Fred Below2024-02-05T16:11:20-06:00

Researchers

Dr. Fred Below

Areas of Expertise:

  • Nutrient Management
  • Crop Physiology
  • Agronomy
  • Soybean Production
  • Corn Production
  • Residue Management
  • Biological Product Management

Professor
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

217-333-9745
fbelow@illinois.edu

Dr. Below leads the UIUC Crop Physiology Laboratory where he and his team of more than 10 undergrad and graduate students conduct research focused on management practices that improve corn and soybean grain yields. The team shares findings from replicated field studies and other research on the Lab’s website.

In addition to his role at the Crop Physiology Lab, Dr. Below currently teaches an advanced crop production course to graduate students. He’s also a sought-after speaker and has given numerous presentations at international and national conferences.

Beyond teaching and training the next generation of crop physiologists, Dr. Below’s mission is to create strategies that teach farmers and agricultural professionals the value of crop management decisions. He is focused on developing systems to sustainably produce high-yielding corn and soybeans, which includes evaluating environmental, genetic and management factors that impact crop productivity.

Fun Facts!
Dr. Below is a legend at unearthing tips and tools farmers can use to boost soybean and corn yield. He’s developed and continues to evolve the “Six Secrets of Soybean Success” and the “Seven Wonders of the Corn Yield World.”

Research Projects

Evaluating Leaf Nutrient Tissue Testing and Relation to Soybean Grain Yield2023-12-20T16:26:04-06:00

Because soybeans are able to remobilize, or redistribute, nutrients from lower to newly developing nodes, more information is needed to understand which nutrients and in what quantities are made available to new nodes. This project will use tissue testing to gain these insights and help establish more accurate and timely in-season nutrient recommendations to maximize soybean yield.

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