This photo illustrates the difference that starter fertilizer can make. Planted on the same day, side by side in the field, the left had no starter and the right had starter. Getting the right nutrients to the seed in the early stages of growth makes a big difference in the root mass later.

In comparison to broadcast application, starter fertilizer provides a 49.7 times greater concentration of nutrients in the root zone when banded. This is important when we look at the requirements of the growing crop and the amount of nutrients that are required at the early stages of growth.

As a seed germinates, it quickly uses up the sugars and starches in the seed and looks for additional sources of nutrients for early season growth. Availability of essential nutrients at this stage can have a major impact on achieving the genetic potential of the seed.

During the growing season, plant roots will come in contact with approximately 2% of the soil area. With this in mind we also must remember that the movement of Phosphorus and Potassium in the soil is limited. Phosphorus moves less than 1/10 of an inch once the plant is growing. The Potassium ion will only move through the soil solution about 1/4 of an inch by diffusion during the growing season.

Yield potential will vary from farm to farm across North America due to a variety of factors. The key is to provide a balanced fertility program that will allow you to achieve the total benefit from your crop production acres. In the early growth stages of the corn plant there is a definite need for a combination of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium to set the potential for maximum yields.

The total yield per acre comes down to the number of bushels produced. Bushels per acre are directly related to the number of ears and kernels per ear. Many farmers don't realize how soon the corn plant actually establishes the ear and determines the number of kernel rows that an individual ear will have. The ear size and kernel count are determined by the V-6 stage.

Early fertility levels and nutrient concentration in the developing root zone play a determining factor in what the final yield will be at harvest time. Availability of those nutrients in the root zone is also an important consideration because nutrient availability is influenced by a variety of factors.

In an independent survey, farmers from across the United States were asked why they utilized starter fertilizer as part of their crop production program. The most common reasons were:

• Gives corn a faster start
• Increases yield, better production
• Plant is healthier
• Gives corn an earlier tasseling time
• Gives nutrients to the roots, supplies secondary nutrients
• Helps early plantings
• Best for our tillage situation