Give Corn Boost With Starter Fertilizer

By: Rod Swoboda

With delayed spring weather and low or uncertain grain prices, farmers and crop consultants are asking questions about using starter fertilizer for corn this spring. The placement of small amounts of plant nutrients in bands offset to the side and below the seed row or in the seed furrow increases the concentration of nutrients near seedling roots. Common starter fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and sometimes sulfur or micronutrients.

Research in Iowa and the north-central region has shown that getting increases in early plant growth from starter fertilizer is common and can be large in corn. But for soybeans, the increases are uncommon and small. Antonio Mallarino, an Iowa State University Extension agronomist who specializes in soil fertility and nutrient management, provides the following guidelines and answers to commonly asked questions.