The Right Place: Fertilizer Application Options For The Central and Southern Plains
The profitable and strategic use of fertilizers is a goal for all farmers. Increasing return on investment and reducing nutrient losses means we can be more productive. The 4R approach to nutrient management allows us to manage our nutrients more sustainably – by placing the right fertilizer source, at the right time, at the right rate, and in the right place.
Let’s zero in on placement. No matter where you farm or what the weather looks like in your area, there are many factors to consider with fertilizer placement options, from the type of crop and fertilizer you are using, to the properties of your soil and the weather conditions.
Why placement matters
Fertilizer placement and timing can affect crop yield and quality, as well as how efficiently the crop is able to use the nutrients. The goal, when thinking about placement, is how to maximize the contact between the fertilizer nutrients and the crop (seed or plant roots depending on placement and timing). This is particularly important at the early stages of crop development to encourage strong root growth. Proper fertilizer placement and timing, in consideration of crop, soil, and weather variables, can also reduce the potential for nutrient losses.
In Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Colorado, fertilizer is most often applied by broadcasting or banding. Broadcasting delivers a uniform application across the entire soil surface, while banding covers any method that applies fertilizer in concentrated strips. Both methods can be used for applying granular or liquid fertilizer.
Optimum fertilizer placement can vary widely for the diverse cropping systems of the Plains ranging from dryland wheat-fallow to irrigated corn, cotton, and soybeans. Tillage, planting systems, soil moisture, and water availability will greatly influence optimum placement. The expected response in crop yield and quality for any application method may also depend on the specific nutrient and its properties, how well the nutrients can move through the soil, and crop rooting patterns. You should aim for fertilizer application that coincides as closely as possible with the maximum crop uptake period.
Broadcasting vs. banding
Broadcasting
- Can be applied on the surface or incorporated.
- Rapid application method to cover large areas in the least amount of time.
- Preferred method for higher application rates when needing to build low soil-test levels.
- Broadcast equipment is generally less specialized and less expensive than banding.
- Disadvantaged in no-till systems where immobile nutrients may remain stranded near the soil surface.
- Surface broadcast nutrients (not incorporated) are more prone to runoff (phosphorus) or volatile losses (nitrogen) if large rainfall events occur.
- Surface broadcasting is fast and economical but can result in less uniform application and higher nutrient losses.
- Potassium is commonly applied through broadcast and incorporation prior to planting in this region.
- Incorporating broadcast fertilizer increases root contact and minimizes surface nutrient loss but is prevented in no-till systems.
Banding
- Any application where fertilizer is applied in strips on or below the soil surface.
- Application can be done at seeding, with or near the seed row (starter), or after seeding.
- Efficient method for most fertilizers as the band is usually placed below or near the seed row for greater root interception and to help jump start early growth.
- Can reduce fertilizer application rates and increase yields on most crops in this area.
- Provides a zone of high nutrient concentration to improve root interception, stimulate growth, and reduce nutrient fixation.
- For some nutrients, such as immobile micronutrients and phosphorus, banding may produce better crop response and nutrient efficiency at lower rates than for broadcasting because of higher nutrient concentration in the immediate crop root zone.
- Improves phosphorus availability in wet, cool, or more compact soils in the region.
- Banding is preferred for the drier conditions of the Western Plains because low rainfall can result in surface broadcast fertilizer becoming stranded in dry soil.
- Banding comes with the risk of salt burn or seedling damage if placed too close to the seed row but may allow for lower fertilizer rates, as mentioned above.
For more information or specific recommendations for your area, contact your local agronomist or crop advisor, or refer to the additional resources below.
Sources:
MF2320 Fertilizing Gardens in Kansas (k-state.edu)
Chapter III: Soils and Fertilizers – Vegetable Resources Vegetable Resources (tamu.edu)
Nutrient Management Suggestions for Corn (unl.edu)
Texas Conservation in Your Backyard_Nutrient Management (usda.gov)
Soil Management Recommendations and Resources | CropWatch (unl.edu)
