Global competition is increasing the pressure on agriculture to produce higher quality, affordable food products. The demand for products which not only look better to the consumer but provide important nutritional value is paramount in today’s economy. Growers who prosper in the future must use their resources productively, manage their risks wisely, and maximize their returns on the investments in their crops.

Fertilizers are an important investment growers make in their crops. In order to maximize their returns on this investment, they must balance the needs for N, P and K with the crop's requirements for the secondary and micronutrients. Without adequate amounts of each element available at each growth stage, the maximum potential of the crop cannot be achieved.