A pocket guide designed by Purdue Extension to be an in-field reference for corn and soybean producers is now available.

The 2012 Corn and Soybean Field Guide allows farmers to quickly analyze trouble spots in their fields.

The guide is updated annually and is full of information and photographs to help diagnose and manage problems such as weeds, diseases and insects.

Its 320 pages cover crop development, nutrient deficiencies, planting decisions, soil fertility and herbicide injuries. The information can be used throughout the growing season — from planting to harvest.

The 2012 updates include new nitrogen fertilizer recommendations. The guides also can now be purchased in single or bulk quantities through Purdue Extension's The Education Store at http://www.the-education-store.com.

Producers who use the guide to help manage pest problems and apply appropriate amounts of fertilizer for deficiencies can not only produce top yields but also save money, said Corey Gerber, director of Purdue's Crop Diagnostic Training and Research Center.

The Corn and Soybean Field Guide has been in production since 1988. About 25 percent of the publication's sales are in Indiana, with the rest scattered around the country and the globe. According to Gerber, the guide is applicable to other regions of the United States and around the world.

Individual copies are $7, or a box of 25 copies is $157.50. They can be ordered online at the Web address above or by telephone at 888-EXT-INFO (398-4636). They usually ship within two business days.