A recent analysis of 489 seed samples has revealed a concerning trend: 91% of the samples showed at least one nutrient deficiency, with nearly half showing two or more. The most common issues were deficiencies in zinc (72% of samples) and boron (64%), two critical nutrients for early-season root development and overall crop vigor.
While copper, manganese, and phosphorus showed lower deficiency rates, they still appeared frequently enough to warrant attention. These results are a clear sign that we’ve been mining our soils—removing more nutrients through high-yielding crops than we’re replacing through fertility programs. Whether or not you did a seed test earlier this year, this data is a strong indicator of a widespread imbalance that is limiting crop potential.
There are 5 key nutrients critical for germination and early seedling growth:
- Phosphorus: stimulates vigorous early season growth, driving strong roots, and energy production within the plant.
- Zinc: necessary for protein synthesis and membrane function; helps in seed formation and healthy root growth leading to enhanced grain yield.
- Manganese: regulates the splitting of water molecules during photosynthesis and accelerates germination and early seedling development.
- Boron: regulates metabolism of carbohydrates and maintains cell wall integrity of roots
- Nickel: cofactor of urease – involved in the breakdown of urea to ammonia.
Simplify Seed Nutrition with PreCede. PreCede contains:
- Plant nutrition – Macro and micronutrients to address deficiencies to ensure enhanced germination, early season vigor, and rooting.
- Biostimulants – Convey and Cellburst increase rooting and reduce abiotic and biotic stress.
PreCede can be combined with seed protection to further benefit plant health and yield. You can check which seed treatments are compatible with PreCede at atpag.com.