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Starter Fertilizer
Ron Meyer, Area
Extension Agent - Golden Plains Area
Date: 4/13/2011
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Farmers have used starter
fertilizers for many years to give corn a boost, particularly where
conservation planting methods are utilized. Soils associated with conservation
tillage and planting are typically cool and moist. The economics,
profitability, and use of starter fertilizers have been evaluated for many
years. Research has shown many times that the primary benefit from the use of
starter fertilizer is increased early growth and uniformity, especially under
conservation tillage, on sandy low organic soils, and on high pH soils. The
benefits of early growth uniformity include a quicker canopy closure for weed
control, earlier flowering, which may be beneficial under high heat and drought
conditions, and quicker drydown.
Starter fertilizers are typically
applied as a “pop-up” or band near the seed row. Liquid and dry
formulations are available. Nutritionally, both are equally effective. However,
liquids are usually priced higher than dry materials. The decision to use
either one depends on price, preference for handling, and equipment available
to handle liquid or dry materials.
Starter fertilizer placement is very
critical because of the salt effect on seed and germination from N and
potassium (K20) (Figure 4). Nitrogen applied one inch from the seed should not
be greater than 30 pounds per acre. The rates of (K20) one inch from the seed
should not exceed 60 pounds per acre. If amounts of N and (K20) need to exceed
30 and 60 pounds respectively, then placement should be at least 2 inches
horizontally and 2 inches deeper than the seed. Nitrogen plus (K20)
applications in direct contact with the seed should not exceed 10 pounds per
acre for 30-inch rows. Sandy or dry soils will have a greater risk of injury
from pop-up fertilizers (Figure 1.)
Placement below the seed or “deep banding” is
recommended in ridge-till and strip-till systems. Corn can be planted directly
over the application site because P and K are immobile and will not be in
contact with the seed. Rate recommendations for the deep banding of P is
similar to those when used as a starter. Usually, more potash is required in
conservation tillage programs compared to conventional tillage on lighter
soils.
Base nutrient requirements on soil tests to stretch your
fertilizer dollars. If limited on your supply of starter fertilizer, consider:
1) applying first to heavy-residue fields, 2) utilize on earliest plantings, 3)
utilize on conservation tillage, and 4) reduce starter rates but maintain
overall fertility program. Applications to heavy residue, early plantings, and
conservation tillage may help emergence and early growth under cooler soil
situation and when nitrogen is being tied up in the breakdown of the residue.
Your overall fertility program is the key to optimum yield potential. If the
starter application is reduced, increase conventionally applied fertilizer
according to the soil test and yield goal.
Reference: Growing
Knowledge