Banding Dry Fertilizer
As an undergraduate student at South Dakota State in the early 1970s (you young farmers can skip the math), we were told to forget applying fertilizer with the corn planter in the 2 x 2 (2 inches beside and 2 inches below the seed) position. The fertility class discussion claimed speed of early planting was the only paradigm to be considered; thus disregarding environmental or economic concerns. So, for me, it was of great interest to read the article "Jump on the Fertilizer Bandwagon, Farmers Can Close the Corn-yield Gap Banding Dry Fertilizer." This article appeared on www.dtnpf.com on March 23, 2022.
According to the article, research done by Below and Foxhoven at the University of Illinois showed a corn yield increase by banding P (phosphorus) and K (potassium) rather than broadcasting the fertilizer elements. "Banding has the potential to increase yields without increasing inputs. Plus, it's better for the environment than broadcasting fertilizer, which is more prone to run-off," said Foxhoven.
According to Below, another reason for banding is related to plant populations because higher plant populations create plants with smaller root masses. So, as farmers plant higher plant populations, it is very important to place fertilizer elements closer to the position where the roots are located. This fact was also demonstrated with yields from comparison plots.
An interesting discussion in the article was about the fertility method called "dry-drop." The researchers stated that early season banding could be a time management problem, so they applied fertilizer at the base of the plant at V5 growth stage. This method experimentally resulted in a yield similar to the early banded fertilizer applications. Foxhoven said, "I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a primary application (due to environmental concerns from fertilizer runoff)."
Thus, it seems that the agricultural establishment has changed directions once again. The injection of 4R's into the fertilizer discussion seems to cover the placement issue of fertilizer; however the significantly higher prices for fertilizer may be better encouragement to farmers to be more efficient with fertilizer usage.
This is an excerpt from the Early Fall Growers Solution (2023) written by Jim Halbeisen, Director of Research.
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