FREEPORT — Optimizing Corn Response to Nitrogen through Phosphorus and Potassium Management will be discussed at the Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit, hosted by the University of Illinois Extension, on Jan. 29. Dr. John Jones, Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Soil Fertility Extension Specialist in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, will lead this insightful discussion.

Dr. Jones will explore how the efficient use of soil and fertilizer nitrogen by corn plants is influenced by both controllable and uncontrollable factors. By managing soil-test levels of phosphorus and potassium, farmers can enhance corn nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency, improve economic returns from N, P, and K fertilization, and support overall nitrogen cycling in corn-soybean rotations. This presentation will highlight recent research on the interaction between soil-test nutrient levels and nitrogen use and will delve into ongoing studies focused on soil fertility and nutrient losses in Northern Illinois.

Other topics to be covered at the event include What we Know Today About Biologicals in Illinois Row Crops, Corn and Soybean Management Considerations for 2025, Highland Community College Agriculture Research Update, and Resistance, Mitigations, and Metribuzin: Aspects of Weed Management in 2025.

Attendees can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs): one in nutrient management, two in crop management, and one in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

The Northwest Illinois Agronomy Summit will take place at the Highland Community College Student Conference Center in Freeport, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To register, or for more information visit: go.illinois.edu/JSW or call U of I Extension at (815) 235-4125.