From 1995 to 2019, farmers working with the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network conducted 18 studies comparing 4-6 gal/ac of 10-34-0 starter fertilizer to a no starter check.
Soil P levels were between 4 and 35 ppm; not all studies reported the specific P extractants used. Here we report crop yield response across a range of soil P levels:
1. For soils with P soil tests at or below 10 ppm there was an average yield increase of 14.3 bu/ac due to the starter (four sites).
2. For soils with P soil tests of 10-20 ppm there was an average increase of 2.6 bu/ac (five sites).
3. For soils with P soil tests of 20-35 ppm, there was an average increase of 0.3 bu/ac (nine sites).
| 1. | For soils with P soil tests at or below 10 ppm there was an average yield increase of 14.3 bu/ac due to the starter (four sites). |
| 2. | For soils with P soil tests of 10-20 ppm there was an average increase of 2.6 bu/ac (five sites). |
| 3. | For soils with P soil tests of 20-35 ppm, there was an average increase of 0.3 bu/ac (nine sites). |
When all the data were combined, regardless of soil test values, there was an average increase of 4 bu/ac.
Curious if starter fertilizer is paying for itself on your farm? Consider conducting an on-farm research trial. The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network provides a simple protocol to allow you to evaluate the yield and economics of adding starter fertilizer to corn or soybeans. To get started, contact a member of the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network team, your local cropping systems Extension Educator, or Laura Thompson (402-245-2224).
