---
title: "Ask the Expert: Spring Fertilizer Q&A"
description: "Missed our \"Ask the Expert: Spring Fertilizer Q&A with Rigas Karamanos\" webinar? This Hot Take covers best practices for zinc application, nutrient interactions, and where Soileos delivers the strongest return on investment."
image: https://blog.soileos.com/hubfs/Blog%20hero-Ask%20The%20Expert%20Hot%20Takes-1.png
---
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# Ask the Expert: Spring Fertilizer Q&A
**You asked, We Answered!**
We had an overwhelming amount of interest following our [Spring Starts With Soileos Webinar](https://youtu.be/sZfnqYzBiOQ?si=MoXo1pc8vNbLR3Nx). So we brought back renowned expert Dr. Rigas Karamanos to take a deeper dive into what matters most this season.
From soil nutrient dynamics to micronutrient deficiency, here are some the the key questions you asked:
### **Q: How does soil type impact fertilizer needs, especially in gray wooded vs. prairie soils?**
*Question from grower in Vanderhoof, BC*
**A:** Soil mineralogy plays a big role. Gray wooded soils have lower reserves and bioavailability of key minerals like feldspars and micas, which means potassium—and sometimes phosphorus—availability is lower than in prairie soils.
**Where Soileos fits:** Soileos’ sustained nutrient release is well suited for soils with limited nutrient reserves. It delivers micronutrients like zinc gradually, supporting season-long availability in challenging soils.
---
### **Q: Does too much phosphorus interfere with zinc uptake?**
*Question from grower in Manitoba*
**A:** Yes, especially in crops like flax, peas, and wheat. High phosphorus can suppress mycorrhizal activity, which in turn reduces zinc uptake. It’s not a chemical tie-up, it’s a biological hurdle.
**Where Soileos fits:** By interacting with the soil microbiome, Soileos helps restore balance. Its design supports nutrient release as microbial activity increases, working with—not against—soil and crop’s biology.
---
### **Q: What’s the best form of micronutrients—dry, liquid, or foliar?**
*Question from Agronomist in North-East, SK*
**A:** It depends on your goals. Liquids can be convenient but often have lower residual value due to small application rates. Dry forms at appropriate rates can provide long-lasting impact.
**Where Soileos fits:** Soileos delivers a dry, cellulose-based form of micronutrients with a built-in extended release. That means nutrients are available longer and more in tune with what the crop needs, when it needs it.
---
### **Q: What do I do if my soil tests show low zinc—even after applying it?**
**A:** Check the rate, form, and placement. Small application rates or uneven spread patterns can create misleading results. Also, lab variability can influence readings.
**Where Soileos fits:** Because Soileos is applied uniformly in blends and becomes available through microbial processes, it supports better distribution and uptake over time.
---
### **Q: What makes Soileos different from sulfate or EDTA chelate products?**
**A:**.Traditional sulfate and EDTA chelates can struggle with availability either to rapid leaching or nutrient tie-up. Soileos, on the other hand, delivers a sustained, biodegradable release, backed by research showing strong performance across crops and soil types.
**Expert Support When You Need It**Not sure how Soileos fits into your fertility plan? Reach out to our experts today for tailored advice and support to make this spring your most successful yet.
[](https://blog.soileos.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK%2FfEYbbRkbQFnDCXSZGjDwSVQzHuYCMhsHNe0PV1JeZv15VOt5ZhNBulvvVQLwIkkfLOM8PXU0ZzAteHwiJhESdYPYzH2XQtesFH65jm%2B%2Fn0492dlAetknfb417FLib%2Fq9DiRD4Y5kQRqq%2BeNt7kv%2F4kcBG2AfLeI6MdIOuz2r6u9WGT68cR%2Ff4TOiypnjHx3JVyAG0EbmwPbwDFGoFM0w%2BS1e17g%3D&webInteractiveContentId=187868236622&portalId=9252743&hsLang=en-ca)
Want The Full Story?
Watch the complete webinar or listen to the podcast episode below to catch every insight!
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###### [Devon Simpson Devon is a storyteller with a passion for sustainable agriculture, bringing innovative solutions to life.](https://blog.soileos.com/author/devon-simpson)
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Soileos is a developed by Lucent BioSciences, Inc. and manufactured by Soileos AGT Saskatchewan LP in Rosetown, SK.
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