Corn Nutrient Uptake as Affected by In-Furrow Starter Fertilizer for Three Soils

Placing fertilizer with the corn (Zea mays L.) seed is a common practice in northern climates to increase early season growth and nutrient uptake. While there are many options for commercially available fertilizers, there are no clear guidelines as to which products are best suited for different soil types. The objective of this study was to evaluate fertilizer source effects on plant mass and N, P, K, and S concentrations and uptake on clay loam (CL), fine sand (FS), and silt loam (SiL) soil in the greenhouse. Eleven commercially available liquid and dry fertilizer sources were applied in direct contact with the seed at six rates. The aboveground portions of plants were harvested 14 d after emergence to determine average plant mass and nutrient concentration and uptake. Fertilizer sources containing P increased or maintained plant mass and nutrient uptake in all soils compared with the control. Fertilizer sources containing N, K, and S generally reduced plant mass, with the exception of some sources containing K and S, which resulted in a greater uptake of K and S on FS when applied at low rates. The concentrations of N, P, K, and S in plant tissue increased even when plant mass and nutrient uptake decreased. Choosing a fertilizer source for seed placement can be important relative to the nutrient supply of the soil to maximize the potential positive benefits of increased plant mass and nutrient uptake at early growth stages.