2006 corn, soybean nutrient harvest in the northcentral U.S.

By Dr. T. Scott Murrell, International Plant Nutrition Institute
Friday, April 13, 2007 8:44 AM CDT

In 2006, Iowa had the highest average corn yields of the six states of IPNI's northcentral U.S. region: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. State average corn yields in 2006 ranged from 97 to 166 bu/A. Average P removal rates were 34 to 70 lb. P2O5/A and quantities of K removed were 29 to 50 lb. K2O/A. In 2006, the majority of the states showed decreased corn yields and quantities of nutrients removed. Only two states, Illinois and Indiana, were up from last year. Nationally, the U.S. average corn yield in 2006 was 149.1 bu/A, up 0.7 percent from 2005.

Soybean yields in 2006 ranged from 34 to 50.5 bu/A, with Iowa again having the highest average yield. Quantities of P removed by soybean harvest ranged from 26 to 41 lb P2O5/A. Potassium removal was 44 to 76lb K2O/A. Like corn, Illinois and Indiana were the only states to see increases. Indiana's corn and soybean yield increases were similar, but in Illinois, corn yield increases far outpaced those of soybeans. U.S.soybean yields averaged 42.7 bu/A, down 0.7% from 2005.

Nutrient management will need to be adjusted for 2006 production levels and nutrient removal rates. Recalculating historical average yields andre-evaluating soil sampling schedules may be in order. In addition,growers should consider sampling corn and soybean grain for nutrient content to gain insight into nutrient removal rates occurring in their local area and under their management practices and environmental conditions. 

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