Evaluation of starter fertilizers for corn on soils testing high for phosphorus

Evaluation of starter fertilizers for corn on soils testing high for phosphorus

2003

E07305

Many soils are testing in the above optimum range for phosphorus (P) in our region. The use of traditional starter fertilizers for corn (Zea mays L.) that supply 2036 kg P ha1 on these soils may not be desirable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of corn to starter fertilizers on typical high P soils and to investigate the need for nitrogen (N), P, potassium (K), or sulfur (S) as a component of starter fertilizers. A starter fertilizer evaluation study was conducted at four sites to evaluate the effects of six materials in no-till high P soils. The liquid starter fertilizers were formulated using UAN (UreaAmmonium nitrate), APP (Ammonium Polyphosphate), AS (Ammonium Sulfate), and KCl (liquid KCl). Starter treatments (kg ha1 NP2O5K2OS) consisted of none, 56-0-0 (UAN), 56-34-0 (UAN+APP), 34-34-0 (UAN+APP), 34-34-0-11S(UAN+APP+AS), 10-34-0 (APP), and 11-34-11 (APP+KCl) kg ha1 NP2O5K2OS. In the starter fertilizer evaluation study, responses to starter were variable. Generally there was little benefit from the addition of P to the starter, but there were occasional benefits in early growth and yield from the addition of K, AS or N. Yields from the AS treatment were similar or superior to the conventional starter treatment, suggesting that AS may have a role as a low P starter fertilizer material on these soils.

34(9/10):1381-1392, COMMUNICATIONS IN SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT ANALYSIS

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