Enhancing Corn Production Through the Use of Starter Fertilizer in the Northern Great Plains

Abstract

The northern portion of the Great Plains has environmental conditions that require unique management practices to ensure optimum corn (Zea mays L.) yield and quality. The objective was to investigate the effect of starter fertilizer on corn yield and quality under different soil management. A field experiment was established within a 2‐year corn/soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] rotation. Whole‐plot treatments were tillage with split‐plot treatments of starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizer treatments consisted of two nitrogen (N) sources, each at four rates, all contained phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). An additional treatment of no starter fertilizer was also incorporated into the experiment. There was a significant increase in yield with application of starter‐N for all years except 2002. The most dramatic yield increase was obtained with the comparison between the no starter (no N, P, or K) treatment and the P and K treatment (no N+P and K). Starter fertilizer with only P and K also increased yield, oil production, and N removal in all years compared with no starter fertilizer treatment. Application of starter fertilizer can have a significant positive impact on yield and quality of corn grown in the northern Great Plains. Mention of trade name or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose for providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.