aspects of zinc plant uptake as well as soil and plant diagnostic tools will be discussed as they relate to the management of zinc in production agriculture.