Typically, corn shows a greater response to starter fertilizer than soybean. Part of the reason for that is that soils are generally warmer when soybeans are planted than when corn is planted. The typical response in early growth observed in corn is usually not observed in soybeans. However, yield response to direct soybean fertilization with phosphorus and other nutrients can be expected in low-testing soils.

While high nitrogen fertilizer prices up until recently have resulted from responses to the Covid pandemic, general price inflation, and policies in Europe to move away from fossil fuels, the Ukraine-Russia conflict will likely intensify nitrogen price and supply concerns, say researchers at the University of Illinois.

High rates for fertilizer could continue through spring planting.