Would You Recommend Starter Fertilizer This Year?
Apr 12, 2011
Question: Would you recommend starter fertilizer this year?
Answer: Starter fertilizer can definitely help you gain more bushels in the field, but the response can and does vary year-to-year. In our test plots, on average, we’re seeing a 7 bu. to 10 bu. per acre response when we use starter. Bear in mind that success with starter fertilizer is very dependent on optimum timing and good placement. In addition, you may want to consider incorporating some zinc into your starter as zinc can help improve consistency of response. If you add zinc, make sure you buy a good quality zinc and mix according to the label. We’re seeing about a 7 bu. average response to adding 9% EDTA chelated zinc at the rate of 1 qt. per 20 lb. of phosphorus.
Want to bump those yields this year, then look into the opportunities available with starter fertilizer. Ken Ferrie explains what to consider for 2011.
This blog is provided as an interactive way for you to have your questions answered by our Farm Journal Agronomists. E-mail your nitrogen, soil fertility, soil density, planter set-up, scouting, and other questions to: TestPlots@FarmJournal.com.
