Ion-Exchange Resins for Estimating Potassium Availability in Production Agriculture.

Ion-exchange resins have been used in turf and environmental settings for many years with little exposure in production agriculture. In 2010, 54% of corn (Zea maize L.) tissue samples collected using the NutriSolutions™ Tool reported below-adequate potassium status.  These results led WinField™ to begin to examine ion-exchange resin capsules (IERC) from UNIBEST International as another tool to better understand in-season potassium availability. WinField™ has conducted field trials since 2011 utilizing NutriVision™ IERCs, along with NutriSolutions™ tissue samples and soil sample analysis, to monitor and attempt to improve potassium availability, most specifically in corn production areas. In 2013, more than 100 on-farm trials will be completed.