Dave Mengel, Extension Agronomist, Purdue University

Starter fertilizer has been used by Indiana farmers for decades. In most fields, starter will give an increase in growth rate during the first 30 days after planting. However in many cases this will not carry through to increased grain yield. In Indiana there are four situations where starter fertilizer applications are likely to provide an economic benefit:

WHEN STARTER FERTILIZER CAN PAY:
1. Early Planting

Planting early can cause root establishment problems when nutrients are limited
Zone of high nutrient concentration needed close to seed
Phosphorus is key nutrient in starter
Rate: N-P starter at 10 to 20 lbs P2O5 per acre
In Indiana, early planting is:
Before April 10 south of US 50
Before April 25 north of 50 but south of US 24
Before May 1 north of US 24

2. Low Soil Test Levels

Starter can be a benefit if soil P levels are below 15 ppm or 30 lbs per acre
Rate: 25% of the total recommended fertilizer
Method: 2x2 band

3. Sidedress Nitrogen

When all N is sidedressed after the 6-leaf stage, early N stress may be a problem, especially when corn is planted into corn stalks, wheat stubble or a grass cover crop
Need starter to reduce seedling N stress
Rate: high N starter at a minimum of 20 lbs N per acre
Method: 2x2 band

4. No-till Production Systems

Increased starter response is observed with increased residue levels
N is key nutrient in starter for response
Rate: high N starter at 20-30 lbs N per acre
Method: 2x2 band is recommended

- Broadcasting a minimum of 50 lbs N per acre preeemergence is an alternative to starter, but
- Broadcasting N is not recommended because of low efficiency in no-till

Application Methods and Rates
1. 2x2 placement

banded 2" beside and 2" below the seed
sandy soils: maximum rate of 30 lbs N plus K per acre
heavier soils: maximum rate of 60 lbs N plus K per acre

2. Pop-up

applied in furrow, directly on the seed
sandy soils: maximum rate of 5 lbs N plus K per acre
heavier soils: maximum rate of 8 lbs N plus K per acre

REMEMBER: Both 2x2 and pop-up methods can be effective, but care must be exercised to ensure that the fertilizer salts do not kill the germinating seed.

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES ON FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT

The following publications are available from your local Extension office or Purdue University

Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, and Alfalfa (AY-9-32)
Excellent reference with thorough explanations and tables of fertilizer recommendations for major crops. Developed by researchers at Michigan State University, The Ohio State University, and Purdue University. Released in 1995.

Best Management Practices for Nitrogen Fertilization of Corn in Indiana (AGRY 96-08)
Completely revised and updated recommendations for N fertilization of corn. Published in 1996.

Types and Uses of Nitrogen Fertilizers for Crop Production (AY-204)
Describes the various forms of N in fertilizers, and the characteristics and uses of many N fertilizers. Includes a summary table that rates various dry and liquid N fertilizers for adaptation in different production systems.

Fertilizing Corn Grown Using Conservation Tillage (AY-268)
Currently being revised for publication later this year. A comprehensive publication covering the changes in fertilizer practices that are important when switching to conservation tillage. Soil testing, liming and pH control, phosphorus and potassium fertilization, starter fertilizer, and nitrogen fertilization are all discussed based on recent research results.

Soil Sampling for P, K, and Lime Recommendations (AY-281)
The most common questions asked regarding soil sampling are answered in this publication. How often to soil sample, where to sample in a field, what time of year to sample, and how to sample in different tillage systems are all discussed. Also includes a pictorial guide on how to take soil samples and record the proper information before sending samples for analysis.

Edited byKaren Sowers, Gene Matzat, and Sarah Brichford, Extension Water Quality Specialists, Agronomy Department, Purdue University.

"Current Ag Issues" is produced by the Upper Tippecanoe River and Tri-County Water Quality Projects. The projects are a cooperative effort of Purdue Extension Agronomy, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the USDA Consolidated Farm Services Agency. 1996-2

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Please send questions, comments, or suggestions to: cjanssen@dept.agry.purdue.edu
Last updated: 9/18/97