Soybean Response to Fluid Fertilizers Placed Near the Seed at Planting

Abstract

As soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers strive to improve profitability, placement of fertilizer either in contact with or near the seed should be given serious consideration. This study was conducted for the purpose of evaluating the impact of three fluid fertilizers applied at two rates near the seed at planting on soybean emergence, early growth, P uptake, and yield. All combinations of three factors (fertilizer grade, rate of application, and placement) were combined in a complete factorial in fields of cooperating soybean producers. The use of 10–15–0 (N–P–K) at 56 L ha−1 produced substantial reductions in emergence at sites where the soil had a silt loam texture. High rates of 4–4.4–8.3 and 3–8–15 fertilizer applied in contact with the seed also reduced emergence. When compared with the control, fertilizer placed near the seed increased whole plant weight, P concentration in the plant, and P uptake. Even though some treatments produced a substantial reduction in emergence, there was no significant negative effect on yield. The soybean crop growing on soils with very high levels of soil test P and K was apparently able to compensate for the reduced emergence. The data from this study lead to the conclusion that placement of fertilizer near the seed at planting should not be a suggested management practice.