Phosphorus-based starter fertilizer can increase North Dakota corn grain yields and test weight by 4% to 5%, North Dakota State University research shows.

That finding is the result of a decade of NDSU phosphorus-based starter fertilizer trials in east-central North Dakota on low- to medium-P-testing soils. The trials evaluated corn response primarily with liquid 10-34-0 applied using different methods and rates.

Four highlights from the research are:

1. Plant population and yield were similar with band-applied (2 inches horizontally from seed) and in-furrow application of 10-34-0 at 2.5 gallons to 6 gallons per acre. Yield was similar when 10-34-0 was applied in-furrow at rates of 3 gallons and 6 gallons per acre.

2. Yield did not improve with split applications (band plus in-furrow) of 10-34-0, compared with similar rates of 10-34-0 fertilizer applied band-only or in-furrow-only.

3. Deep-band (5 to 6 inches deep, fall- or spring-placed) or deep-band- plus in-furrow-applied 10-34-0 resulted in yields that were similar to yields from band-applied fertilizer at planting time.

4. Plant population and yield were similar when in-furrow fertilizer 10-34-0 and the low-salt fertilizer 6-24-6 were applied.

More information about this research is available in an NDSU Extension Service publication, Corn Response to Phosphorus Starter Fertilizer in North Dakota. A printed version is available from the Carrington Research Extension Center or NDSU Extension county offices.

Visit bit.ly/soilfertilityrecommendationscorn for general recommendations on corn plant nutrition.

Source: NDSU Extension.